Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fearful" in Korean
“Fearful” in Korean is 두렵다 (pronounced "Duryeopda").
두렵다
Duryeopda
Usage & Context
Describes a deeper, more existential fear than simple 무섭다 (scared). Often used for fear of the future, uncertainty, or inevitable events. Appears frequently in Korean literature and reflective conversations.
Example Sentence
미래가 어떻게 될지 두려워요.
I'm fearful of what the future will bring.
How to use 두렵다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fearful” is 두렵다, romanized as Duryeopda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 두렵다.
Pronunciation Guide
두 (du) sounds like 'doo' in 'door' but shorter. 렵 (ryeop) sounds like 'rye-up' with a soft, unreleased 'p' at the end. 다 (da) sounds like 'da' in 'dad'. Put it together: 'doo-ryeop-da'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
두려워요
Duryeowoyo
This is the common polite form for adjectives, used in most polite conversations.
Casual (반말)
두려워
Duryeowo
Used when speaking with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Reflecting on overcoming a personal challenge.
새로운 도전을 시작하는 것이 조금 두려웠지만, 결국 해냈어요.
Starting a new challenge was a little fearful, but I eventually did it.
Expressing a deep, universal human fear.
사랑하는 사람을 잃는다는 생각은 언제나 두렵다.
The thought of losing a loved one is always fearful.
Describing mixed emotions about a big life change.
미지의 세계로 떠나는 것은 두렵지만 설레기도 해요.
Leaving for an unknown world is fearful, but also exciting.
Cultural Context
두렵다 conveys a deeper, more existential sense of dread or apprehension compared to 무섭다 (scared), which is for more immediate, tangible fears (like ghosts or loud noises). It often appears in reflective conversations, K-drama monologues, or when discussing life's uncertainties, such as '미래가 두렵다' (fearful of the future).
Editorial note
We review entries like 두렵다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
미래가 두렵다
To be fearful of the future
죽음이 두렵다
To be fearful of death
실패가 두렵다
To be fearful of failure
Related Expressions
무섭다
Museopda
To be scared (more immediate, tangible fear)
걱정되다
Geokjeongdoeda
To be worried
불안하다
Buranhada
To be anxious, uneasy
용감하다
Yonggamhada
To be brave (antonym)
More Emotions Words
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