Korean Dictionary
How to say "Give the Cold Shoulder" in Korean
“Give the Cold Shoulder” in Korean is 냉대하다 (pronounced "Naengdaehada").
냉대하다
Naengdaehada
Usage & Context
Giving the cold shoulder means deliberately ignoring or treating someone with indifference. In Korean social contexts, this kind of ostracism is very meaningful given the group-oriented culture.
Example Sentence
왜 나한테 냉대하는 거예요?
Why are you giving me the cold shoulder?
How to use 냉대하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Give the Cold Shoulder” is 냉대하다, romanized as Naengdaehada.
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 냉대하다.
Pronunciation Guide
냉대하다 (naeng-dae-ha-da) sounds like 'nang-day-hah-dah'. 'Naeng' is like 'nang' in 'hang' but with a slightly more open 'a' sound. 'Dae' is like 'day'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
냉대하십니다
naengdaehasippnida
This is the honorific form of the verb, used when speaking formally about someone giving the cold shoulder.
Casual (반말)
냉대해
naengdaehae
This is the informal ending for the verb, used in casual conversation.
More Example Sentences
Observing a new colleague being ignored at work.
새로운 직원이 왔는데 다들 냉대하는 것 같아 안쓰러웠어요.
A new employee came, and everyone seemed to be giving them the cold shoulder, which was pitiful.
Describing a friend suddenly becoming distant and unresponsive.
그는 나에게 아무 말도 없이 냉대하기 시작했다.
He started giving me the cold shoulder without saying a word.
A direct question to someone who is being indifferent.
왜 나한테 냉대하는 거예요? 제가 뭘 잘못했나요?
Why are you giving me the cold shoulder? Did I do something wrong?
Cultural Context
In Korea's group-oriented society, being '냉대하다' (cold-shouldered) or ostracized (왕따, wangtta) is a severe form of social punishment, often more painful than direct confrontation. It implies one is not even worthy of attention or engagement. This phenomenon is frequently depicted in K-dramas, especially in school or workplace settings, highlighting the emotional toll of social exclusion and the importance of fitting in.
Editorial note
We review entries like 냉대하다 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
냉대받다
to be cold-shouldered/treated coldly
나를 냉대하지 마
Don't give me the cold shoulder.
그는 냉대하는 태도를 보였다
He showed a cold-shouldering attitude.
Related Expressions
무시하다
musihada
to ignore
따돌리다
ttadol-lida
to ostracize, exclude
외면하다
oemyeonhada
to turn away from, ignore
환대하다
hwandaehada
to welcome warmly (antonym)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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