Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hate" in Korean
“Hate” in Korean is 싫어하다 (pronounced "silheohada").
싫어하다
silheohada
Usage & Context
Expresses strong dislike or hatred toward someone or something. A powerful negative emotion word used in both casual and serious contexts in Korean.
Example Sentence
나는 그것을 싫어해.
I hate that.
How to use 싫어하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hate” is 싫어하다, romanized as silheohada.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 싫어하다.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'sil' (싫), sounds like 'sill' without a strong final 'l'. 'heo' (어) is like 'huh' but with a slightly more open 'o' sound, and the 'h' is very soft. 'ha' (하) is like 'hah' and 'da' (다) is like 'dah'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
싫어합니다 / 싫어해요
silheohamnida / silheohaeyo
싫어합니다 is more formal and declarative, often used in presentations or official settings. 싫어해요 is polite and commonly used in everyday conversations.
Casual (반말)
싫어해
silheohae
Used among close friends, family, or when speaking to someone younger or of lower status.
More Example Sentences
Politely stating a food preference to a friend.
저는 매운 음식을 싫어해요.
I dislike spicy food.
Discussing someone's character with a close acquaintance.
그는 거짓말하는 사람을 싫어해.
He hates people who lie.
Complaining about a daily routine in a slightly more formal setting.
아침 일찍 일어나는 것을 정말 싫어합니다.
I really hate waking up early in the morning.
Cultural Context
While '싫어하다' directly translates to 'hate' or 'dislike,' Koreans often soften strong negative expressions. Instead of saying 'I hate it,' it's common to use phrases like '별로 안 좋아해요' (I don't like it much) or '별로예요' (It's not great), especially when discussing food or opinions in polite company. In K-dramas, you might hear '싫어!' (Silheo!) used as a strong, almost childish refusal or 'I don't want to!'.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 싫어하다 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
정말 싫어!
I really hate it! / I really don't want to!
싫어하는 음식
Food I dislike
하기 싫어
I don't want to do it.
Related Expressions
좋아하다
joahada
To like (antonym)
미워하다
miwohada
To detest, hate (stronger, often personal hatred)
끔찍하다
kkeumjjikhada
To be terrible, awful (descriptive of something hated)
징그럽다
jinggeureopda
To be disgusting, creepy (evokes revulsion)
More Relationships Words
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