Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hopeless" in Korean
“Hopeless” in Korean is 절망하다 (pronounced "Jeolmanghada").
절망하다
Jeolmanghada
Usage & Context
Expresses complete loss of hope. A serious emotional state used in both casual and clinical contexts. 절망적이다 (it's hopeless) is heard in dramatic K-drama moments. Korean culture increasingly emphasizes mental health awareness around this emotion.
Example Sentence
아무리 노력해도 안 되니까 절망스러워요.
No matter how hard I try, nothing works — I feel hopeless.
How to use 절망하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hopeless” is 절망하다, romanized as Jeolmanghada.
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 절망하다.
Pronunciation Guide
The word is pronounced 'Jeol-mang-ha-da'. '절' (jeol) sounds like 'jeol' in 'jelly' but with a quick 'l' sound at the end, '망' (mang) like 'mang' in 'mango', '하' (ha) like 'ha' in 'haha', and '다' (da) like 'da' in 'dad'. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on 'mang'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
절망합니다
Jeolmanghamnida
This is the formal polite form, used in formal settings or when addressing superiors.
Casual (반말)
절망해
Jeolmanghae
This is the casual form, used among close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Describing a profound feeling of loss and despair.
모든 것을 잃고 나니 절망감이 밀려왔다.
After losing everything, a sense of hopelessness washed over me.
Referring to a serious emotional state following a grave diagnosis.
그는 암 진단 후 한동안 절망에 빠져 있었다.
He was in despair for a while after the cancer diagnosis.
Expressing frustration and hopelessness after repeated failures.
아무리 노력해도 상황이 나아지지 않아서 절망스러웠어요.
No matter how hard I tried, the situation didn't improve, so I felt hopeless.
Cultural Context
'절망하다' conveys a deep sense of despair, often used in serious contexts. In K-dramas, characters might exclaim '절망적이야!' (It's hopeless!) during a dramatic crisis. While mental health awareness is growing, openly discussing such intense feelings can still be challenging in some traditional settings, though younger generations are more open.
Editorial note
We review entries like 절망하다 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
절망에 빠지다
To fall into despair/hopelessness
절망적인 상황
A hopeless situation
절망감을 느끼다
To feel a sense of hopelessness
Related Expressions
희망이 없다
Huimangi eopda
There is no hope
포기하다
Pogihada
To give up
희망적이다
Huimangjeogida
Hopeful (antonym)
낙담하다
Nakdamhada
To be discouraged (less intense)
More Emotions Words
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