Korean Dictionary
How to say "I was worried about you" in Korean
“I was worried about you” in Korean is 걱정했어요 (pronounced "Geokjeonghаesseoyo").
걱정했어요
Geokjeonghаesseoyo
Usage & Context
Expressing that you were concerned about someone. Shows deep care and emotional investment. In Korean culture, expressing worry shows love and concern for others. Often said when someone returns after a worrying absence or resolves a difficult situation.
Example Sentence
연락이 없어서 걱정했어요! 괜찮아요?
I was worried because there was no contact! Are you okay?
How to use 걱정했어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I was worried about you” is 걱정했어요, romanized as Geokjeonghаesseoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 걱정했어요.
Pronunciation Guide
걱정했어요 (geok-jeong-haess-eo-yo): "Geok" is like "gock" in "gock-gock" (a chicken sound). "Jeong" is like "jong" in "jongle" but with a softer 'j'. "Haess" is like "hess" in "mess" but with a slight 'h' sound. "Eo" is like "uh" in "duh". "Yo" is like "yo". The 'h' in 'haess' is often very light, almost blending into the preceding 'jeong'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
걱정했어
Geokjeonghaesseo
The casual form, used with close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Expressing concern to a friend who was expected but didn't show up.
네가 안 와서 걱정했어요.
I was worried because you didn't come.
Sharing personal anxiety about an outcome.
시험 결과 때문에 걱정했어요.
I was worried about the exam results.
Relaying parental concern about a child's late return.
늦게까지 안 들어와서 부모님이 걱정했어요.
Your parents were worried because you didn't come home until late.
Cultural Context
Expressing worry is a common and significant way to show affection and care in Korean culture, especially among family and close friends. It's not seen as a weakness but as a sign of emotional investment and deep concern. This phrase is often accompanied by questions like '괜찮아요?' (Are you okay?) or '무슨 일 있었어요?' (What happened?), and is frequently heard in K-dramas when characters reunite after a period of danger or absence.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 걱정했어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
걱정하지 마세요.
Don't worry.
걱정이 많아요.
I have a lot of worries.
걱정돼 죽겠어요.
I'm worried to death.
Related Expressions
걱정돼요
Geokjeongdwaeyo
I'm worried (present tense)
안심했어요
Ansimhaesseoyo
I was relieved (antonym)
염려했어요
Yeomnyeohaesseoyo
I was concerned (more formal synonym)
마음 졸였어요
Maeum jollyeosseoyo
My heart was anxious/I was on pins and needles (idiomatic)
More Greetings Words
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