Korean Dictionary
How to say "Resentful" in Korean
“Resentful” in Korean is 원망하다 (pronounced "Wonmanghada").
원망하다
Wonmanghada
Usage & Context
A deeper, accusatory form of resentment directed at someone who wronged or abandoned you. The concept of 한 (a deep-seated sorrow and resentment) is culturally significant in Korea, often appearing in traditional music and literature.
Example Sentence
그를 원망하는 마음이 아직도 남아 있어요.
There's still resentment left in me toward him.
How to use 원망하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Resentful” is 원망하다, romanized as Wonmanghada.
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 원망하다.
Pronunciation Guide
원망 (Wonmang) is pronounced "Won-mang." "Won" is like 'won' (past tense of win), and "mang" is like 'mang' in 'mango'. 하다 (hada) is "Ha-da," like 'hah-dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
원망해요 / 원망합니다
Wonmanghaeyo / Wonmanghamnida
Standard polite forms for verbs.
Casual (반말)
원망해
Wonmanghae
Casual form for verbs.
More Example Sentences
Expressing complex family emotions or past feelings.
부모님을 원망하는 마음이 들 때도 있었어요.
There were times I felt resentful towards my parents.
Describing deep-seated resentment over betrayal.
그는 자신을 배신한 친구를 평생 원망했다.
He resented the friend who betrayed him for his entire life.
Feeling abandoned and holding a grudge.
왜 나를 떠났는지 원망스러웠다.
I resented why you left me.
Cultural Context
원망하다 signifies a deep, often accusatory resentment, distinct from simple anger. It's a feeling of grievance directed at someone who has wronged, betrayed, or abandoned you, leading to a sense of injustice. This emotion is closely tied to the Korean concept of '한 (han),' a profound, collective sorrow and resentment often stemming from historical injustices or personal tragedies. In K-dramas, characters often harbor '원망' for years, seeking resolution or revenge, highlighting its significant emotional weight in Korean culture.
Editorial note
We review entries like 원망하다 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
원망하는 마음
Resentful heart/feelings
누구를 원망하다
To resent someone
원망스럽다
To be resentful/blameworthy (adjective form)
Related Expressions
미워하다
Miwohada
To hate
분노하다
Bunnohada
To be angry, enraged
억울하다
Eogulhada
To feel unfairly treated, wronged
한이 맺히다
Hani maechida
To harbor deep resentment/sorrow (idiomatic, related to 한)
More Emotions Words
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