Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sad" in Korean
“Sad” in Korean is 슬프다 (pronounced "Seulpeuda").
슬프다
Seulpeuda
Usage & Context
Used to express sadness or sorrow. You will hear this word a lot in Korean ballads and dramas. The adjective form '슬픈 (seulpeun)' is also very common.
Example Sentence
그 영화는 너무 슬펐어요.
That movie was so sad.
How to use 슬프다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sad” is 슬프다, romanized as Seulpeuda.
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 슬프다.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'seul-peu-da' — 'seul' sounds like 'sool' with a softer vowel, 'peu' is a quick unstressed 'puh,' and 'da' ends flat.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
슬픕니다
seulpeumnida
Formal declarative form used in formal writing or speech
Casual (반말)
슬퍼
seulpeo
Casual form used with close friends
More Example Sentences
talking about a pet's illness
강아지가 아파서 너무 슬퍼요.
I'm so sad because my dog is sick.
sharing feelings after a breakup
헤어진 후로 계속 슬펐어요.
I've been sad ever since we broke up.
discussing a melancholy song
이 노래 들으면 슬퍼져요.
I get sad when I listen to this song.
Cultural Context
슬프다 describes a deeper, more lingering sadness than the casual English 'sad' — for a quick blue mood, Koreans might say 우울해 (I feel down). It's the go-to word in ballad lyrics and sad K-drama moments. The noun form 슬픔 (seulpeum) is often used in poetry and song titles.
Editorial note
We review entries like 슬프다 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
너무 슬퍼요.
I'm so sad.
슬픈 영화
A sad movie
슬퍼하지 마세요.
Don't be sad.
Related Expressions
우울하다
uulhada
to be depressed / gloomy
울다
ulda
to cry
눈물
nunmul
tears
기쁘다
gippeuda
to be glad (antonym)
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce "슬프다" (Seulpeuda) and avoid common pitfalls?+
The 'ㅡ' (eu) sound in both '슬' (seul) and '프' (peu) is key. It's similar to the 'oo' in 'book' but with lips slightly wider, not rounded. Practice making a flat 'ee' sound and then dropping your jaw slightly. The '다' (da) has a light 'd'. A common mistake is pronouncing 'ㅡ' like 'uh' in English.
Can you provide examples of how to use "슬프다" in different Korean sentences?+
슬프다 is a descriptive verb. To say "I am sad," use "저는 슬퍼요" (Jeoneun seulpeoyo) in polite informal speech, or "저는 슬픕니다" (Jeoneun seulpeumnida) in formal settings. When describing a noun, like "a sad song," use the adjective form "슬픈 노래" (seulpeun norae).
What are the different formality levels of "슬프다" and when should I use each?+
슬프다 (seulpeuda) is the dictionary form. For polite informal speech, use "슬퍼요" (seulpeoyo). In formal polite contexts, "슬픕니다" (seulpeumnida) is appropriate. To speak casually with close friends, "슬퍼" (seulpeo) is used. Always consider your relationship with the listener.
Are there similar or opposite Korean words to "슬프다" that I should know?+
The noun form of "슬프다" is "슬픔" (seulpeum), meaning sadness. Other related expressions include "우울하다" (uulhada, to be gloomy/depressed) for a heavier feeling, or "씁쓸하다" (sseupsseulhada, to be bitter/somewhat sad). The direct antonym for "슬프다" is "기쁘다" (gippeuda, to be happy).
What are common mistakes learners make when using "슬프다," or any important nuances?+
A frequent error is conjugating "슬프다" like an action verb. Remember it's a descriptive verb, similar to "예쁘다" (yeppeuda, to be pretty). While "슬프다" conveys general sadness, for a more severe or clinical depression, "우울하다" (uulhada) is a more fitting term.
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