Nuance Dictionary / Interpersonal Friction
서운하다 seo-un-ha-da
Hurt or disappointed — specifically because you expected more from the relationship
What does 서운하다 mean?
서운하다 (seo-un-ha-da) means: Hurt or disappointed — specifically because you expected more from the relationship.
Unlike the general sadness of '슬프다' (sad), '서운하다' is strictly relational. You only feel this when someone you care about fails to meet your expectations. If a stranger ignores you, you might be angry or confused. But if your best friend ignores your text but posts on Instagram, you feel '서운하다'. It translates to 'I thought we were closer than this.'
How it's actually used
- 내 생일 까먹어서 진짜 서운했어.
Nae saeng-il kkameog-seo jinjjah seounhaess-eo.
I was really hurt that you forgot my birthday.
💡 Use this when a close friend or partner lets you down. - 별것도 아닌 일에 서운해하지 마.
Byeolgeosdo anin il-e seounhaehaji ma.
Don't be upset over such a small thing.
💡 Often used to gently dismiss minor hurt feelings between friends. - 네가 내 생일을 까먹어서 정말 서운했어.
nega nae saeng-ireul kkamogeoseo jeongmal seounhaesseo.
I was really hurt that you forgot my birthday.
💡 Used to express mild disappointment in a close friend or partner.
Related words in Interpersonal Friction
떼쓰다 tte-sseu-da우기다 u-gi-da따지다 tta-ji-da삐치다 (삐지다) ppi-chi-da (ppi-ji-da)쪼잔하다 jjo-jan-ha-da