Nuance Dictionary / Sensory Paradox
쓰라리다 sseu-ra-ri-da
A raw, stinging ache — for a physical wound or for heartbreak
What does 쓰라리다 mean?
쓰라리다 (sseu-ra-ri-da) means: A raw, stinging ache — for a physical wound or for heartbreak.
Works identically for a scraped knee with salt water on it and for a betrayal by a close friend — both are '쓰라리다', a pain sharp enough to notice but not sharp enough to be unbearable.
How it's actually used
- 상처에 소독약을 발랐더니 너무 쓰라리다.
sangcheoe sodogyageul balratdeoni neomu sseurarida.
Applying disinfectant to the wound stings so much.
💡 Used for physical pain like a sting or burn. - 믿었던 친구한테 배신당해서 가슴이 너무 쓰라려.
mideotdeon chinguhante baesindanghaeseo gaseumi neomu sseuraryeo.
I was betrayed by a friend I trusted, and my heart aches so bitterly.
💡 Used metaphorically for emotional heartbreak or bitter regret. - 믿었던 친구에게 배신을 당한 마음은 몸의 상처보다 훨씬 더 쓰라렸다.
mitdeotdeon chingue-ege baesin-eul dangan maeumeun momui sangcheoboda hwolssin deo sseuraryeotda.
The heart betrayed by a trusted friend ached far more painfully than a physical wound.
💡 Applies equally to stinging physical pain and sharp emotional betrayal.
Related words in Sensory Paradox
후끈하다 hu-kkeun-ha-da시큰하다 si-keun-ha-da화하다 hwa-ha-da알딸딸하다 al-ttal-ttal-ha-da쨍하다 jjaeng-ha-da