Nuance Dictionary / Quantity, Generosity, & Limits
야박하다 ya-bak-ha-da
Cold-hearted, ungenerous, and stingy, especially when one expected kindness
What does 야박하다 mean?
야박하다 (ya-bak-ha-da) means: Cold-hearted, ungenerous, and stingy, especially when one expected kindness.
Used when a boss or shop owner is brutally strict about small amounts of money or rules.
🎙️ 야박하다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [야바카다]로 소리나요 (격음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 거기 사장님은 서비스도 안 주고 너무 야박해.
geogi sajangnimeun seobiseudo an jugo neomu yabakhae.
The owner there is so ungenerous and doesn't even give freebies.
💡 Often used to complain about stingy service. - 요즘 세상이 너무 야박해서 정을 느끼기 힘들어요.
yojeum sesangi neomu yabakhaeseo jeongeul neukkigi himdeureoyo.
The world these days is so cold-hearted that it's hard to feel any warmth.
💡 Can describe society at large. - 요즘 물가가 비싸다지만 인심이 너무 야박해졌어요.
yojeum mulgaga bisadajiman insim-i neomu yabakhaejyeosseoyo.
Prices are high these days, but people's generosity has become so cold and ungenerous.
💡 Used to express disappointment at someone's lack of warmth or stinginess.
Related words in Quantity, Generosity, & Limits
쥐꼬리만 하다 jwi-kko-ri-man-ha-da수두룩하다 su-du-ruk-ha-da한도 끝도 없다 han-do-kkeut-do-eop-da얄짤없다 yal-jjal-eop-da빠듯하다 ppa-deut-ha-da