걱정하다 vs 염려하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 걱정하다
Listen to 염려하다
| 걱정하다 | 염려하다 |
|---|---|
/guhk-JUHNG-hah-dah/ verb | /yeom-nyeo-hada/ verb |
| to worry; to be concerned or anxious about something or someone | to be concerned or worried in a measured, often thoughtful way |
How they differ
염려하다 is generally more formal and implies a considered or cautious concern rather than immediate emotional anxiety; 걱정하다 often expresses personal, immediate worry. 염려하다 is common in written or polite contexts and can sound less emotionally charged.
When to use each
When to use 걱정하다: Prefer 걱정하다 when speaking casually or expressing your personal, immediate anxiety.
When to use 염려하다: Use 염려하다 when you want a more formal, measured expression of concern (for writing, polite speech, or official contexts).
Side-by-side examples
- 나는 네가 시험에 떨어질까 봐 걱정하고 있어.
(I'm worried that you might fail the exam.) - 부모님은 아이의 안전을 늘 염려하신다.
(Parents are always concerned about their child's safety.)
Register & nuance: 염려하다 is slightly more formal and is used more in written or polite speech than 걱정하다.