걱정 vs 근심
Korean word comparison
Listen to 걱정
Listen to 근심
| 걱정 | 근심 |
|---|---|
geot-JEONG noun | geun-sim noun |
| worry; concern | deep worry or anxiety, often lingering and serious |
How they differ
근심 suggests a heavier, longer-lasting kind of worry than 걱정. While 걱정 can be temporary or practical, 근심 often implies a troubled 마음 and a more serious emotional burden.
When to use each
When to use 걱정: Use 걱정 for ordinary worry that may be temporary, practical, or mild.
When to use 근심: Use 근심 when you want to emphasize deep, persistent worry or a troubled state of mind.
Side-by-side examples
- 내일 시험이 걱정이에요.
(I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.) - 그의 얼굴에는 근심이 가득했다.
(His face was full of worry.)
Register & nuance: 근심 is more literary and serious than 걱정, and it appears often in written or expressive language.