100 Most Common Korean Adjectives Pt. 2 w/ Examples | Beginner and Intermediate Vocabulary Lists
- KSJ 쌤
- Jul 6
- 13 min read
안녕하세요 리더님! Koreanstudyjunkie입니다~
Before we dive in..
When people see “most common” they have a certain expectation. The truth is, “most common” doesn’t just refer to 100 or 200 or even 500 words. In most languages, the most common words extend upwards of 1-2000 (and even more than that usually)!
I’m only mentioning this to say that I tried to mix in common words that were not TOO common - if you get what I mean. That way, not just BEGINNERS, but also intermediate learners will see words they haven’t learned yet as well!
심각하다 = to be serious
수수하다 – to be plain, simple
어색하다 – to be awkward
화려하다 – to be flashy
자연스럽다 – to be naturak
평범하다 – to be ordinary
독특하다 – to be unique
이상하다 – to be strange
멋지다 – to be cool, impressive
촌스럽다 – to be old-fashioned, tacky
Example Sentences:
문제가 생각보다 심각해요.
The problem is more serious than I thought.
교통사고 때문에 상황이 매우 심각했어요.
The situation was very serious because of the traffic accident.
그녀는 수수한 옷을 자주 입어요.
She often wears simple clothes.
처음 만났을 때는 조금 어색했어요.
It was a little awkward when we first met.
오랜만에 한국어를 말해서 조금 어색했어요.
It felt a little awkward because I spoke Korean for the first time in a while.
결혼식장이 정말 화려했어요.
The wedding hall was really gorgeous.
그녀는 화려한 액세서리를 좋아해요.
She likes flashy accessories.
한국어 발음이 정말 자연스러워졌어요.
Your Korean pronunciation has become very natural.
웃는 모습이 아주 자연스러워 보여요.
Your smile looks very natural.
저는 평범한 회사원이에요.
I'm an ordinary office worker.
오늘은 평범한 하루였어요.
Today was just an ordinary day.
그 식당은 독특한 메뉴가 많아요.
That restaurant has many unique menu items.
오늘 컴퓨터가 이상해요.
My computer is acting strangely today.
새 머리가 정말 멋져요.
Your new hairstyle looks great.
발표를 정말 멋지게 했어요.
You gave a really impressive presentation.
그 셔츠는 조금 촌스러운 것 같아요.
I think that shirt looks a little old-fashioned.
옛날에는 유행했지만 지금은 좀 촌스러워 보여요.
It was fashionable in the past, but now it looks a bit tacky.
BEFOE YOU GO FORWARD - YOU MAY WANT TO STOP AND LEARN:
신선하다 = to be fresh
진하다 – to be rich, concentrated
연하다 – to be weak, light
바삭하다 – to be crispy
촉촉하다 – to be moist
딱딱하다 – to be hard
고소하다 – to be nutty, savory
부드럽다 – to be soft
느끼하다 – to be greasy, rich
담백하다 – to be light, not greasy
Example Sentences:
신선한 채소로 샐러드를 만들었어요.
The salad was made with fresh vegetables.
이 생선은 오늘 아침에 잡아서 정말 신선해요.
This fish is very fresh because it was caught this morning.
커피 맛이 너무 진해서 물을 조금 더 넣었어요.
The coffee was so strong that I added a little more water.
이 국은 진한 맛이 나서 정말 맛있어요.
This soup has a rich flavor, so it's really delicious.
차가 너무 연해서 맛이 거의 안 나요.
The tea is so weak that it hardly has any flavor.
저는 진한 커피보다 연한 커피를 더 좋아해요.
I prefer light coffee to strong coffee.
갓 구운 치킨이 정말 바삭해요.
The freshly fried chicken is really crispy.
이 과자는 겉은 바삭하고 속은 부드러워요.
This snack is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
이 케이크는 정말 촉촉해서 입에서 녹아요.
This cake is so moist that it melts in your mouth.
빵이 오래돼서 딱딱해졌어요.
The bread became hard because it was old.
이 고기는 조금 딱딱해서 먹기 힘들어요.
This meat is a little tough, so it's hard to eat.
참기름을 넣으니까 음식이 더 고소해졌어요.
Adding sesame oil made the food taste nuttier.
이 두부는 고소해서 그냥 먹어도 맛있어요.
This tofu has a nice nutty flavor, so it's delicious even by itself.
이 빵은 정말 부드러워요.
This bread is really soft.
치즈가 너무 많아서 조금 느끼해요.
There's too much cheese, so it's a little greasy.
이 국은 담백해서 아침에 먹기 좋아요.
This soup is light, so it's good for breakfast.
담백한 음식을 먹고 싶어서 생선구이를 주문했어요.
I wanted something light, so I ordered grilled fish.
서운하다 = to be hurt, be disappointed
억울하다 – unfairly treated
부담스럽다 – burdensome
민망하다 – embarrased
안타깝다 – unfortunate
창피하다 – to be ashamed
무책임하다 – to be irresponsible
불안하다 – to be anxious
부럽다 – to be jealous, envious
지겹다 – to be sick of
Example Sentences:
친구가 제 생일을 잊어서 조금 서운했어요.
I was a little hurt because my friend forgot my birthday.
아무 말도 없이 떠나서 정말 서운했어요.
I was really disappointed because they left without saying anything.
제가 하지도 않았는데 제가 했다고 해서 정말 억울했어요.
I was unfairly blamed for something I didn't even do.
열심히 했는데 인정받지 못해서 억울했어요.
I felt wronged because I worked hard but didn't get any recognition.
이렇게 비싼 선물은 조금 부담스러워요.
A gift this expensive feels a little burdensome.
혼자 발표를 준비해야 해서 부담스러웠어요.
I felt pressured because I had to prepare the presentation by myself.
사람들 앞에서 넘어져서 정말 민망했어요.
I was really embarrassed because I fell in front of everyone.
이름을 잘못 불러서 조금 민망했어요.
I felt a little embarrassed because I called them by the wrong name.
비가 와서 소풍이 취소된 게 정말 안타까워요.
It's really unfortunate that the picnic was canceled because of the rain.
그 소식을 듣고 모두 안타까워했어요.
Everyone felt sorry after hearing the news.
사람들 앞에서 크게 넘어져서 너무 창피했어요.
I was so embarrassed because I fell in front of everyone.
숙제를 안 해 와서 조금 창피했어요.
I felt ashamed because I didn't do my homework.
그는 약속을 자주 어겨서 정말 무책임해요.
He's really irresponsible because he often breaks his promises.
끝까지 책임지지 않는 건 무책임한 행동이에요.
Not taking responsibility until the end is irresponsible behavior.
시험 결과가 걱정돼서 하루 종일 불안했어요.
I was anxious all day because I was worried about my exam results.
혼자 여행하는 게 조금 불안해요.
I'm a little anxious about traveling alone.
한국어를 정말 잘해서 부러워요.
I'm jealous because you're really good at Korean.
친구가 해외에서 일하게 돼서 정말 부러웠어요.
I was really envious because my friend got a job overseas.
매일 같은 일을 해서 조금 지겨워요.
I'm getting sick of doing the same thing every day.
이 노래를 너무 많이 들어서 이제는 지겨워요.
I've listened to this song so many times that I'm sick of it.
부족하다 = to be lacking
충분하다 – to be enough, sufficient
효율적이다 – to be efficient
비효율적이다 – to be inefficient
복잡하다 – to be complicated
단순하다 – to be simple
익숙하다 – to be familiar with
낯설다 – to be unfamiliar
적절하다 – to be appropriate
불필요하다 – to be unnecessary
Example Sentences:
시간이 부족해서 숙제를 다 못 했어요.
I couldn't finish all my homework because I didn't have enough time.
아직 경험이 부족한 것 같아요.
I think I still lack experience.
물이 충분하지 않으니까 조금 더 가져오세요.
There isn't enough water, so please bring a little more.
이 방법이 가장 효율적이에요.
This method is the most efficient.
시간을 효율적으로 사용해야 해요.
You need to use your time efficiently.
같은 일을 두 번 하는 것은 비효율적이에요.
Doing the same task twice is inefficient.
회의가 너무 길어서 비효율적이었어요.
The meeting was so long that it was inefficient.
이 문제는 생각보다 복잡해요.
This problem is more complicated than I thought.
설명이 너무 복잡해서 이해하기 어려웠어요.
The explanation was so complicated that it was difficult to understand.
사용법이 아주 단순해서 누구나 할 수 있어요.
The instructions are very simple, so anyone can do it.
문제를 단순하게 생각해 보세요.
Try thinking about the problem in a simpler way.
한국 생활에 이제 많이 익숙해졌어요.
I've become much more familiar with life in Korea now.
저는 아침 일찍 일어나는 것에 익숙해요.
I'm used to waking up early.
새로운 환경이 아직 낯설어요.
The new environment still feels unfamiliar.
처음에는 한국 음식이 조금 낯설었어요.
Korean food felt a little unfamiliar at first.
지금이 이야기하기에 가장 적절한 시간이에요.
Now is the most appropriate time to talk.
상황에 맞는 적절한 표현을 사용하세요.
Use expressions that are appropriate for the situation.
불필요한 걱정은 하지 마세요.
Don't worry about unnecessary things.
가방에 불필요한 물건이 너무 많아요.
There are too many unnecessary things in my bag.
예민하다 = to be sensitive
책임감이 있다 – to be responsible
참을성이 있다 – to be patient
너그럽다 – to be generous, tolerant
수수하다 – to be modest/plain
차분하다 – to be calm
고집이 세다 – to be stubborn
공평하다 – to be fair
불공평하다 – to be unfair
후련하다 – to feel relieved
Example Sentences:
그 사람은 소리에 예민해서 작은 소리에도 잘 깨요.
That person is sensitive, so they wake up easily even to small noises.
요즘 피부가 예민해서 화장품을 조심해서 써요.
My skin is sensitive these days, so I’m careful with cosmetics.
그는 책임감이 있어서 항상 일을 끝까지 해요.
He is responsible, so he always finishes his work.
팀장으로서 책임감이 매우 중요해요.
As a team leader, responsibility is very important.
참을성이 없으면 쉽게 포기하게 돼요.
If you don’t have patience, you give up easily.
그 선생님은 학생들에게 매우 너그러워요.
That teacher is very tolerant toward students.
실수를 해도 너그럽게 봐 주셨어요.
Even when I made mistakes, they were understanding.
그녀는 수수한 옷차림을 좋아해요.
She likes a simple, modest style of clothing.
수수한 스타일이 오히려 더 매력적으로 보여요.
A simple style actually looks more attractive.
그는 항상 차분하게 말해서 믿음이 가요.
He always speaks calmly, so he feels trustworthy.
차분한 음악을 들으면 마음이 편해져요.
Listening to calm music makes me feel relaxed.
그 사람은 고집이 세서 쉽게 설득되지 않아요.
That person is stubborn, so they are not easily persuaded.
고집이 세지만 자기 생각은 확실해요.
They are stubborn, but they have clear opinions.
이 회사는 공평하게 기회를 줘요.
This company gives fair opportunities.
시험 채점이 공평하게 이루어졌어요.
The grading was done fairly.
그건 불공평한 결정이라고 생각해요.
I think that is an unfair decision.
불공평한 대우를 받아서 기분이 나빴어요.
I felt bad because I was treated unfairly.
시험이 끝나니까 정말 후련해요.
I feel really relieved now that the exam is over.
모든 걸 말하고 나니까 마음이 후련했어요.
After saying everything, I felt relieved.
불만스럽다 = to be dissatisfied
만스럽다 – to be satisfied
허전하다 – to feel empty
안심되다 – to feel relieved
의심스럽다 – to be suspicious
냉정하다 – to be cold-headed
번거롭다 – to be troublesome
꼼꼼하다 – to be meticulous
튼튼하다 – to be sturdy
약하다 – to be weak
Example Sentences:
그 결과에 대해 조금 불만스러워요.
I feel a bit dissatisfied with the results.
서비스가 기대보다 부족해서 불만스러웠어요.
I was dissatisfied because the service was worse than expected.
결과가 생각보다 만족스러워요.
The results are more satisfying than I expected.
혼자 집에 있으니까 조금 허전해요.
I feel a bit empty being home alone.
친구가 떠난 뒤 집이 허전하게 느껴졌어요.
The house felt empty after my friend left.
검사가 끝나서 이제 안심돼요.
I feel relieved now that the check-up is over.
아이들이 무사히 도착해서 안심됐어요.
I was relieved that the children arrived safely.
그 사람의 행동이 점점 의심스러워졌어요.
That person’s behavior became more and more suspicious.
그는 항상 냉정하게 판단해요.
He always makes decisions calmly and objectively.
위급한 상황에서도 냉정함을 유지했어요.
He stayed calm even in an emergency situation.
서류 작업이 너무 번거로워요.
Paperwork is very troublesome.
이 절차는 생각보다 번거로웠어요.
This procedure was more troublesome than I expected.
그는 아주 꼼꼼하게 계획을 세워요.
He makes plans very meticulously.
꼼꼼한 성격 덕분에 실수가 거의 없어요.
Thanks to his meticulous personality, there are almost no mistakes.
이 의자는 정말 튼튼해요.
This chair is very sturdy.
튼튼한 가방을 사서 오래 사용할 수 있어요.
I bought a sturdy bag so I can use it for a long time.
이 나무는 생각보다 약해요.
This wood is weaker than I expected.
몸이 약해서 운동을 자주 못 해요.
I can’t exercise often because my body is weak.
경제적이다 = to be economical
전통적이다 – to be traditional
현대적이다 – modern
구체적이다 – to be specific
객관적이다 – to be objective
주관적이다 – to be subjective
긍정적이다 – positive
부정적이다 – negative
효과적이다 – to be effective
귀찮다 – to be bothersome
Example Sentences:
그 교통수단은 매우 경제적이에요.
That transportation method is very economical.
에너지를 절약하는 것이 경제적인 선택이에요.
Saving energy is an economical choice.
이 집은 전통적인 방식으로 지어졌어요.
This house was built in a traditional way.
그 마을은 아직도 전통적인 문화를 유지하고 있어요.
That village still maintains traditional culture.
이 앱은 매우 현대적인 디자인이에요.
This app has a very modern design.
요즘 사람들은 현대적인 생활 방식을 선호해요.
These days, people prefer a modern lifestyle.
좀 더 구체적으로 설명해 주세요.
Please explain it more specifically.
계획을 구체적으로 세우는 것이 중요해요.
It’s important to make a detailed plan.
이 자료는 객관적인 정보만 포함하고 있어요.
This data contains only objective information.
판단할 때는 객관적으로 생각해야 해요.
When making judgments, you should think objectively.
그건 너무 주관적인 의견이에요.
That is too subjective of an opinion.
리뷰가 너무 주관적이라서 참고만 했어요.
The review was too subjective, so I only used it as reference.
긍정적인 생각은 삶에 도움이 돼요.
Positive thinking helps in life.
그는 항상 긍정적인 태도를 유지해요.
He always maintains a positive attitude.
부정적인 생각만 하면 스트레스가 커져요.
If you only think negatively, stress increases.
부정적인 반응이 많아서 계획이 바뀌었어요.
There were many negative responses, so the plan changed.
이 방법이 가장 효과적이에요.
This method is the most effective.
효과적인 공부 방법을 찾고 있어요.
I’m looking for an effective study method.
청소하는 건 너무 귀찮아요.
Cleaning is too bothersome.
비 오는 날에는 밖에 나가는 게 귀찮아요.
On rainy days, going outside feels bothersome.
감동적이다 = to be touching, moving
신나다 – to be excited/exhilarated
흥미롭다 – to be interesting
유쾌하다 – to be cheerful/pleasant
활기차다 – to be lively/energetic
활발하다 – to be active/lively
뿌듯하다 – to feel proud/satisfied
경쾌하다 – to be light and cheerful
자유롭다 – to be free
인상적이다 – to be impressive/memorable
Example Sentences:
그 영화의 마지막 장면이 정말 감동적이었어요.
The final scene of the movie was really moving.
아버지가 아들을 안아 주는 장면이 너무 감동적이었어요.
The scene where the father hugs his son was very touching.
콘서트 시작 전에 너무 신나서 계속 소리를 질렀어요.
I was so excited before the concert started that I kept shouting.
친구들과 여행을 계획하니까 벌써 신나요.
I already feel excited just planning a trip with my friends.
이 책은 내용이 정말 흥미로워서 밤새 읽었어요.
This book is so interesting that I read it all night.
그 강의는 생각보다 훨씬 흥미로웠어요.
The lecture was much more interesting than I expected.
그 사람은 항상 유쾌하게 말해서 분위기가 좋아져요.
That person always speaks cheerfully, so the atmosphere improves.
유쾌한 성격 덕분에 친구가 많아요.
Because of his cheerful personality, he has many friends.
아침 운동을 하니까 하루가 활기차게 시작돼요.
I feel energetic starting the day with morning exercise.
시장 거리는 항상 활기차 보여요.
The market street always looks lively.
그 학생은 수업 시간에도 매우 활발하게 참여해요.
That student actively participates even during class.
아이들이 활발하게 뛰어노는 모습이 보기 좋아요.
It’s nice to see children playing energetically.
그 프로젝트를 끝내고 나니 정말 뿌듯했어요.
I felt really proud after finishing that project.
시험을 잘 봐서 뿌듯한 기분이에요.
I feel satisfied because I did well on the exam.
이 노래는 분위기가 경쾌해서 자주 들어요.
This song has a light and cheerful mood, so I listen to it often.
경쾌한 음악을 들으면 기분이 좋아져요.
Listening to upbeat music improves my mood.
혼자 여행을 하니까 정말 자유로운 느낌이에요.
Traveling alone feels really free.
이 나라에서는 표현이 더 자유로워요.
Expression feels more free in this country.
그 배우의 연기는 정말 인상적이었어요.
That actor’s performance was really impressive.
그 경험은 아직도 기억에 남을 만큼 인상적이에요.
That experience is still memorable.
반하다 – to be attracted to, enchanted by
사이가 좋다 – to be on good terms
사이가 나쁘다 – to be on bad terms
다정하다 – to be affectionate/warm
친근하다 – to be friendly/familiar
믿음직하다 – to be trustworthy
의지하다 – to be dependable (someone you rely on)
무관심하다 – to be indifferent
이해심이 있다 – to be understanding
오해하다 – to misunderstand (commonly used in relationship contexts)
소중하다 – to be precious/important
Example Sentences:
두 사람은 예전부터 사이가 좋아서 자주 같이 여행을 다녀요.
The two have been on good terms for a long time, so they often travel together.
요즘은 바빠서 사이가 조금 나빠진 것 같아요.
These days, they seem to be on worse terms because they are busy.
그 선생님은 학생들에게 항상 다정하게 대해요.
That teacher always treats students warmly.
친구가 다정하게 말을 걸어줘서 마음이 편했어요.
My friend spoke to me warmly, so I felt comfortable.
그 사람은 누구에게나 친근하게 말해서 인기가 많아요.
That person is popular because they speak in a friendly, approachable way.
처음 만났는데도 친근한 느낌이 들었어요.
Even though we just met, they felt very familiar and friendly.
그는 정말 믿음직한 사람이어서 중요한 일을 맡길 수 있어요.
He is very trustworthy, so you can give him important tasks.
이 직원은 믿음직해서 팀에서 모두 신뢰해요.
This employee is trustworthy, so everyone on the team relies on him.
그 친구에게 많이 의지하고 있어요.
I rely on that friend a lot.
힘들 때 가족에게 의지하게 돼요.
When things are hard, I depend on my family.
그는 다른 사람의 의견에 무관심한 편이에요.
He tends to be indifferent to other people’s opinions.
요즘 그는 공부에 무관심한 것 같아요.
These days, he seems indifferent to studying.
그 선생님은 학생들을 이해심 있게 대해요.
That teacher treats students with understanding.
이 상황에서는 조금 더 이해심이 필요해요.
In this situation, a bit more understanding is needed.
그 말을 잘못 이해해서 오해했어요.
I misunderstood what they said.
작은 말 한마디로 오해가 생길 수 있어요.
A small comment can easily lead to misunderstandings.
이 물건은 저에게 정말 소중한 선물이에요.
This item is a very precious gift to me.
가족과 친구는 제게 가장 소중한 사람들이에요.
Family and friends are the most precious people to me.
졸리다 = to be sleepy
피곤하다 – to be tired
나른하다 – to feel drowsy / sluggish
개운하다 – to feel refreshed
깊다 – to be deep (sleep)
얕다 – to be light (sleep)
편안하다 – to be comfortable
불편하다 – to be uncomfortable
몽롱하다 – to be groggy / dazed
멍하다 – to be blank / spaced out
Example Sentences
아침 수업 중에 너무 졸려서 계속 하품했어요.
I was so sleepy during the morning class that I kept yawning.
어제 늦게 자서 오늘 하루 종일 피곤했어요.
I went to bed late yesterday, so I was tired all day today.
점심을 먹고 나니 몸이 나른해졌어요.
After lunch, my body felt drowsy and sluggish.
운동하고 샤워하니까 몸이 개운해요.
After exercising and showering, I feel refreshed.
어젯밤에는 깊은 잠을 자서 아침에 개운했어요.
I slept deeply last night, so I felt refreshed in the morning.
잠이 얕아서 작은 소리에도 쉽게 깼어요.
My sleep was light, so I woke up easily even to small sounds.
이 침대는 너무 편안해서 바로 잠이 들어요.
This bed is so comfortable that I fall asleep right away.
의자가 불편해서 오래 앉아 있기 힘들어요.
The chair is uncomfortable, so it’s hard to sit for a long time.
밤새 공부해서 머리가 몽롱했어요.
I studied all night, so I felt groggy.
아침에 일어나자마자 멍한 상태였어요.
Right after waking up, I was completely spaced out.
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That's the end of this post! If you want to learn more useful everyday vocab, check out my 100 Words Picturebook:
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