B1 adjective Neutral

심각하다

[ɕimɡakʰada]

To be very serious, severe, or grave in nature. It is often used to describe social issues, environmental problems, or health conditions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

그녀는 심각한 표정으로 서류를 읽었다.

She read the documents with a serious expression.

2

청년 실업 문제는 우리 사회의 심각한 과제이다.

Youth unemployment is a serious challenge for our society.

3

상황이 생각보다 심각합니다.

The situation is more serious than I thought.

Word Family

Noun
심각성
Adverb
심각하게
Adjective
심각하다
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Memory Tip

Sim (deep) + Gak (carve/sense) = Something so deep it carves a sense of worry.

Quick Quiz

지구 온난화는 전 세계적으로 매우 ___ 현상이다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 심각한

Examples

1

그녀는 심각한 표정으로 서류를 읽었다.

everyday

She read the documents with a serious expression.

2

청년 실업 문제는 우리 사회의 심각한 과제이다.

academic

Youth unemployment is a serious challenge for our society.

3

상황이 생각보다 심각합니다.

business

The situation is more serious than I thought.

4

그의 병세가 매우 심각하다는 소식을 들었다.

formal

I heard the news that his condition is very serious.

5

너무 심각하게 생각하지 마.

informal

Don't think too seriously about it.

Word Family

Noun
심각성
Adverb
심각하게
Adjective
심각하다

Common Collocations

심각한 문제 serious problem
심각한 상황 serious situation
심각한 수준 serious level
심각한 부작용 serious side effect
심각한 타격 serious blow

Common Phrases

심각하게 받아들이다

to take seriously

문제가 심각하다

the problem is serious

심각한 표정

serious expression

Often Confused With

심각하다 vs 진지하다

심각하다 refers to the gravity of a situation, while 진지하다 refers to a person's earnest attitude.

📝

Usage Notes

Frequently used in IELTS Task 2 essays discussing global warming, pollution, or economic crises.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid using it for 'serious' people in a positive sense; use 진지하다 for 'earnest' personalities instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Sim (deep) + Gak (carve/sense) = Something so deep it carves a sense of worry.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 深刻 (deep and carved/acute).

Grammar Patterns

심각한 + Noun 심각하게 + Verb

Quick Quiz

지구 온난화는 전 세계적으로 매우 ___ 현상이다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 심각한

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