불편하다
To be inconvenient, uncomfortable, or causing physical/mental unease. It is a key word for expressing dissatisfaction in IELTS complaint letters.
Examples
3 of 5신발이 너무 작아서 발이 불편해요.
The shoes are too small, so my feet are uncomfortable.
이용에 불편을 드려 대단히 죄송합니다.
We are very sorry for causing any inconvenience in usage.
나 지금 마음이 좀 불편해.
I feel a bit uneasy right now.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Bul (불) means 'not' and Pyeon (편) means 'comfortable/convenient'. Not comfortable.
Quick Quiz
이 의자는 너무 딱딱해서 앉아 있기가 ( ).
Correct!
The correct answer is: 불편하다
Examples
신발이 너무 작아서 발이 불편해요.
everydayThe shoes are too small, so my feet are uncomfortable.
이용에 불편을 드려 대단히 죄송합니다.
formalWe are very sorry for causing any inconvenience in usage.
나 지금 마음이 좀 불편해.
informalI feel a bit uneasy right now.
도시의 무분별한 개발은 주민들에게 불편한 환경을 조성한다.
academicIndiscriminate urban development creates an inconvenient environment for residents.
회의실 예약 시스템이 복잡해서 사용하기 불편합니다.
businessThe meeting room reservation system is complex and inconvenient to use.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
불편을 겪다
to experience inconvenience
불편을 해소하다
to resolve an inconvenience
불편 사항
matters of inconvenience/complaints
Often Confused With
'불편하다' is general inconvenience or physical discomfort, while '어색하다' is specifically social awkwardness.
Usage Notes
This word can describe physical discomfort (shoes), situational inconvenience (transport), or emotional unease (guilt).
Common Mistakes
When talking about physical comfort like a sofa, learners sometimes use '편리하다' (convenient) instead of '편안하다' (comfortable).
Memory Tip
Bul (불) means 'not' and Pyeon (편) means 'comfortable/convenient'. Not comfortable.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 不便 (불편), meaning 'not convenient'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Korea, '몸이 불편하시다' is a polite euphemism for someone having a disability.
Quick Quiz
이 의자는 너무 딱딱해서 앉아 있기가 ( ).
Correct!
The correct answer is: 불편하다
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More daily life words
쉬다
A1To take a rest, relax, or stop working/moving to regain energy. It can also mean to breathe.
아침
A1The early part of the day; also commonly used to mean breakfast.
숙제하다
A1To do schoolwork or assignments assigned by a teacher to be done at home.
점심
A1The middle part of the day (noon/afternoon) or the meal eaten during that time (lunch).
저녁
A1The time between afternoon and night (evening) or the meal eaten during that time (dinner).
마시다
A1To drink or swallow liquid. It can also refer to breathing in air.
만나다
A1To come together with someone at a specific place or time. It is used for both planned appointments and accidental encounters.
기다리다
A1To stay in one place or delay action until a particular time or event occurs. It is commonly used for transport, people, or news.
이야기하다
A1To speak or converse with others to exchange information or feelings. It is often shortened to '얘기하다' in casual speech.
듣다
A1To perceive sound through the ears or to pay attention to what someone is saying. It also means to take a course or listen to music.
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