📖 Words B1

기쁨

gippeum

joy

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What it means

기쁨 means joy or happiness. The noun form of 기쁘다 (to be joyful). Conveys a genuine, often momentary feeling of happiness.

Nuance & when to use

기쁨 tends to be a specific intense moment of happiness. 행복 (happiness) is broader and more sustained. 기쁨을 느끼다 (to feel joy) is a natural collocation.

⚠ Common mistake

Using 행복 and 기쁨 interchangeably — they're subtly different. 기쁨 is more momentary and intense; 행복 is more sustained contentment.

Example sentences

작은 일에서도 기쁨을 찾을 수 있어요. Jageun ireseo-do gippeumeul chajeul su isseoyo. You can find joy even in small things.
아이의 웃음이 제게 큰 기쁨이에요. Ai-ui useumi jege keun gippeum-ieyo. The child's laughter is a great joy to me.
새로운 언어를 배우는 기쁨은 특별해요. Saeroun eoneoreul baeuneun gippeum-eun teukbyeolhaeyo. The joy of learning a new language is special.
기쁨과 슬픔을 함께 나누는 친구가 진짜 친구예요. Gippeumgwa seulpumeul hamkke nanuneun chinguga jinjja chinguyeyo. A friend who shares both joy and sorrow is a true friend.

See also

행복 즐거움 기쁘다 기쁜
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

어떤 걸로 드릴까요? eotteon georo deulilkkayo Which one would you like? (service phrase) 취향 chwihyang taste / preference / personal style -는 것 같다 -neun geot gatda Seems like / Appears to be
← 그거 말고 기억 →

FAQ

When is this used?

기쁨 tends to be a specific intense moment of happiness. 행복 (happiness) is broader and more sustained. 기쁨을 느끼다 (to feel joy) is a natural collocation.

What's a common mistake?

Using 행복 and 기쁨 interchangeably — they're subtly different. 기쁨 is more momentary and intense; 행복 is more sustained contentment.

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