설레다 vs 떨리다 in Korean

설레다 vs. 떨리다 차이점 (Explained in English for Foreign Learners)

Both 설레다 (seolle-da) and 떨리다 (tteolli-da) describe emotional or physical reactions, but they have different nuances.

1. 설레다 (to feel excited, flutter)

• This verb is used when you feel positive anticipation, excitement, or a fluttering feeling in your heart.
• It’s commonly used when talking about love, a long-awaited event, or a happy moment.
• It does not involve fear or nervousness.

Examples:
✅ 내일 여행 가니까 너무 설레! (I’m so excited because I’m going on a trip tomorrow!)
✅ 그 사람과 첫 데이트를 생각하면 가슴이 설레. (My heart flutters when I think about my first date with that person.)

2. 떨리다 (to tremble, to be nervous)

• This verb is used when you feel nervous, anxious, or physically shaking due to tension or fear.
• It can describe both physical trembling and emotional nervousness.
• It’s often used for negative or nervous situations, but sometimes it can include excitement mixed with nervousness.

Examples:
✅ 면접을 봐야 해서 너무 떨려. (I’m so nervous because I have to take an interview.)
✅ 사람들 앞에서 발표할 때 손이 떨렸어. (My hands trembled when I had to give a presentation in front of people.)

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Key Difference:

Example to Compare:
✅ 첫 데이트가 기대돼서 가슴이 설레! (I’m excited for my first date!) → 설레다 (happy feeling)
✅ 첫 데이트라서 너무 긴장되고 떨려. (I’m so nervous because it’s my first date.) → 떨리다 (nervousness)

Make your own sentences with these words!!!