Etymology

First attested in the Worin seokbo (月印釋譜 / 월인석보), 1459, as 어려ᄫᅮᆷ (Yale: elyevwum). Substantive form of 어렵다 (eoryeopda, “to be difficult”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʌ̹ɾjʌ̹um/
• Phonetic hangeul: 어려움