Understanding how to express “put” in Korean is crucial for anyone learning the language. The verb “put” can be translated in several ways depending on the context, location, and the speaker’s intention.
Mastering these nuances will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Korean. This article provides a detailed exploration of the various Korean equivalents of “put,” their usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, who want to refine their Korean language skills.
Whether you’re describing placing an object on a table, storing something away, or even putting on clothes, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge and practice to confidently use the correct Korean verb. By the end of this article, you will be able to differentiate between various Korean verbs that translate to “put” and use them appropriately in different contexts.
This article will provide the knowledge to confidently express a multitude of ideas.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Put” in Korean
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Put” in Korean
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Put” in Korean
The English verb “put” is a versatile word with various meanings, including placing something in a specific location, setting something down, or wearing an item of clothing. In Korean, there isn’t a single equivalent for “put.” Instead, different verbs are used depending on the context of the action.
Understanding these different verbs and their specific uses is essential for accurate and natural Korean communication. This section will explore the primary Korean verbs that translate to “put” and define their nuances.
The main verbs that are used to translate “put” in Korean are 놓다 (nohda), 두다 (du-da), and 넣다 (neo-da). Additionally, verbs like 입다 (ip-da), 쓰다 (sseu-da), 신다 (sin-da), and 끼다 (kki-da) are used when describing putting on clothes or accessories. Each of these verbs has its own specific context and connotation, and using the correct verb is crucial for conveying the intended meaning. The following sections will elaborate on each of these verbs.
Structural Breakdown
Korean sentence structure generally follows the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order. When using verbs that translate to “put,” the object being placed comes before the verb.
The particle marking the object may vary depending on whether the object ends in a consonant (받침) or a vowel. The particles 을 (eul) and 를 (reul) are commonly used to mark the object in a sentence.
Here’s a basic sentence structure breakdown:
Subject + Object + Location (Optional) + Verb
Example:
나는 (naneun – I) 책을 (chaegeul – book) 책상 위에 (chaeksang wie – on the desk) 놓았다 (noatta – put).
Translation: I put the book on the desk.
In this example, “나는” is the subject, “책을” is the object, “책상 위에” is the location, and “놓았다” is the verb. Understanding this structure is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences using these verbs.
The conjugation of the verbs also changes based on the tense and politeness level.
Types and Categories of “Put” in Korean
The Korean language boasts a variety of verbs to express the act of “putting,” each tailored to specific scenarios. This section delves into the different types and categories of these verbs, providing a comprehensive understanding of their usage.
놓다 (nohda) – General Placement
놓다 (nohda) is the most general verb for “put” and is used when placing something down. It implies setting something somewhere without necessarily implying a specific purpose or direction. This verb is quite versatile and can be used in many contexts where you simply want to say that something was placed somewhere.
Example: 가방을 탁자 위에 놓았어요. (gabangeul takja wie noasseoyo) – I put the bag on the table.
두다 (du-da) – Keeping Something in Place
두다 (du-da) implies keeping something in a certain place or condition. It can also mean “to leave” something somewhere. This verb suggests a sense of intention or purpose in keeping something where it is. It can also be used to express leaving something behind.
Example: 돈을 은행에 두었어요. (doneul eunhaenge dueosseoyo) – I put the money in the bank (to keep it there).
넣다 (neo-da) – Putting Inside
넣다 (neo-da) means “to put inside” or “to insert.” It is used when placing something into a container, a space, or any enclosed area. This verb is specific to actions involving placing something within something else. It clearly indicates the act of insertion.
Example: 편지를 봉투에 넣었어요. (pyeonjireul bongtue neoeosseoyo) – I put the letter in the envelope.
입다 (ip-da) – Putting on Clothes
입다 (ip-da) is specifically used for putting on clothes, such as shirts, pants, dresses, and jackets. It is not used for accessories like hats or shoes. This verb indicates the action of wearing clothing items.
Example: 셔츠를 입었어요. (syeocheureul ibeosseoyo) – I put on a shirt.
쓰다 (sseu-da) – Putting on Hats/Glasses
쓰다 (sseu-da) is used for putting on items that cover the head or face, such as hats, glasses, and masks. It’s a distinct verb used specifically for these types of accessories. The verb covers items that rest on the head or face.
Example: 모자를 썼어요. (mojareul sseosseoyo) – I put on a hat.
신다 (sin-da) – Putting on Shoes/Socks
신다 (sin-da) is used for putting on footwear, including shoes, socks, and slippers. It is specific to items worn on the feet. The verb clearly indicates that the item is worn on the feet.
Example: 신발을 신었어요. (sinbareul sineosseoyo) – I put on shoes.
끼다 (kki-da) – Putting on Gloves/Rings
끼다 (kki-da) is used for putting on items that are fitted onto fingers or hands, such as gloves, rings, and sometimes even contacts. This verb implies a close fit or insertion into a specific space. It is used with items that have to be fitted on.
Example: 장갑을 꼈어요. (janggabeul kkyeosseoyo) – I put on gloves.
Examples
This section provides extensive examples of how to use the different Korean verbs for “put” in various contexts. Each subsection focuses on a specific verb, offering multiple examples to illustrate its usage.
Examples with 놓다 (nohda)
The following table provides examples of using 놓다 (nohda) in different sentences. This verb is versatile for general placement and is commonly used in daily conversation.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 책을 책상 위에 놓았어요. | I put the book on the desk. |
| 가방을 바닥에 놓지 마세요. | Please don’t put the bag on the floor. |
| 컵을 테이블에 놓아 주세요. | Please put the cup on the table. |
| 열쇠를 어디에 놓았는지 기억이 안 나요. | I don’t remember where I put the keys. |
| 꽃병을 창가에 놓으면 예쁠 거예요. | It would be pretty if you put the vase by the window. |
| 서류를 여기에 놓아도 될까요? | Is it okay if I put the documents here? |
| 선물을 침대 위에 놓았어요. | I put the gift on the bed. |
| 핸드폰을 어디에 놓았더라? | Where did I put my phone? |
| 접시를 식탁에 놓으세요. | Put the plates on the dining table. |
| 가위를 책상 서랍에 놓았어요. | I put the scissors in the desk drawer. |
| 편지를 책상 위에 놓아두었다. | I left the letter on the desk. |
| 안경을 테이블 위에 놓았어요. | I put my glasses on the table. |
| 지갑을 가방 안에 놓았어요. | I put my wallet in my bag. |
| 우산을 현관에 놓으세요. | Put the umbrella in the entrance. |
| 신문을 소파 옆에 놓았어요. | I put the newspaper next to the sofa. |
| 리모컨을 텔레비전 앞에 놓으세요. | Put the remote control in front of the television. |
| 사진을 액자 안에 놓았어요. | I put the picture in the frame. |
| 장식품을 선반 위에 놓으세요. | Put the decorations on the shelf. |
| 화분을 베란다에 놓았어요. | I put the flower pot on the veranda. |
| 노트북을 책상 위에 놓았어요. | I put the laptop on the desk. |
| 커피를 쟁반에 놓으세요. | Put the coffee on the tray. |
| 가구를 방 안에 놓았어요. | I put the furniture in the room. |
| 옷을 옷장에 놓으세요. | Put the clothes in the closet. |
| 음식을 냉장고에 놓았어요. | I put the food in the refrigerator. |
Examples with 두다 (du-da)
The following table provides examples of using 두다 (du-da), emphasizing keeping something in a specific place or condition. It also implies a sense of intention.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 돈을 은행에 두었어요. | I put the money in the bank (to keep it there). |
| 차를 주차장에 두었어요. | I left the car in the parking lot. |
| 비밀번호를 기억하기 쉽게 두세요. | Keep the password easy to remember. |
| 아이를 집에 두고 왔어요. | I left the child at home. |
| 짐을 호텔에 두어도 될까요? | Can I leave my luggage at the hotel? |
| 문제를 나중에 다시 풀기 위해 남겨 두었어요. | I left the problem to solve later. |
| 음식을 따뜻하게 두세요. | Keep the food warm. |
| 기회를 놓치지 않도록 잘 잡아 두세요. | Hold onto the opportunity so you don’t miss it. |
| 약속을 잊지 않도록 메모해 두세요. | Make a note so you don’t forget the appointment. |
| 계획을 세워 두고 시작하세요. | Make a plan and start. |
| 편지를 책상 위에 두었다. | I left the letter on the desk. |
| 노트북을 충전기에 두었어요. | I left the laptop on the charger. |
| 가방을 의자 옆에 두었어요. | I left the bag next to the chair. |
| 우산을 차 안에 두었어요. | I left the umbrella in the car. |
| 신발을 현관에 두었어요. | I left the shoes in the entrance. |
| 리모컨을 소파 위에 두었어요. | I left the remote control on the sofa. |
| 사진을 앨범 안에 두었어요. | I left the picture in the album. |
| 장식품을 유리 상자 안에 두었어요. | I left the decorations in the glass box. |
| 화분을 거실에 두었어요. | I left the flower pot in the living room. |
| 열쇠를 안전한 곳에 두었어요. | I left the key in a safe place. |
| 커피를 따뜻하게 데워 두세요. | Keep the coffee warm. |
| 가구를 제자리에 두세요. | Keep the furniture in its place. |
| 옷을 잘 정리해서 두세요. | Keep the clothes well-organized. |
| 음식을 냉장고 안에 잘 보관해 두세요. | Keep the food well-preserved in the refrigerator. |
Examples with 넣다 (neo-da)
The following table provides examples of using 넣다 (neo-da), which means “to put inside” or “to insert.” This verb is used when placing something into a container or an enclosed space.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 편지를 봉투에 넣었어요. | I put the letter in the envelope. |
| 냉장고에 음료수를 넣으세요. | Put the drinks in the refrigerator. |
| 가방에 책을 넣었어요. | I put the book in the bag. |
| 서랍에 양말을 넣으세요. | Put the socks in the drawer. |
| 세탁기에 옷을 넣었어요. | I put the clothes in the washing machine. |
| 오븐에 피자를 넣고 구웠어요. | I put the pizza in the oven and baked it. |
| 지갑에 돈을 넣었어요. | I put the money in the wallet. |
| 상자에 장난감을 넣으세요. | Put the toys in the box. |
| 냄비에 재료를 넣으세요. | Put the ingredients in the pot. |
| 컴퓨터에 USB를 넣었어요. | I put the USB in the computer. |
| 소금을 음식에 넣었어요. | I put salt in the food. |
| 설탕을 커피에 넣으세요. | Put sugar in the coffee. |
| 쓰레기를 쓰레기통에 넣으세요. | Put the trash in the trash can. |
| 사탕을 주머니에 넣었어요. | I put the candy in my pocket. |
| 씨앗을 땅에 넣으세요. | Put the seeds in the ground. |
| 핸드폰을 충전기에 넣었어요. | I put the phone on the charger. |
| 배터리를 리모컨에 넣으세요. | Put the batteries in the remote control. |
| 파일을 폴더에 넣었어요. | I put the file in the folder. |
| 옷을 캐리어에 넣었어요. | I put the clothes in the suitcase. |
| 물건을 창고에 넣었어요. | I put the items in the warehouse. |
| 열쇠를 자물쇠에 넣으세요. | Put the key in the lock. |
| 카드를 지갑에 넣으세요. | Put the card in the wallet. |
| 사진을 앨범에 넣었어요. | I put the photo in the album. |
| 장작을 난로에 넣으세요. | Put the firewood in the stove. |
Examples with 입다 (ip-da)
The following table provides examples of using 입다 (ip-da), which is specifically used for putting on clothes.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 셔츠를 입었어요. | I put on a shirt. |
| 바지를 입으세요. | Put on your pants. |
| 드레스를 입고 파티에 갔어요. | I wore a dress and went to the party. |
| 코트를 입어야 따뜻할 거예요. | You should put on a coat to stay warm. |
| 유니폼을 입고 출근했어요. | I wore the uniform to work. |
| 새 옷을 입어 봤어요. | I tried on new clothes. |
| 정장을 입어야 할까요? | Should I wear a suit? |
| 편한 옷을 입으세요. | Wear comfortable clothes. |
| 겨울옷을 입어야 해요. | I have to wear winter clothes. |
| 운동복을 입고 운동하러 갔어요. | I wore workout clothes and went to exercise. |
| 티셔츠를 입었어요. | I put on a T-shirt. |
| 스커트를 입으세요. | Put on a skirt. |
| 재킷을 입었어요. | I put on a jacket. |
| 조끼를 입으세요. | Put on a vest. |
| 가운을 입었어요. | I put on a gown. |
| 잠옷을 입으세요. | Put on pajamas. |
| 한복을 입었어요. | I put on Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). |
| 수영복을 입으세요. | Put on a swimsuit. |
| 작업복을 입었어요. | I put on work clothes. |
| 제복을 입으세요. | Put on a uniform. |
Examples with 쓰다 (sseu-da)
The following table provides examples of using 쓰다 (sseu-da), which is used for putting on items that cover the head or face, such as hats and glasses.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 모자를 썼어요. | I put on a hat. |
| 안경을 쓰세요. | Put on your glasses. |
| 선글라스를 쓰고 해변에 갔어요. | I wore sunglasses and went to the beach. |
| 마스크를 써야 안전해요. | You have to wear a mask to be safe. |
| 헬멧을 쓰고 자전거를 탔어요. | I wore a helmet and rode a bike. |
| 보안경을 쓰고 작업했어요. | I wore safety glasses and worked. |
| 캡모자를 쓰고 운동했어요. | I wore a baseball cap and exercised. |
| 두건을 쓰고 요리했어요. | I wore a headscarf and cooked. |
| 빵모자를 쓰고 카페에 갔어요. | I wore a beret and went to the cafe. |
| 고깔모자를 쓰고 파티를 즐겼어요. | I wore a cone hat and enjoyed the party. |
| 비니를 썼어요. | I put on a beanie. |
| 페도라를 쓰세요. | Put on a fedora. |
| 챙이 넓은 모자를 썼어요. | I put on a wide-brimmed hat. |
| 귀마개를 쓰세요. | Put on earmuffs. |
| 수영모자를 썼어요. | I put on a swimming cap. |
| 방독면을 쓰세요. | Put on a gas mask. |
| 고글을 썼어요. | I put on goggles. |
| 보호 헬멧을 쓰세요. | Put on a protective helmet. |
| 안전모를 썼어요. | I put on a safety helmet. |
| 망건을 쓰세요. | Put on a manggeon (traditional Korean headband). |
Examples with 신다 (sin-da)
The following table provides examples of using 신다 (sin-da), which is used for putting on footwear, including shoes and socks.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 신발을 신었어요. | I put on shoes. |
| 양말을 신으세요. | Put on socks. |
| 슬리퍼를 신고 집 안을 걸어 다녔어요. | I wore slippers and walked around the house. |
| 운동화를 신고 운동하러 갔어요. | I wore sneakers and went to exercise. |
| 구두를 신고 출근했어요. | I wore dress shoes to work. |
| 장화를 신고 비 오는 날 외출했어요. | I wore boots and went out on a rainy day. |
| 샌들을 신고 해변을 걸었어요. | I wore sandals and walked on the beach. |
| 덧신을 신고 따뜻하게 지냈어요. | I wore overshoes and stayed warm. |
| 등산화를 신고 산에 갔어요. | I wore hiking boots and went to the mountain. |
| 실내화를 신고 학교에 다녔어요. | I wore indoor shoes to school. |
| 부츠를 신었어요. | I put on boots. |
| 로퍼를 신으세요. | Put on loafers. |
| 하이힐을 신었어요. | I put on high heels. |
| 단화를 신으세요. | Put on flats. |
| 게다를 신었어요. | I put on geta (Japanese wooden sandals). |
| 짚신을 신으세요. | Put on jipsin (Korean straw shoes). |
| 털신을 신었어요. | I put on fur shoes. |
| 고무신을 신으세요. | Put on rubber shoes. |
| 군화를 신었어요. | I put on military boots. |
| 축구화를 신으세요. | Put on soccer cleats. |
Examples with 끼다 (kki-da)
The following table provides examples of using 끼다 (kki-da), which is used for putting on items that are fitted onto fingers or hands, such as gloves and rings.
| Korean Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 장갑을 꼈어요. | I put on gloves. |
| 반지를 끼세요. | Put on a ring. |
| 렌즈를 끼고 시력을 교정했어요. | I wore lenses to correct my vision. |
| 팔찌를 끼고 스타일을 완성했어요. | I wore a bracelet to complete my style. |
| 목걸이를 끼고 외출했어요. | I wore a necklace and went out. |
| 귀걸이를 끼고 파티에 갔어요. | I wore earrings and went to the party. |
| 암밴드를 끼고 운동했어요. | I wore an armband and exercised. |
| 토시를 끼고 농사일을 했어요. | I wore sleeves and did farm work. |
| 헤드폰을 끼고 음악을 들었어요. | I wore headphones and listened to music. |
| 마이크를 끼고 발표했어요. | I wore a microphone and presented. |
| 벙어리장갑을 꼈어요. | I put on mittens. |
| 가락지를 끼세요. | Put on a traditional Korean ring. |
| 커플링을 꼈어요. | I put on a couple ring. |
| 우정반지를 끼세요. | Put on a friendship ring. |
| 지환을 꼈어요. | I put on a signet ring. |
| 보석반지를 끼세요. | Put on a gemstone ring. |
| 은반지를 꼈어요. | I put on a silver ring. |
| 금반지를 끼세요. | Put on a gold ring. |
| 결혼반지를 꼈어요. | I put on a wedding ring. |
| 다이아몬드반지를 끼세요. | Put on a diamond ring. |
Usage Rules
Using the correct verb for “put” in Korean requires careful attention to context. Here are some general rules to follow:
- 놓다 (nohda): Use this verb for general placement when you simply want to say something was put somewhere.
- 두다 (du-da): Use this verb when you want to emphasize keeping something in a certain place or condition, or when you mean “to leave” something.
- 넣다 (neo-da): Use this verb when you want to say something was put inside a container or enclosed space.
- 입다 (ip-da): Use this verb specifically for putting on clothes.
- 쓰다 (sseu-da): Use this verb for putting on items that cover the head or face.
- 신다 (sin-da): Use this verb for putting on footwear.
- 끼다 (kki-da): Use this verb for putting on items that are fitted onto fingers or hands.
Additionally, remember the SOV sentence structure and the use of object marking particles 을/를. The verb conjugation will also change based on the tense and politeness level of the speech.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using 놓다 (nohda) in all situations, even when a more specific verb is required. For example, saying “모자를 놓았어요” (mojareul noasseoyo) instead of “모자를 썼어요” (mojareul sseosseoyo) when you mean “I put on a hat.”
Another mistake is confusing 두다 (du-da) and 놓다 (nohda). While both can mean “put,” 두다 (du-da) implies keeping something in place or leaving it there, while 놓다 (nohda) is a more general placement.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 셔츠를 놓았어요. | 셔츠를 입었어요. | 놓다 (nohda) is for general placement, 입다 (ip-da) is for putting on clothes. |
| 모자를 놓았어요. | 모자를 썼어요. | 놓다 (nohda) is for general placement, 쓰다 (sseu-da) is for putting on hats. |
| 신발을 놓았어요. | 신발을 신었어요. | 놓다 (nohda) is for general placement, 신다 (sin-da) is for putting on shoes. |
| 가방에 책을 두었어요. | 가방에 책을 넣었어요. | 두다 (du-da) implies leaving, 넣다 (neo-da) is for putting inside. |
| 돈을 그냥 놓았어요. | 돈을 그냥 두었어요. | 놓다 (nohda) is just placing, 두다 (du-da
) implies leaving it there. |
Practice Exercises
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate Korean verb for “put.” Choose from 놓다 (nohda), 두다 (du-da), 넣다 (neo-da), 입다 (ip-da), 쓰다 (sseu-da), 신다 (sin-da), or 끼다 (kki-da).
- 책을 책상 위에 __________.
- 돈을 지갑에 __________.
- 코트를 __________.
- 모자를 __________.
- 신발을 __________.
- 반지를 손가락에 __________.
- 우유를 냉장고에 __________.
- 가방을 의자 옆에 __________.
- 안경을 __________.
- 장갑을 __________.
Answers:
- 책을 책상 위에 놓았어요.
- 돈을 지갑에 넣었어요.
- 코트를 입었어요.
- 모자를 썼어요.
- 신발을 신었어요.
- 반지를 손가락에 꼈어요.
- 우유를 냉장고에 넣었어요.
- 가방을 의자 옆에 두었어요.
- 안경을 썼어요.
- 장갑을 꼈어요.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring idiomatic expressions and nuanced usages of these verbs can be beneficial. For example, the expression “놓아주다 (nohajuda)” means “to let go” or “to release,” which is derived from 놓다 (nohda).
Similarly, “마음을 놓다 (maeumeul nohda)” means “to relax” or “to set one’s mind at ease.”
Understanding these idiomatic expressions can add depth to your understanding of the Korean language and improve your fluency. Additionally, exploring how these verbs are used in literature and media can provide further insights into their usage.
FAQ
Q: How do I choose between 놓다 (nohda) and 두다 (du-da)?
A: Use 놓다 (nohda) for general placement. Use 두다 (du-da) when you want to emphasize keeping something in a certain place or condition, or when you mean “to leave” something behind.
Q: Can I use 놓다 (nohda) for putting on clothes?
A: No, you should use 입다 (ip-da) for putting on clothes.
Q: Which verb should I use for putting something in my bag?
A: Use 넣다 (neo-da) because you are putting something inside an enclosed space.
Q: Is there a verb for putting on makeup?
A: While there isn’t one specific verb just for applying makeup, you’d typically use 바르다 (bareuda), which means “to apply” or “to spread.” For example, “로션을 발라요” (rosyeoneul bareuyo) means “I apply lotion.”
Conclusion
Mastering the various Korean verbs for “put” requires understanding their specific contexts and nuances. By learning the differences between 놓다 (nohda), 두다 (du-da), 넣다 (neo-da), 입다 (ip-da), 쓰다 (sseu-da), 신다 (sin-da), and 끼다 (kki-da), you can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in Korean.
Remember to practice using these verbs in different sentences and pay attention to the context in which they are used. With consistent practice, you will become more confident in your ability to use these verbs correctly and naturally.