위 (wi) · 아래 (a-rae, arae)
'위' indicates the upper part or a higher position of something, while '아래' refers to the lower part or a lower position.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to the upper part or higher position of an object or place.
When to use
Physical upper position, Higher rank or order, Relative height expression
The nuance
Use '위' to indicate the upper part or a higher place physically. It also expresses higher rank, priority, or order in sequences.
Refers to the lower part or lower position of an object or place.
When to use
Physical lower position, Lower rank or order, Relative lower position expression
The nuance
Use '아래' to indicate the lower part or a lower place physically. It also expresses lower rank, priority, or order in sequences.
책상 위에 책이 있어요.
chaek-sang wi-e chaek-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang wi e chaek i iss eo yo.
'위' correctly indicates the book is on the upper surface of the desk.
책상 아래에 책이 있어요.
chaek-sang a-rae-e chaek-i iss-eo-yo., chaek sang a rae e chaek i iss eo yo.
'아래' correctly indicates the book is under the desk.
우리는 위에서 내려다봤어요.
u-ri-neun wi-e-seo nae-ryeo-da-bwass-eo-yo., u ri neun wi e seo nae ryeo da bwass eo yo.
'위' correctly expresses looking down from a higher place.
우리는 아래에서 올려다봤어요.
u-ri-neun a-rae-e-seo ol-ryeo-da-bwass-eo-yo., u ri neun a rae e seo ol ryeo da bwass eo yo.
'아래' correctly expresses looking up from a lower place.
팀장님은 우리 아래에 있어요.
tim-jang-nim-eun u-ri a-rae-e iss-eo-yo., tim jang nim eun u ri a rae e iss eo yo.
'아래' wrongly implies the team leader is lower rank; '위' should be used for higher rank.
팀장님은 우리 위에 있어요.
tim-jang-nim-eun u-ri wi-e iss-eo-yo., tim jang nim eun u ri wi e iss eo yo.
'위' correctly indicates the team leader is in a higher position.
사진은 벽 아래에 걸려 있어요.
sa-jin-eun byeok a-rae-e geol-ryeo iss-eo-yo., sa jin eun byeok a rae e geol ryeo iss eo yo.
'아래' is incorrect because the photo hangs on the upper part of the wall; '위' is correct.
사진은 벽 위에 걸려 있어요.
sa-jin-eun byeok wi-e geol-ryeo iss-eo-yo., sa jin eun byeok wi e geol ryeo iss eo yo.
'위' correctly indicates the photo is hanging on the upper part of the wall.
Which sentence should use '위'?
When should you use '아래'?
Fill in the blank: '팀장님은 우리 ___에 있어요.'
What does it mean?
