쓰다(sseu-da, sseuda)
An active verb meaning to use something or to write
When to use
Using tools, Writing text, Using language, Expressing feelings
The nuance
Used when the subject actively uses a tool, language, writing, etc.
쓰다 vs 써지다: Active vs Passive Usage
쓰다 (sseu-da, sseuda) · 써지다 (sseo-ji-da, sseojida)
'쓰다' is active meaning 'to use' or 'to write,' while '써지다' is the passive form meaning 'to be written' or 'to be used' naturally or unintentionally.
Word-by-word breakdown
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
써지다(sseo-ji-da, sseojida)
A passive verb meaning something is naturally or unintentionally written or used
When to use
Passive expression, Natural occurrence, Action by others
The nuance
Used when the subject does not act directly but something is written or used passively or naturally by others or circumstances.
Real-world examples
나는 편지를 쓴다.
na-neun pyeon-ji-reul sseun-da., na neun pyeon ji reul sseun da.
The subject actively writes a letter, so '쓴다' is correct.
편지가 써진다.
pyeon-ji-ga sseo-jin-da., pyeon ji ga sseo jin da.
Indicates the letter is being written by someone or naturally, so '써진다' is correct.
나는 이 펜을 써진다.
na-neun i pen-eul sseo-jin-da., na neun i pen eul sseo jin da.
'Pen' is actively used, so '쓴다' should be used. '써진다' is passive and inappropriate here.
이 글은 내가 쓴다.
i geul-eun nae-ga sseun-da., i geul eun nae ga sseun da.
The subject actively writes the text, so '쓴다' is correct.
이 글은 내가 써진다.
i geul-eun nae-ga sseo-jin-da., i geul eun nae ga sseo jin da.
Subject is the doer, so passive '써진다' is incorrect; '쓴다' is correct.
이 단어는 자주 쓰인다.
i dan-eo-neun ja-ju sseu-in-da., i dan eo neun ja ju sseu in da.
The word is frequently used passively, so '쓰인다' is correct.
이 단어는 자주 써진다.
i dan-eo-neun ja-ju sseo-jin-da., i dan eo neun ja ju sseo jin da.
'써지다' fits naturally written sentences; for word usage frequency, '쓰이다' is correct.
나는 감정을 쓰다.
na-neun gam-jeong-eul sseu-da., na neun gam jeong eul sseu da.
Expressing feelings actively, so '쓰다' is correct.
Quick quiz
Choose the correct word: 'This letter is ___ by someone.'
다음 문장에서 알맞은 단어는? '이 편지는 누군가에 의해 ___.'(da-eummun-jang-e-seoal-maj-eundan-eo-neun?'ipyeon-ji-neunnu-gun-ga-eui-hae___.', daeummunjangeseoalmajeundaneoneun?'ipyeonjineunnugungaeuihae___.')Which sentence shows active usage?
다음 중 능동적 사용을 나타내는 문장은?(da-eumjungneung-dong-jeoksa-yong-eulna-ta-nae-neunmun-jang-eun?, daeumjungneungdongjeoksayongeulnatanaeneunmunjangeun?)Which word fits: 'This word is often ___.'
'이 단어는 자주 ___.'에 들어갈 알맞은 단어는?('idan-eo-neunja-ju___.'edeul-eo-galal-maj-eundan-eo-neun?, 'idaneoneunjaju___.'edeuleogalalmajeundaneoneun?)
What does it mean?
More comparisons to explore
- 달다 vs 쓰다: Differences in Taste and Usage
- 찾다 vs 찾아내다: Nuance Differences in Discovery
- 놓다 vs 두다: Differences in Expressing Where to Place Objects
- 가지다 vs 갖다: Distinguishing Natural Expressions of Possession
- 읽다 vs 읽히다: Active vs Passive Voice
- 열다 vs 닫다: Expressions for Opening and Closing Doors and Minds
- 켜다 vs 끄다: Basics of Turning On and Off Devices
- 넣다 vs 빼다: The Difference Between Adding and Removing