배우다 (bae-u-da, baeuda) · 가르치다 (ga-reu-chi-da, gareuchida)
배우다 is used from the learner's perspective, while 가르치다 is used from the teacher's perspective.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To acquire new knowledge or skills
When to use
student in class, learning new skill alone, studying foreign language
The nuance
배우다 is used from the perspective of receiving knowledge or skills from someone or through experience.
To convey knowledge or skills to others
When to use
teacher to student, in academy instructor, parent to child
The nuance
가르치다 is used from the perspective of giving knowledge, typically when a teacher explains to students.
저는 한국어를 배우고 있어요.
jeo-neun han-guk-eo-reul bae-u-go iss-eo-yo., jeo neun han guk eo reul bae u go iss eo yo.
Correct use of 배우다 from learner's perspective.
저는 학생들에게 배우고 있어요.
jeo-neun hak-saeng-deul-e-ge bae-u-go iss-eo-yo., jeo neun hak saeng deul e ge bae u go iss eo yo.
Incorrect because 배우다 cannot be used when referring to teaching others.
선생님이 영어를 가르치고 계세요.
seon-saeng-nim-i yeong-eo-reul ga-reu-chi-go gye-se-yo., seon saeng nim i yeong eo reul ga reu chi go gye se yo.
Correct use of 가르치다 from teacher's perspective.
저는 친구에게 가르치고 있어요.
jeo-neun chin-gu-e-ge ga-reu-chi-go iss-eo-yo., jeo neun chin gu e ge ga reu chi go iss eo yo.
Correct use of 가르치다 when conveying knowledge to a friend.
저는 수영을 가르치고 있어요.
jeo-neun su-yeong-eul ga-reu-chi-go iss-eo-yo., jeo neun su yeong eul ga reu chi go iss eo yo.
Correct use of 가르치다 when teaching swimming to others.
저는 수영을 배우고 있어요.
jeo-neun su-yeong-eul bae-u-go iss-eo-yo., jeo neun su yeong eul bae u go iss eo yo.
Correct use of 배우다 when learning swimming.
선생님이 학생에게 배우고 있어요.
seon-saeng-nim-i hak-saeng-e-ge bae-u-go iss-eo-yo., seon saeng nim i hak saeng e ge bae u go iss eo yo.
Incorrect because teachers do not 배우다 students; they 가르치다 them.
아이들이 부모님에게 가르치고 있어요.
a-i-deul-i bu-mo-nim-e-ge ga-reu-chi-go iss-eo-yo., a i deul i bu mo nim e ge ga reu chi go iss eo yo.
Incorrect because children receive knowledge from parents, they 배우다 not 가르치다.
Which situation correctly uses '배우다'?
Which sentence correctly uses '가르치다'?
Which sentence is incorrect?
