달려가다 (dal-ryeo-ga-da, dalryeogada) · 달려오다 (dal-ryeo-o-da, dalryeooda)
달려가다 means running away from the speaker's location, while 달려오다 means running toward the speaker's location.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To run away from the current location toward another place or person.
When to use
Moving away from speaker, From start point to target, Leaving speaker's location
The nuance
Used when running from the speaker’s current location toward another place or person.
To run closer to the current location or person from somewhere else.
When to use
Approaching speaker, Moving from elsewhere toward speaker, Getting closer to speaker
The nuance
Used when running toward the speaker’s current location.
나는 친구 집으로 달려갔다.
na-neun chin-gu jip-eu-ro dal-ryeo-gass-da., na neun chin gu jip eu ro dal ryeo gass da.
The speaker moves away from their current location toward friend's house, so '달려갔다' is correct.
나는 친구 집으로 달려왔다.
na-neun chin-gu jip-eu-ro dal-ryeo-wass-da., na neun chin gu jip eu ro dal ryeo wass da.
Unless the speaker started at friend's house, '달려왔다' is inappropriate; '달려갔다' should be used.
그는 나에게 달려왔다.
geu-neun na-e-ge dal-ryeo-wass-da., geu neun na e ge dal ryeo wass da.
Because the person runs toward the speaker, '달려왔다' is correct.
그는 나에게 달려갔다.
geu-neun na-e-ge dal-ryeo-gass-da., geu neun na e ge dal ryeo gass da.
When approaching the speaker, '달려왔다' must be used; '달려갔다' is wrong.
학생들이 운동장으로 달려갔다.
hak-saeng-deul-i un-dong-jang-eu-ro dal-ryeo-gass-da., hak saeng deul i un dong jang eu ro dal ryeo gass da.
If the speaker is outside the playground, running toward it means '달려갔다' is correct.
학생들이 운동장으로 달려왔다.
hak-saeng-deul-i un-dong-jang-eu-ro dal-ryeo-wass-da., hak saeng deul i un dong jang eu ro dal ryeo wass da.
If the speaker is not inside the playground, '달려왔다' is incorrect.
강아지가 나에게 달려왔다.
gang-a-ji-ga na-e-ge dal-ryeo-wass-da., gang a ji ga na e ge dal ryeo wass da.
The dog runs closer to the speaker, so '달려왔다' fits.
강아지가 나에게 달려갔다.
gang-a-ji-ga na-e-ge dal-ryeo-gass-da., gang a ji ga na e ge dal ryeo gass da.
When approaching the speaker, '달려갔다' is incorrect.
Which word is used when running away from the speaker's location?
Which word describes a dog running from outside into the house?
What is correct when a friend runs toward your location?
Which word fits when I run from school to home?
