싸우다 (ssa-u-da, ssauda) · 다투다 (da-tu-da, datuda)
싸우다 implies physical fights or intense conflicts, while 다투다 mainly refers to verbal disputes or disagreements.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A verb used when there is physical fighting or intense conflict
When to use
Physical fight, Intense conflict, Emotional outburst
The nuance
싸우다 is mainly used for physical fights or severe conflicts, suitable for emotionally intense situations.
A verb mainly indicating verbal disputes or differences in opinion
When to use
Verbal dispute, Difference of opinion, Mild argument
The nuance
다투다 is used for verbal disputes or disagreements and fits less intense situations than 싸우다.
아이들이 놀이터에서 싸웠다.
a-i-deul-i nol-i-teo-e-seo ssa-woss-da., a i deul i nol i teo e seo ssa woss da.
싸우다 is appropriate for physical fighting situations.
부모님과 말다툼을 해서 다퉜다.
bu-mo-nim-gwa mal-da-tum-eul hae-seo da-twoss-da., bu mo nim gwa mal da tum eul hae seo da twoss da.
다투다 naturally fits verbal disputes and disagreements.
그들은 의견 차이 때문에 싸웠다.
geu-deul-eun ui-gyeon cha-i ttae-mun-e ssa-woss-da., geu deul eun ui gyeon cha i ttae mun e ssa woss da.
For differences of opinion, use 다투다; 싸우다 sounds too aggressive.
형제들이 서로 다투었다.
hyeong-je-deul-i seo-ro da-tu-eoss-da., hyeong je deul i seo ro da tu eoss da.
다투다 suits verbal or minor disputes between siblings.
두 팀이 경기장에서 다투었다.
du tim-i gyeong-gi-jang-e-seo da-tu-eoss-da., du tim i gyeong gi jang e seo da tu eoss da.
If physical conflict occurs on the field, 싸우다 is correct.
부부가 심하게 싸웠다.
bu-bu-ga sim-ha-ge ssa-woss-da., bu bu ga sim ha ge ssa woss da.
싸우다 is natural for emotionally intense serious fights.
친구들과 의견이 달라서 다투었다.
chin-gu-deul-gwa ui-gyeon-i dal-ra-seo da-tu-eoss-da., chin gu deul gwa ui gyeon i dal ra seo da tu eoss da.
다투다 fits disputes caused by differences in opinion.
사람들이 말다툼하다가 몸싸움으로 다투었다.
sa-ram-deul-i mal-da-tum-ha-da-ga mom-ssa-um-eu-ro da-tu-eoss-da., sa ram deul i mal da tum ha da ga mom ssa um eu ro da tu eoss da.
Physical fights require 싸우다; 다투다 is inappropriate for physical conflict.
Which word indicates physical fighting?
Which is appropriate for verbal disputes due to opinion differences?
What word to use for a physical fight on the sports field?
