덮다 (deop-da, deopda) · 씌우다 (ssui-u-da, ssuiuda)
덮다 means to place something over an object to cover or block it, while 씌우다 means to fit a cover or clothing snugly onto something.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To place something over another object to cover or block it
When to use
Covering food with cloth, Covering book with paper, Snow covering mountains
The nuance
덮다 is mainly used when covering a flat or wide surface by placing a cover, cloth, paper, etc. on top.
To put a cover or clothing snugly onto an object
When to use
Putting a cover on a car, Putting a hat on the head, Putting glasses on
The nuance
씌우다 is used when fitting a cover, hat, glasses, etc. snugly onto an object, implying it is fixed or secured in place.
음식 위에 천을 덮었다.
eum-sik wi-e cheon-eul deop-eoss-da., eum sik wi e cheon eul deop eoss da.
덮다 is appropriate for placing cloth over food to cover it.
음식 위에 천을 씌웠다.
eum-sik wi-e cheon-eul ssui-woss-da., eum sik wi e cheon eul ssui woss da.
씌우다 implies fitting snugly, which is unnatural for loosely covering food.
자동차에 커버를 씌웠다.
ja-dong-cha-e keo-beo-reul ssui-woss-da., ja dong cha e keo beo reul ssui woss da.
씌우다 fits well when putting a cover snugly on a car.
자동차에 커버를 덮었다.
ja-dong-cha-e keo-beo-reul deop-eoss-da., ja dong cha e keo beo reul deop eoss da.
덮다 is unsuitable for covering 3D objects like cars.
책 위에 종이를 덮었다.
chaek wi-e jong-i-reul deop-eoss-da., chaek wi e jong i reul deop eoss da.
덮다 is suitable for placing paper over a book.
책 위에 종이를 씌웠다.
chaek wi-e jong-i-reul ssui-woss-da., chaek wi e jong i reul ssui woss da.
씌우다 implies fitting snugly, which is unnatural for paper loosely covering a book.
머리에 모자를 씌웠다.
meo-ri-e mo-ja-reul ssui-woss-da., meo ri e mo ja reul ssui woss da.
씌우다 is appropriate for fitting a hat on the head.
머리에 모자를 덮었다.
meo-ri-e mo-ja-reul deop-eoss-da., meo ri e mo ja reul deop eoss da.
덮다 implies loosely covering, which is unnatural for wearing a hat.
Which word should you use to cover food with cloth?
What verb describes fitting a snug cover on a car?
Which is correct for placing paper over a book?
Which verb is appropriate for putting on a hat?
