접다 (jeop-da, jeopda) · 펼치다 (pyeol-chi-da, pyeolchida)
'접다' is used when folding something to make it smaller, while '펼치다' is used when unfolding something to make it bigger.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A verb used when folding something to reduce its size or organize it
When to use
folding paper, folding clothes, folding books, folding umbrella
The nuance
'접다' is used when you fold an item to make it smaller or tidy it up. Commonly used for paper, clothes, books, etc.
A verb used when unfolding something folded to make it wider or open
When to use
opening a book, unfolding a map, opening an umbrella, unfolding a newspaper
The nuance
'펼치다' is used when you open something that was folded to widen it or show it. Commonly used for opening books, maps, umbrellas, etc.
종이를 반으로 접었다.
jong-i-reul ban-eu-ro jeop-eoss-da., jong i reul ban eu ro jeop eoss da.
'접다' is correct because it describes folding paper to make it smaller.
종이를 반으로 펼쳤다.
jong-i-reul ban-eu-ro pyeol-chyeoss-da., jong i reul ban eu ro pyeol chyeoss da.
'펼치다' means to unfold something folded; you can't unfold paper that wasn't folded before.
우산을 접어서 가방에 넣었다.
u-san-eul jeop-eo-seo ga-bang-e neoh-eoss-da., u san eul jeop eo seo ga bang e neoh eoss da.
'접다' fits because you fold the umbrella to make it smaller.
우산을 펼쳐서 비를 막았다.
u-san-eul pyeol-chyeo-seo bi-reul mak-ass-da., u san eul pyeol chyeo seo bi reul mak ass da.
'펼치다' is correct because it means opening the umbrella to use it.
책을 접어서 읽었다.
chaek-eul jeop-eo-seo ik-eoss-da., chaek eul jeop eo seo ik eoss da.
'접다' is used to close a book, not to read it folded; so '책을 접어서 읽었다' is unnatural.
책을 펼쳐서 읽었다.
chaek-eul pyeol-chyeo-seo ik-eoss-da., chaek eul pyeol chyeo seo ik eoss da.
'펼치다' is natural because it means opening the book to read.
옷을 접어서 옷장에 넣었다.
os-eul jeop-eo-seo os-jang-e neoh-eoss-da., os eul jeop eo seo os jang e neoh eoss da.
'접다' fits because you fold clothes to organize them.
옷을 펼쳐서 옷장에 넣었다.
os-eul pyeol-chyeo-seo os-jang-e neoh-eoss-da., os eul pyeol chyeo seo os jang e neoh eoss da.
'펼치다' is unnatural here because clothes are usually folded before storing, not unfolded.
Which sentence correctly uses '접다'?
Which sentence correctly uses '펼치다'?
When should you use '펼치다'?
