석방하다 (seok-bang-ha-da, seokbanghada) · 석방되다 (seok-bang-doe-da, seokbangdoeda)
‘석방하다’ (seokbanghada) is an active verb meaning 'to release someone,' while ‘석방되다’ (seokbangdoeda) is the passive form meaning 'to be released.'
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An active verb meaning to release someone from prison or custody
When to use
Court releasing defendant, Police releasing suspect, Active action expression
The nuance
Used when the subject actively releases someone. The agent must be clear, and there must be a direct object (the person released).
A passive verb meaning to be released from prison or custody
When to use
Defendant being released by court, Suspect being released by police, Passive experience expression
The nuance
Used when the subject is passively released. The subject does not perform the action but experiences it.
법원은 그를 석방했다.
beop-won-eun geu-reul seok-bang-haess-da., beop won eun geu reul seok bang haess da.
The subject (court) actively releases someone, so ‘석방하다’ is correct.
그는 법원에 의해 석방되었다.
geu-neun beop-won-e ui-hae seok-bang-doe-eoss-da., geu neun beop won e ui hae seok bang doe eoss da.
The subject (he) is passively released, so ‘석방되다’ is correct.
경찰이 용의자를 석방되었다.
gyeong-chal-i yong-ui-ja-reul seok-bang-doe-eoss-da., gyeong chal i yong ui ja reul seok bang doe eoss da.
‘Police’ as subject is active agent, so use ‘석방했다’ not passive ‘석방되었다’.
피고인이 석방했다.
pi-go-in-i seok-bang-haess-da., pi go in i seok bang haess da.
The defendant is not the agent releasing, so passive ‘석방되다’ is correct.
법원은 피고인을 석방했다.
beop-won-eun pi-go-in-eul seok-bang-haess-da., beop won eun pi go in eul seok bang haess da.
The court actively releases the defendant, so ‘석방하다’ is appropriate.
피고인은 법원에서 석방되었다.
pi-go-in-eun beop-won-e-seo seok-bang-doe-eoss-da., pi go in eun beop won e seo seok bang doe eoss da.
The defendant is passively released, so ‘석방되다’ is appropriate.
그는 석방되었다.
geu-neun seok-bang-doe-eoss-da., geu neun seok bang doe eoss da.
Naturally expresses subject being passively released.
Which word to use when there is an active agent releasing someone?
Which word to use when the defendant is passively released?
Complete the sentence: ‘The police ___ the suspect.’
Complete the sentence: ‘He ___ by the court.’
