만나다 (man-na-da, mannada) · 헤어지다 (he-eo-ji-da, heeojida)
만나다 (mannada) means to meet or gather, while 헤어지다 (he-eojida) means to part or separate from someone.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To meet or get together with someone.
When to use
Planned meeting, Chance meeting, First meeting, Meeting friends
The nuance
Use 만나다 when two or more people come together at a place, whether planned or by chance, indicating a positive or neutral meeting.
To separate or part from someone.
When to use
Farewell, Temporary separation, Ending romantic relationship, Parting with friends
The nuance
Use 헤어지다 when people separate after meeting, either temporarily or permanently, including breakups or farewells.
우리는 내일 카페에서 만나요.
u-ri-neun nae-il ka-pe-e-seo man-na-yo., u ri neun nae il ka pe e seo man na yo.
Planned meeting situation, so 만나요 is correct.
우리는 내일 카페에서 헤어져요.
u-ri-neun nae-il ka-pe-e-seo he-eo-jyeo-yo., u ri neun nae il ka pe e seo he eo jyeo yo.
헤어지다 is not used to describe meeting places; 만나야 합니다.
친구를 우연히 길에서 만났어요.
chin-gu-reul u-yeon-hi gil-e-seo man-nass-eo-yo., chin gu reul u yeon hi gil e seo man nass eo yo.
Chance meeting, so 만났어요 is correct.
친구와 우연히 길에서 헤어졌어요.
chin-gu-wa u-yeon-hi gil-e-seo he-eo-jyeoss-eo-yo., chin gu wa u yeon hi gil e seo he eo jyeoss eo yo.
헤어지다 is not used for meeting; 만나야 합니다.
그들은 작년에 헤어졌어요.
geu-deul-eun jak-nyeon-e he-eo-jyeoss-eo-yo., geu deul eun jak nyeon e he eo jyeoss eo yo.
헤어지다 is correct for ending a romantic relationship.
그들은 작년에 만났어요.
geu-deul-eun jak-nyeon-e man-nass-eo-yo., geu deul eun jak nyeon e man nass eo yo.
만나다 is correct to express past meeting.
우리 이제 헤어져요.
u-ri i-je he-eo-jyeo-yo., u ri i je he eo jyeo yo.
헤어지다 is correct for current separation.
우리 이제 만나요.
u-ri i-je man-na-yo., u ri i je man na yo.
만나다 is correct for current meeting.
Which word fits? I feel excited when I first _____ a friend.
Which word fits? We made a plan to _____ at the cafe.
Which word fits? Lovers feel sad when they _____ each other.
Which word fits? I accidentally _____ a friend on the street.
