What does 자다 mean?

자다 (ja-da, jada)

The Korean verb '자다' primarily means 'to sleep.' It's commonly used in daily life and business contexts.

Sleeping person illustration

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

자다(ja-da, jada)

'자다' is a verb meaning to sleep, referring to the act of resting with eyes closed.

Nuances

  • Simple act of sleeping
  • Includes rest and recharging
  • Sometimes used metaphorically

When to use

daily life, health, rest

In context

'자다' is used when the subject (person or animal) is sleeping. It is primarily a verb, and in polite speech, it is often replaced by honorifics like '주무시다.' It commonly appears in the phrase '잠을 자다.'

Real-world examples

  • 나는 어젯밤에 8시간 동안 잘 잤어요.

    na-neun eo-jes-bam-e 8si-gan dong-an jal jass-eo-yo., na neun eo jes bam e 8si gan dong an jal jass eo yo.

    '자다' correctly indicates the act of sleeping.

  • 강아지가 바닥에서 자고 있어요.

    gang-a-ji-ga ba-dak-e-seo ja-go iss-eo-yo., gang a ji ga ba dak e seo ja go iss eo yo.

    '자다' can be used for animals as well.

  • 회의에서 자다.

    hoe-ui-e-seo ja-da., hoe ui e seo ja da.

    '자다' is inappropriate and grammatically awkward in formal situations like meetings.

  • 잠을 자다.

    jam-eul ja-da., jam eul ja da.

    '잠을 자다' is the basic expression.

Quick quiz

  1. What is the basic meaning of '자다'?

    '자다'의 기본 의미는 무엇인가요?('ja-da'uigi-bonui-mi-neunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, 'jada'uigibonuimineunmueosingayo?)
  2. What is the honorific form of '자다'?

    '자다'를 존댓말로 바꾸면?('ja-da'reuljon-daes-mal-roba-kku-myeon?, 'jada'reuljondaesmalrobakkumyeon?)

More meaning guides

View all meaning guides →