What does 읽다 mean?

읽다 (ik-da, ikda)

읽다 (ilkda) is a fundamental Korean verb meaning to read or interpret written text.

Person reading a book

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

읽다(ik-da, ikda)

읽다 means to look at and understand written characters, books, newspapers, or any written content.

Nuances

  • Includes understanding, not just seeing
  • Can apply to picture books, not just text
  • Used when reading aloud
  • Used metaphorically to mean interpreting information or situations

When to use

Reading books, Reading newspapers, Reading letters, Reviewing documents

In context

읽다 is primarily used as a verb with objects like books, texts, newspapers, or letters. It fits naturally in both everyday conversation and formal writing.

Real-world examples

  • 나는 매일 아침 신문을 읽는다.

    na-neun mae-il a-chim sin-mun-eul ik-neun-da., na neun mae il a chim sin mun eul ik neun da.

    The object '신문' (newspaper) fits naturally and matches the basic meaning of '읽다'.

  • 그는 편지를 크게 읽었다.

    geu-neun pyeon-ji-reul keu-ge ik-eoss-da., geu neun pyeon ji reul keu ge ik eoss da.

    '읽다' can be used for reading aloud.

  • 나는 음악을 읽는다.

    na-neun eum-ak-eul ik-neun-da., na neun eum ak eul ik neun da.

    '읽다' can mean interpreting music sheets.

  • 그녀는 책을 읽고 있다.

    geu-nyeo-neun chaek-eul ik-go iss-da., geu nyeo neun chaek eul ik go iss da.

    The progressive form fits naturally and matches the meaning.

  • 나는 글을 듣는다.

    na-neun geul-eul deut-neun-da., na neun geul eul deut neun da.

    '듣다' means to listen, while '읽다' means to read; they are not interchangeable.

  • 그는 신문을 쓴다.

    geu-neun sin-mun-eul sseun-da., geu neun sin mun eul sseun da.

    '읽다' means to read, not write; '쓰다' is the correct verb.

  • 나는 그림을 읽는다.

    na-neun geu-rim-eul ik-neun-da., na neun geu rim eul ik neun da.

    '읽다' can mean interpreting pictures or picture books.

Quick quiz

  1. What is the basic meaning of 읽다?

    읽다의 기본 의미는 무엇인가요?(ik-da-uigi-bonui-mi-neunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, ikdauigibonuimineunmueosingayo?)
  2. Which sentence is correct?

    다음 문장 중 올바른 문장은?(da-eummun-jangjungol-ba-reunmun-jang-eun?, daeummunjangjungolbareunmunjangeun?)
  3. Which is a correct metaphorical meaning of 읽다?

    읽다의 비유적 의미로 적절한 것은?(ik-da-uibi-yu-jeokui-mi-rojeok-jeol-hangeos-eun?, ikdauibiyujeokuimirojeokjeolhangeoseun?)

More meaning guides

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