What does 쓰다 mean?

쓰다 (sseu-da, sseuda)

The Korean verb '쓰다' has many meanings depending on context. Learn its key meanings and natural usage here.

Korean verb 쓰다 meaning guide

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

쓰다(sseu-da, sseuda)

'쓰다' primarily means 'to use' something, but also means 'to write', 'to wear (a hat)', and 'to taste bitter', among others.

Nuances

  • '쓰다' changes meaning by context: 'to use', 'to wear', 'to write', or 'to feel'.
  • Taste '쓰다' means 'bitter' and can express negative feelings.
  • '글을 쓰다' means to create or record text.
  • '모자를 쓰다' means to wear a hat on the body.

When to use

Writing, Wearing a hat, Taste description, Using devices

In context

'쓰다' is a verb used when the subject uses a tool or item, or describes a sensory state. It fits both formal and informal contexts, but meanings vary by context.

Real-world examples

  • 펜으로 편지를 썼어요.

    pen-eu-ro pyeon-ji-reul sseoss-eo-yo., pen eu ro pyeon ji reul sseoss eo yo.

    '쓰다' correctly means 'to write' here.

  • 모자를 쓰고 밖에 나갔어요.

    mo-ja-reul sseu-go bakk-e na-gass-eo-yo., mo ja reul sseu go bakk e na gass eo yo.

    '쓰다' properly means 'to wear (a hat)'.

  • 이 약은 너무 써서 못 먹겠어요.

    i yak-eun neo-mu sseo-seo mos meok-gess-eo-yo., i yak eun neo mu sseo seo mos meok gess eo yo.

    '쓰다' expresses bitter taste correctly.

  • 컴퓨터를 썼어요.

    keom-pyu-teo-reul sseoss-eo-yo., keom pyu teo reul sseoss eo yo.

    '쓰다' naturally means 'to use a device'.

  • 나는 신발을 썼어요.

    na-neun sin-bal-eul sseoss-eo-yo., na neun sin bal eul sseoss eo yo.

    '신다' is used for shoes, not '쓰다'.

  • 나는 편지를 썼어요.

    na-neun pyeon-ji-reul sseoss-eo-yo., na neun pyeon ji reul sseoss eo yo.

    '쓰다' correctly means 'to write'.

Quick quiz

  1. Which is NOT a basic meaning of '쓰다'?

    '쓰다'의 기본 의미가 아닌 것은?('sseu-da'uigi-bonui-mi-gaa-ningeos-eun?, 'sseuda'uigibonuimigaaningeoseun?)
  2. What taste does '맛이 쓰다' describe?

    '맛이 쓰다'는 어떤 맛인가요?('mas-isseu-da'neuneo-tteonmas-in-ga-yo?, 'masisseuda'neuneotteonmasingayo?)
  3. Is '모자를 쓰다' a correct sentence?

    '모자를 쓰다'가 맞는 문장인가요?('mo-ja-reulsseu-da'gamaj-neunmun-jang-in-ga-yo?, 'mojareulsseuda'gamajneunmunjangingayo?)

More meaning guides

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