What does 싸다 mean?

싸다 (ssa-da, ssada)

The Korean verb '싸다' has multiple meanings. This guide explains its core and varied uses clearly.

Korean word 싸다 with packing and price tags

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

싸다(ssa-da, ssada)

'싸다' primarily means 'to pack' or 'to be cheap (in price)'.

Nuances

  • Used both for packing items and indicating low price.
  • Common, friendly expression in everyday Korean.
  • Can imply negative quality depending on context.

When to use

shopping, packing, price comparison, daily conversation

In context

'싸다' is a verb used to indicate packing something or that something is inexpensive, depending on the subject. It is natural in both spoken and written Korean, with meaning varying by context.

Real-world examples

  • 짐을 싸다.

    jim-eul ssa-da., jim eul ssa da.

    '짐을 싸다' clearly means 'to pack luggage'.

  • 이 가방은 싸요.

    i ga-bang-eun ssa-yo., i ga bang eun ssa yo.

    '싸다' used to mean 'inexpensive'.

  • 음식이 싸다.

    eum-sik-i ssa-da., eum sik i ssa da.

    Natural use meaning 'the price is low'.

  • 그는 싸다.

    geu-neun ssa-da., geu neun ssa da.

    '싸다' does not describe a person in this way.

  • 선물을 싸다.

    seon-mul-eul ssa-da., seon mul eul ssa da.

    '싸다' correctly means 'to wrap a gift'.

  • 이 제품은 싸고 좋아요.

    i je-pum-eun ssa-go joh-a-yo., i je pum eun ssa go joh a yo.

    Expresses both low price and good quality naturally.

  • 그는 싸움에서 이겼다.

    geu-neun ssa-um-e-seo i-gyeoss-da., geu neun ssa um e seo i gyeoss da.

    '싸다' is not a contraction of '싸움하다'.

Quick quiz

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

    '싸다'의 기본 의미가 아닌 것은?('ssa-da'uigi-bonui-mi-gaa-ningeos-eun?, 'ssada'uigibonuimigaaningeoseun?)
  2. What does '짐을 싸다' mean?

    '짐을 싸다'의 뜻은?('jim-eulssa-da'uitteus-eun?, 'jimeulssada'uitteuseun?)
  3. What does '이 가방은 싸요.' mean?

    '이 가방은 싸요.'의 뜻은?('iga-bang-eunssa-yo.'uitteus-eun?, 'igabangeunssayo.'uitteuseun?)

More meaning guides

View all meaning guides →