다가가다
dagagada[ta̠ɡa̠ɡa̠da̠]
To approach in Korean is 다가가다 (dagagada). Wiktionary also lists 접근하다 (jeopgeunhada).
Meaning: (intransitive) to come or go near, in place or time (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 다가가다 | dagagada | [ta̠ɡa̠ɡa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 접근하다 | jeopgeunhada | [t͡ɕʌ̹p̚k͈ɯnɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The verb expresses the act of coming or going near in terms of place or time. You can use the phrase 조심스레 접근하다 (josimseure jeopgeunhada) to mean "approach with caution."
What does it mean word for word?
The word 다가가다 literally means "to go toward/near", as it is composed of 다가 (approaching/coming near) and 가다 (to go).
Which one should you use?
접근하다 is used for more abstract approaches, such as approaching a problem, a topic or a restricted area.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 접근하다 is 접근했다.
How do you pronounce it?
dagagada
Did you know?
- In romantic contexts, 다가가다 is used to describe the 'first move' or the act of initiating a relationship with someone.
- In Korean business or academic settings, 접근법 (jeopgeun-beop) is the standard word for 'methodology' or 'approach' to a problem.
- When a deadline is approaching, Koreans may use 다가오다 instead of 다가가다, shifting the perspective so the time is moving toward the person.
Examples in context
- 다른 사람에게 접근하는 방식은 다양합니다.There are various ways to approach someone.
- 경찰관에게 다가가서 도움을 청해보세요.Approach the police officer and ask for assistance.
- 낯선 사람에게 다가가면 조심해야 해.You should be careful when approaching strangers.
- 오늘 급하게 다가와서 미안해.Sorry for approaching you so suddenly today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “approach” translations and entries 다가가다, 접근하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
