둘 다
dul da
In Korean, 'both' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 둘 다 (dul da). Wiktionary also lists 양쪽의 (yangjjogui) and 쌍방 (ssangbang).
Meaning: each of two, one and the other (det)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 둘 다 | dul da | |
| 양쪽의 | yangjjogui | |
| 쌍방 | ssangbang | [s͈a̠ŋba̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 둘 다 is composed of 둘 (two) and 다 (all/everything).
Which one should you use?
둘 다 is used for any two entities, while 양쪽의 is used specifically when referring to two sides or two physical directions. 쌍방 is a specialized term meaning 'both parties' or 'mutual'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
쌍방 is a formal or technical term used in legal or official contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, 둘 다 can be placed before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that the condition applies to both subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
dul da
Did you know?
- The formal term 쌍방 uses the character 쌍 (雙), which also appears in the word for 'twin' 쌍둥이.
- The word 다 (all) was documented as early as 1447 in the 용비어천가, one of the first works written in the Hangul alphabet.
- In casual speech, 다 can be used alone as an exclamation to mean 'that is all' or 'it is finished', separate from its use in 둘 다.
Examples in context
- 너희 둘 다 맞다.You're both right.Tatoeba #11597096 by cherryband, translation #2218122 by CK
- 둘 다 너무 귀엽다.Both of them are very cute.Tatoeba #11106775 by intertime, translation #305940 by CK
- 너희 둘 다 거짓말쟁이다.You're both liars.Tatoeba #6305452 by Queserasera, translation #2218120 by CK
- 양쪽 모두 예쁘다.Both sides are beautiful.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are looking at two different cakes at a bakery.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 케이크들 중에 뭐가 더 좋아?i keikeudeul junge mwo-ga deo jo-a?Which one of these cakes do you like more?
- 지훈 Ji-hun난 둘 다 맛있어 보여.nan dul da mas-isseo boyeo.I think both look delicious.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 둘 다 살까?geureom dul da salkka?Then shall we buy both?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 그러자!eung, geureoja!Yes, let's do that!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “both” translations and entries 쌍방, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 다, 둘, 쌍방, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
