닫다
datda[ta̠t̚t͈a̠]
To say close in Korean, as in to close a door, use 닫다 (datda).
문을 닫다 is used both literally for closing a door and for a business closing for the day.
Meaning: move (a door) (verb)
Which one should you use?
Close in the sense of near is a different word in Korean, 가까워요 in polite speech or 가까워 casually.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form is 닫아요, the formal past tense is 닫았습니다 and the future is 닫을 거예요.
How do you pronounce it?
It is written in Latin letters as datda.
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest a very distant connection between the root of 닫다 and the Japanese verb tadayou, which means 'to float'.
- While 닫다 is used for doors, Korean uses different verbs for closing your eyes or closing a book, as these involve different types of movement.
Examples in context
- 이 가게는 몇 시에 문을 닫아요?What time does this shop/store close?닫아요 is the polite form of the verb for close, asking when the shop closes.
- 이 식당은 지하철역에 가까워요.This restaurant is close to the subway station.
- 그가 친구에게 가까이 다가가서 인사했다.He approached his friend closely and greeted him.
- 우리 집이 너네 집에 가까워.Our house is close to your place.
- 지금 어디쯤에 있어? 가까이 와볼까?Where are you right now? Should I come closer?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “close” translations and entries 닫다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 닫다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
