다른
dareun[ta̠ɾɯn]
The English word "different" is translated into Korean as 다른 (dareun).
The word 다른 is used to describe things that are not the same.
Meaning: not the same (adj)
Which one should you use?
In English, "different" and "other" are distinct words, but in Korean, 다른 is ambiguous and can mean both "different" and "other" depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form 다른 is a conjugated version of the dictionary form 다르다, which means "to be different". If you want to use the word as an adverb meaning "differently", you should use the form 다르게.
How do you pronounce it?
dareun
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse 'different' and 'other' in Korean, but '다른' covers both meanings.
Did you know?
- In many Korean social contexts, stating that something is 다른 (different) can be a very polite, indirect way of saying something is 'wrong' or 'incorrect'.
- In colloquial Korean, 다르다 can be used as a slang term to describe someone who is 'on another level' or exceptionally skilled, implying their ability is 'different' from ordinary people.
- The word 다른 is used in the common expression 다른 생각, which can mean 'a different idea' or, in some contexts, 'ulterior motives' or 'secret intentions'.
Examples in context
- 톰은 이것을 다른 방식으로 본다.Tom sees this in a different way.This sentence shows how to use 다른 to describe a different way of doing something.Tatoeba #8549580 by okja, translation #1164221 by CK
- 표도르는 다른 길을 가고 있었어.Fyodor was on a different path.This sentence uses 다른 to describe a different path.Tatoeba #13755179 by qlTmalffk, translation #11821753 by Amastan
- 저는 다른 사람들의 다양한 생각을 듣고싶어요.I'd like to hear other people's different thoughts.This sentence uses 다른 to refer to the thoughts of other people.Tatoeba #10572157 by ssuss32, translation #11489694 by camouat
- 영화와 드라마는 다르다.Movies and dramas are different.
- 이 레스토랑은 다양한 요리를 제공한다.This restaurant provides various dishes.
- 우리 취미가 달라.Our hobbies are different.
- 이 노래와 다른 음악을 좋아해.I like music that is different from this song.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are looking at two similar-looking shirts in a store.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨, 이 옷은 저 옷과 다른 색이에요.Subin-ssi, i oseun jeo gos-gwa dareun saeg-ieyo.Subin, this clothing is a different color from that one.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 제가 보기에는 똑같아 보여요.Jeongmallyo? Jega bogieneun ttokgat-a boyeoyo.Really? To me, they look the same.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo조금 다른 것 같아요. 자세히 보세요.Jogeum dareun geot gat-ayo. Jasehi boseyo.I think they are a little different. Look closely.
- 수빈 Su-bin아, 이제야 차이가 보이네요.A, ijeya chaiga boineyo.Ah, now I see the difference.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “different” translations and entries 다른, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
