Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 모든 | modeun | [ˈmo̞(ː)dɯn] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 매(每)- | mae- | |
| -마다 | -mada | [ma̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The way you say 'every' depends on whether you are using it as a determiner, a prefix or a particle. 모든 acts as a determiner used before a noun. The prefix 매- is used to form compound words, typically attached to time-related nouns. The particle -마다 is used to indicate 'every' or 'each' by attaching directly to a noun.
Which one should you use?
모든 is a determiner placed before a noun, while -마다 is a particle attached to the end of a noun. The prefix 매- is used within words, such as when combined with time nouns.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -마다 is a particle that is attached directly to a noun to mean 'every' or 'each'. The prefix 매- is used to form words meaning 'every', which is typically seen when attached to time-related nouns. For example, the word 매일 (maeil) means 'every day' by combining the prefix 매- with the noun 일 (day).
How do you pronounce it?
modeun
Did you know?
- The word 모든 actually comes from an ancient verb meaning 'to gather' or 'to assemble'. While it now means 'every', its historical root described things that had been brought together.
- While 매- is a common prefix for 'every' in time-related words, it is heavily influenced by Hanja (Chinese characters). In contrast, the particle -마다 is a native Korean word.
- Because -마다 is a particle, it can sometimes function as a way to express 'whenever' in certain contexts, focusing on the repetition of an event.
Examples in context
- 그 모든 문제의 해답이 있다.There is a solution to every problem.This sentence shows how to use 모든 to refer to problems.Tatoeba #5989206 by mistake101, translation #5985233 by Adelpa
- 모든 사람은 저마다 다 다르다는 게 참 인상적이야.The uniqueness of every human being is impressive.This sentence uses 모든 to refer to people.Tatoeba #13761855 by qlTmalffk, translation #7786203 by shekitten
- 이 정치적 위기는 모든 알제리 신문의 첫면에 실렸다.The political crisis is on the front page of every Algerian newspaper.This sentence uses 모든 to refer to newspapers.Tatoeba #13043415 by Uwe, translation #7856568 by Amastan
- 매일Every day
- 매주Every week
- 매월Every month
- 매년Every year
- 매시간Every hour
- 매분Every minute
- 매초Every second
- 모든 사람Every person
- 모든 도시Every city
- 모든 나라Every country
- 모든 요일Every day of the week
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are talking about a new cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 여기 모든 메뉴가 다 맛있어요?Seoyeon ssi, yeogi modeun menyuga da masisseoyo?Seoyeon, is every menu item here delicious?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 지훈 씨. 모든 디저트가 진짜 맛있어요.Ne, Jihoon ssi. Modeun dijeoteuga jinjja masisseoyo.Yes, Jihoon. Every dessert is really delicious.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 그럼 모든 걸 다 먹어봐요.Jeongmalyo? Geureom modeun geol da meogeobwayo.Really? Then let's try eating everything.
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요, 지훈 씨가 다 사주시는 거죠?Joayo, Jihoon ssi-ga da sajusineun geojyo?Great, so Jihoon is buying everything, right?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “every” translations and entries 모든, -마다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries -마다, 모든, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
