모두
modu[mo̞du]
The English phrase 'everybody' can be translated into Korean as 모두 (modu). Wiktionary also lists 누구나 (nuguna).
Meaning: all people (pron)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 모두 | modu | [mo̞du] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 누구나 | nuguna |
The term refers to all people. In spoken, casual Korean, 다들 is a very common way to address or refer to 'everyone' in a group.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on what you want to emphasize. Use 모두 when emphasizing the entirety of a group or the collective whole. Use 누구나 when emphasizing that the statement applies to any person without exception.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 가 can be added to 모두 to explicitly mark it as the subject of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
modu
Did you know?
- The modern word 모두 traces its roots back to the Middle Korean word 모도, which was formed from a root meaning 'to gather'.
- In highly formal settings, Koreans may avoid using a general term for 'everybody' and instead use a collective noun referring to the specific group's rank or role.
- While 모두 means 'everyone', it is also frequently used as an adverb to mean 'completely' or 'entirely' in contexts where English would not use a word for people.
Examples in context
- 모두 조용히 해야 한다.Everybody needs to be quiet.This sentence shows how to use 모두 regarding a collective requirement to be quiet.Tatoeba #10576559 by ssuss32, translation #5788226 by CK
- 법 이전에 모두는 평등해.Everybody is equal before the law.This sentence uses 모두 to describe equality before the law.Tatoeba #8365157 by Eunhee, translation #51719 by Eldad
- 누구나 사랑 받고 싶어 해.Everybody wants to be loved.This sentence demonstrates the use of 누구나 to express a universal human desire.Tatoeba #8362187 by Eunhee, translation #2951836 by CK
- 모두 여기로 와 주세요.Everybody, please come here.
- 오늘은 모든 사람을 위한 특별 이벤트가 있습니다.Today, we have a special event for everybody.
- 다들 잘 지내?How's everybody doing?
- 오늘 다 같이 영화 보러 가자!Let's all go watch a movie today!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are waiting for their friends to arrive at a restaurant.
- 민지 Min-ji모두 도착했나요?modu dochak-haet-na-yo?Has everybody arrived?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 아직 한 명 더 와야 해요.ani-yo, ajik han myeong deo wa-ya hae-yo.No, one more person still needs to come.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 모두 올 때까지 기다려요.geureom modu ol ttaekkaji gida-ryeo-yo.Then let's wait until everybody comes.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 그렇게 해요.ne, geureoke hae-yo.Yes, let's do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “everybody” translations and entries 모두, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 모두, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
