모든 것
modeun geot
The English word 'everything' can be translated into Korean as 모든 것 (modeun geot). Wiktionary also lists 모두 (modu) and 전부 (jeonbu).
Meaning: all the things (pron)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 모든 것 | modeun geot | |
| 모두 | modu | [mo̞du] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 전부 | jeonbu | [t͡ɕʌ̹nbu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 모든 것 is composed of the determiner 모든 (every/all) and the noun 것 (thing/object).
Which one should you use?
모든 것 functions as a noun phrase meaning 'every thing'. In contrast, 모두 functions more like an adverb or a noun meaning 'all' or 'everyone'. It can refer to people as well as objects depending on the context. 전부 is used to emphasize the completeness or the total sum of a specific amount or set of items, often translated as 'the whole' or 'the entirety'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While 모든 것 can be used for both singular and plural contexts, you can add the plural marker 들 to create 모든 것들 to explicitly denote multiple things.
How do you pronounce it?
modeun geot
Did you know?
- The word 모든 was originally the form of a verb meaning 'to gather' or 'to assemble'. This means that saying 'everything' in Korean historically implied that the items had been brought together in one place.
- When speaking casually, you will often hear the contraction 거 instead of the full form 것.
Examples in context
- 살아있는 모든 것은 죽는다.Everything that lives perishes.This sentence uses 모든 것 to express a general truth about living things.Tatoeba #8034303 by yesjustryan, translation #5731059 by CM
- 톰은 가진것을 모두 팔았다.Tom sold everything he had.This sentence uses 모두 to describe selling all of one's possessions.Tatoeba #9694230 by ST_Young, translation #9689390 by CK
- 모든 것이 변하기 직전이다.Everything is about to change.This sentence uses 모든 것 to describe an imminent change in everything.Tatoeba #11104876 by intertime, translation #8255972 by danepo
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are discussing a new project.
- 민준 Min-jun준비는 다 됐어?Junbi-neun da dwaesseo?Is everything ready?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 모든 것이 완벽해.Eung, modeun geosi wanbyeokhae.Yes, everything is perfect.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 다행이다.Jeongmal dahaeng-ida.That's a relief.
- 수빈 Su-bin이제 시작하자.Ije sijak-haja.Let's start now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “everything” translations and entries 모두, 전부, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 것, 모두, 모든, 전부, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
