눕다
nupda[ˈnu(ː)p̚t͈a̠]
To lay down in Korean is 눕다 (nupda).
It is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes the subject performing the action of lying down, rather than placing an object down.
Meaning: to place on the ground (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 눕다 describes the subject lying down themselves, it should not be confused with verbs used for placing objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
the polite informal conjugation is 누워요, and the past tense form is 누웠다.
How do you pronounce it?
nupda
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse 눕다 (to lie down oneself) with 놓다 (to place an object down) when translating 'lay down'.
Did you know?
- In modern internet culture, 눕방 (nup-bang) is a dedicated genre of live streaming where the host remains lying down 눕다 for the duration of the show.
- If you use 눕다 with a direct object, such as a book, a Korean speaker will likely imagine the book is a sentient being performing the act of lying down.
- Lying down 눕다 while having a conversation with an elder or a superior is often perceived as a serious breach of social etiquette and a sign of disrespect.
Examples in context
- 피곤하면 좀 누워.If you're tired, just lay down.
Example conversation
Dohyun is helping Minji organize a nap area for a child.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 베개를 가져오세요.Minji ssi, begaereul gajyeo-oseyo.Minji, please bring the pillow.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 여기 있어요.ne, yeogi isseoyo.Yes, here it is.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이제 아이를 여기 눕다.ije aireul yeogi nupda.Now lay the child down here.
- 민지 Min-ji알겠어요, 도현 씨.algesseoyo, Dohyun ssi.I understand, Dohyun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 눕다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
