의미하다
uimihada[ˈɰi(ː)miɦa̠da̠]
In Korean, the verb 'to mean' in the context of a word's significance is 의미하다 (uimihada).
의미하다 is used to describe the abstract meaning or significance of a word or symbol. For discussing the specific definition or the intent behind a term, the synonym 뜻하다 is also commonly used.
Meaning: of a word: to signify (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 의미하다 refers to the abstract meaning of a word, if you are referring to 'mean' in a mathematical sense (having the mean as its value), you should use 평균(平均)의. If you are using 'mean' to describe someone's character as intending to cause harm, use 나쁘다, 악(惡)하다 or 악의적(惡意的)이다.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 의미하다 changes depending on the level of politeness and the context of your writing. In the polite informal style used in everyday conversation, it conjugates to 의미해요. In the plain or narrative style used for writing or formal statements, it conjugates to 의미한다.
How do you pronounce it?
uimihada
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 의미하다 to mean 'to be unkind' or 'to be malicious'. For those meanings, use words such as 나쁘다 or 악의적(惡意的)이다.
Did you know?
- The word 의미 consists of two Hanja characters: 의 (意) for 'intention' and 미 (味) for 'taste'.
- In Korean, the concept of 'meaning' often overlaps with 'value'. A person might say a gift has 의미 to express that it is emotionally precious, not just that it represents a symbol.
- While 의미하다 describes abstract significance, the related word 뜻 (ttut), used in 뜻하다, originally referred to the 'will' or 'intention' of a person.
Examples in context
- 그는 비열하게 행동했다.He behaved meanly.
- 얘는 완전 심술궂아.He/she is really mean.
- 저 사람은 우리를 항상 구박한다.That person always bullies us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 의미하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 의미하다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
