돌아가셨다
doragasyeotda
The English phrase "passed away" is translated into Korean as 돌아가셨다 (doragasyeotda).
돌아가셨다 is used as a polite and respectful euphemism to say that someone has died. It is the standard way to refer to the death of others, particularly when speaking about elders or people of higher status.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is derived from the honorific verb 돌아가시다, which combines 돌아가다 (to go back or return) with the honorific suffix -시-. Literally, the phrase means "to have returned (to one's original place or heaven)."
Which one should you use?
돌아가셨다 is a respectful euphemism. In contrast, 죽었다 is a blunt, neutral or even disrespectful way to say "died."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
돌아가셨다 is a polite and respectful form used when referring to the death of someone who deserves respect, such as an elder.
How does it change in a sentence?
돌아가셨다 is the past tense form of the honorific verb 돌아가시다.
How do you pronounce it?
doragasyeotda
Did you know?
- When referring to the death of a pet, Koreans typically avoid the honorific 돌아가셨다 and instead use 무지개 다리를 건넜다, which means 'crossed the rainbow bridge'.
- Korean has a specific word 소천 (socheon) used primarily in Christian communities. It literally means 'called by heaven' and replaces 돌아가셨다 in church contexts.
- If a person of very high status or a royal passes away, Koreans may use the term 승하 (seungha), which implies 'ascending' to a higher realm rather than just returning.
Examples in context
- 아버지는 2년 전에 돌아가셨다.My father passed away two years ago.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 돌아가셨다 when mentioning a deceased family member.Tatoeba #10761549 by HappyMidnight, translation #318940 by CK
- 친구가 세상을 떠났어.My friend passed away.
- 할머니께서 어제 돌아가셨다.halmeonikkasyeo eoje doragasyeotda.My grandmother passed away yesterday.
- 그분은 작년에 돌아가셨다.geubun-eun jaknyeon-e doragasyeotda.He passed away last year.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about a mutual acquaintance's grandparent.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 소식 들었어요?Minji ssi, sosik deureosseoyo?Minji, did you hear the news?
- 민지 Min-ji아니요, 무슨 일이에요?Aniyo, museun irieyo?No, what happened?
- 민준 Min-jun선생님 할아버지가 돌아가셨다네요.Seonsaengnim harabeojiga doragasyeotdaneyo.I heard the teacher's grandfather passed away.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 안타까운 소식이네요.Jeongmal antakkaun sosigineyo.That is truly sad news.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
