Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 끌다 | kkeulda | [ˈk͈ɯ(ː)ɭda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 뽑다 | ppopda | [p͈o̞p̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The verb 끌다 is used when you are dragging or pulling an object across a surface or pulling something behind yourself. It is also used figuratively to mean attracting attention or interest, such as in the phrase 관심을 끌다 (to attract interest). While 끌다 is one option, note that 당기다 is actually the most standard and common term for pull in Korean. Additionally, the verb 잡다, which generally means to grasp or to hold, can sometimes be used to express the concept of pulling in certain instances.
Which one should you use?
Use 끌다 when the action involves dragging or pulling an object across a surface or behind oneself, such as pulling a cart. In contrast, use 뽑다 when the action involves pulling something out from a fixed position, such as pulling a tooth or pulling a weed.
How do you pronounce it?
kkeulda
Did you know?
- While 뽑다 means 'to pull out', it is also the standard word used when hiring a new employee or selecting a winner in a lottery.
- While 'pull' has many forms, the word 끌다 contains an extra 'l' sound that does not follow standard linguistic patterns. Most modern Korean verbs follow predictable rules, but this specific sound was added to 끌다 through a somewhat mysterious historical process.
- The word 뽑다 is used for pulling a tooth, but also for the act of 'plugging' or 'unplugging' an electronic device from a socket.
Examples in context
- 수레를 끌다To pull a wagonThis sentence is useful for practicing how to use 끌다 when pulling a wagon.
- 문을 당겨 주세요.Please pull the door.
- 종이를 뽑아 줄래?Can you pull out the paper?
- 짐을 끌다.jimeul kkeulda.Pull the luggage.
- 가방을 끌다.gabangeul kkeulda.Pull the bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pull” translations and entries 끌다, 뽑다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 끌다, 뽑다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
