구르다
gureuda[kuɾɯda̠]
The English verb "roll" is translated into Korean as 구르다 (gureuda).
구르다 is used to describe the action of turning over and over. This applies to both inanimate objects, such as a ball and living beings, such as a person performing a somersault or tumbling.
Meaning: to turn over and over (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
While 구르다 describes the act of rolling, compound verbs are often used to specify direction. The verb 굴러가다 is used to mean "to roll away" or "to roll along," whereas 굴러오다 is used when an object is rolling toward the speaker's location.
How do you pronounce it?
gureuda
Did you know?
- The word 구르다 can be used metaphorically in Korean to describe someone who has gained a lot of worldly experience or has 'rolled' through many situations.
- The word 구르다 is potentially related to the Korean word 굽다, which means 'to be curved'. This connection suggests a historical conceptual link between the shape of an object and its ability to roll.
- In certain southeastern dialects of Korea, the word 구르다 preserves an ancient 'p' sound, appearing closer to its historical root than the modern standard version used in Seoul.
Examples in context
- 자전거 바퀴가 굴러갑니다.The bicycle wheels are rolling.
- 여우가 몸을 구르고 있어요.The fox is rolling its body.
- 공이 굴러다닙니다.The ball is rolling.
- 공이 구른다.The ball rolls.
- 아기가 바닥을 구를 거야.The baby will roll on the floor.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are watching a puppy play in the park.
- 수빈 Su-bin강아지가 정말 귀여워요.gangajiga jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.The puppy is so cute.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금 풀밭에서 구르다.jigeum pulbateseo guruda.It's rolling in the grass right now.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨도 같이 놀고 싶어요?dohyeon ssido gachi nolgo sipeoyo?Do you want to play with it too, Dohyun?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 저도 구르다 가고 싶네요.ne, jeodo guruda gago sipneyo.Yes, I want to go roll around too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 구르다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
