서다
seoda[sʰʌ̹da̠]
In Korean, 'stand' is 서다 (seoda).
서다 is an intransitive verb used to describe the action of a subject supporting itself on its feet in an erect position. It is specifically used when the subject stands up on its own.
Meaning: to support oneself on the feet in an erect position (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 서다 is used when a subject stands up on its own, the causative form 세우다 is used when one stands something else up.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite informal conjugation of 서다 is 서요. If you are using the past tense, the plain or informal form is 섰다.
How do you pronounce it?
seoda
Did you know?
- The causative form 세우다 is not just for physical objects, but can also be used for 'stopping' a car or 'standing' a meeting.
- While in English we 'stand' in a queue, in Korean you would say the queue 'has arisen' or 'is set' using 서다 to describe the line of people.
- The verb 서다 can be used to describe a person 'standing' for an election, meaning to run for office.
Examples in context
- 저는 학교에서 선생님 앞에 서 있었습니다.I stood in front of the teacher at school.
- 손님들이 도착하자마자 우리는 모두 밖으로 나와 서 있었습니다.As soon as the guests arrived, we all came out and stood outside.
- 그가 길에 서 있다.He is standing on the street.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are waiting for a train on a crowded platform.
- 도현 Do-hyeon사람이 너무 많네요.sarami neomu mannneyo.There are too many people.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요. 계속 서다 보니 힘들어요.majayyo. gyesok seoda boni himdeureoyo.True. It's tiring because I've been standing.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저기 빈 자리가 있어요.jeogi bin jariga isseoyo.There is an empty seat over there.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 빨리 가요!jeongmalyo? ppalli gayo!Really? Let's go quickly!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stand” translations and entries 서다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
