달다
dalda[ta̠ɭda̠]
The English word "sweet" is translated into Korean as 달다 (dalda) or 달콤하다.
Meaning: having a pleasant taste (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 달다 | dalda | [ta̠ɭda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 달콤하다 | dalkom-hada | [ta̠ɭkʰo̞mɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
달다 is the standard, neutral term used to describe a pleasant taste. Like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a sweet voice or a sweet atmosphere.
Which one should you use?
달다 is the standard term for sweetness, while 달콤하다 is often used to describe a more pleasant, delightful or honey-like sweetness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite present tense form of the dictionary form 달다 is 달아요, and its past tense form is 달았다. While 달다 can be used for metaphorical sweetness, 달콤하다 is more common when describing romantic or pleasant sensations.
How do you pronounce it?
dalda
Did you know?
- The word 달다 is a homonym with several other meanings, including 'to hang' something or 'to be attached'. Depending on the context, the same sound can describe a sweet cake or a picture hanging on a wall.
- While 달다 describes the taste, Koreans use the word 달달하다 to describe a 'sweet' or 'lovey-dovey' romantic relationship between a couple.
- The word 달콤하다 is structurally composed of the root 달콤 combined with the light verb -하다, which means 'to do'.
Examples in context
- 내 차는 너무 달다.My tea is too sweet.This sentence is useful for describing the sweetness of tea using 달다.Tatoeba #11105660 by intertime, translation #1987392 by CM
- 이 케이크는 달다.This cake is sweet.This sentence is useful for describing the sweetness of cake using 달다.Tatoeba #11105596 by intertime, translation #61167 by CM
- 이것은 정말 달다.This is very sweet.This sentence is useful for stating that something is very sweet using 달다.Tatoeba #11107539 by intertime, translation #7789182 by shekitten
- 이 디저트는 정말로 달콤합니다.This dessert is really sweet.
- 그 약은 설탕 같은 달콤함이 있습니다.That medicine has a sweetness like sugar.
- 그 노래는 꿀 같은 멜로디를 가지고 있습니다.That song has a melody as sweet as honey.
- 이 과일은 정말 달아요.This fruit is really sweet.
- 이 유산균 음료는 정말 달콤해요.This probiotic drink is really sweet.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are eating fruit together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 수박 정말 달다!i subak jeongmal dalda!This watermelon is really sweet!
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요. 아주 맛있어요.majayo. aju masisseoyo.You're right. It's very delicious.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨도 더 먹어요.Seoyeon ssido deo meogeoyo.Seoyeon, you have some more too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 조금 더 주세요.ne, jogeum deo juseyo.Yes, please give me a little more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweet” translations and entries 달다, 달콤하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
