오다
oda[o̞da̠]
The Korean phrase for "to come" is 오다 (oda).
The verb 오다 describes movement toward a specific place. It is used for the movement of people and animals, as well as for inanimate objects such as the wind or rain.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the stem 오 and the suffix 다, which is added to create the dictionary form.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a continuous action, you can construct the form 오고 있다 by adding the suffix –고 있다 to the stem. When you want to give a polite command, use the imperative form 오세요 (Please come). For the polite past tense, use 왔어요 (came / has come).
How do you pronounce it?
oda
Did you know?
- The first time 오다 appeared in the native Hangul script was in the 용비어천가 (Yongbi eocheon'ga) in 1447, a series of songs praising the Joseon Dynasty's founders.
- Some western Chungcheong dialects use variations such as 오느, 오노, or 오나 instead of the standard 와.
Examples in context
- 존경하는 선생님이 이쪽으로 오시면 좋을 것 같습니다.It would be great if the esteemed teacher comes this way.
- 지금 어디에 있어? 내가 이따 오려고.Where are you right now? I'm coming later.
- 집에 와서 놀자!Come to my house and let's hang out!
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are meeting at a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 지금 오다 가요?Minji ssi, jigeum oda gayo?Minji, are you coming now?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 지금 거의 다 왔어요.ne, jigeum geoui da wasseoyo.Yes, I am almost there.
- 도현 Do-hyeon천천히 조심해서 오다.cheoncheonhi josimhaeseo oda.Come carefully and take your time.
- 민지 Min-ji알겠어요, 곧 봐요!algesseoyo, got bwayo!I understand, see you soon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 오다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
