놀다
nolda[ˈno̞(ː)ɭda̠]
The Korean phrase for "to play" is 놀다 (nolda).
놀다 is used to describe spending time doing enjoyable activities for pleasure or recreation.
How do you pronounce it?
nolda
Did you know?
- The word 놀다 can also mean 'to be unemployed' or 'to be idle' in certain contexts. While it primarily refers to leisure, it can imply a lack of productive activity.
- A common slang use of 놀다 involves the phrase 잘 놀다, which can imply someone is very socially active or, in some contexts, a bit of a troublemaker.
- In Korean, the term 놀이 (play/game) is combined with other words to create names for traditional activities, such as 민속놀이 for folk games.
Examples in context
- 우리 같이 공원에서 놀아요.Let's play together at the park.
- 시간이 있을 땐 항상 놀자!Let's always play whenever we have free time!
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their plans for the day.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 오늘 같이 놀다?Hyeonu ssi, oneul gatchi nolda?Hyeonu, do you want to hang out today?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 좋아요. 어디로 갈까요?ne, joayo. eodiro galkkayo?Yes, I'd love to. Where shall we go?
- 서연 Seo-yeon공원에서 신나게 놀다.gongwoneseo sinnage nolda.Let's have some fun at the park.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요. 지금 바로 가요.joayo. jigeum baro gayo.Sounds good. Let's go right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 놀다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
