쓰다
sseuda[s͈ɯda̠]
To write in Korean is 쓰다 (sseuda).
쓰다 is used to describe the act of writing. When referring to writing a specific object, you place the object before the verb, such as 소설을 쓰다 (to write a novel). The verb usually appears at the end of the sentence. You can use this word to discuss writing skills, for example, in the phrase 글을 잘 쓰다 (to write well). To ask if someone knows how to write, you can use 쓸 줄 아세요?
Which one should you use?
Note that 쓰다 is a homonym. Depending on the context, it can also mean to use, to wear (specifically on the head, like a hat) or to be bitter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word can change its form to serve different grammatical functions: 쓰고 is used to link the action of writing to another action or state (write and…), 쓰면 expresses a conditional 'if' related to the act of writing (if one writes), 썼다 is the past tense form (wrote) and 쓰는 is the adjective form used to modify a noun (writing/that writes).
How do you pronounce it?
sseuda
Did you know?
- The word 쓰다 can be used to describe the act of using an umbrella. In Korean, you 'wear' or 'use' an umbrella over your head using the same verb used for hats.
- In Korean, the verb 쓰다 is used for items worn on the head, but a different verb is used for clothes worn on the body. You cannot use 쓰다 to say you are wearing a shirt.
- If you are describing a sensation of 'bitterness' in food, you use the exact same word, 쓰다, as you would for 'to write'.
Examples in context
- 연필로 쓰다To write with a pencilThis sentence shows how to express writing with a specific tool.
- 영어로 쓰다To write in EnglishThis sentence shows how to express writing in a specific language.
- 소설을 쓰다To write a novelThis sentence shows how to express writing a specific object.
- 이야기를 잘 써요.You write stories well.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun are studying in a library.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 여기에 이름을 쓰다.Minjun ssi, yeogie ireumeul sseuda.Minjun, write your name here.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 지금 쓸게요.Ne, jigeum sseulgeyo.Yes, I will write it now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon천천히 쓰다.Cheoncheonhi sseuda.Write it slowly.
- 민준 Min-jun다 썼어요.Da sseosseoyo.I finished writing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 쓰다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
