쓰다
sseuda[s͈ɯda̠]
The English phrase 'use' can be translated into Korean as 쓰다 (sseuda) or 사용하다. Wiktionary also lists 사용(使用)하다 (sayonghada).
Meaning: employ, apply (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 쓰다 | sseuda | [s͈ɯda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 사용(使用)하다 | sayonghada |
쓰다 is a highly polysemous verb that can mean 'to use', 'to write', 'to wear (a hat/glasses)' or 'to be bitter' depending on the context. The related nouns for the act of using include 사용, 이용 and 리용.
Which one should you use?
사용하다 is a more formal and technical term for 'to use' compared to the more versatile 쓰다. While 사용하다 refers to the act of using a tool or object, 이용하다 often implies using a resource, a facility or a situation for a specific purpose or benefit.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 쓰다 is 썼다.
How do you pronounce it?
sseuda
Did you know?
- In Korean, the expression 'to use one's heart' 마음을 쓰다 does not mean to employ an organ, but rather to put effort into something or to worry about someone.
- While 사용하다 and 이용하다 both translate to 'use', 이용하다 can carry a negative connotation of 'exploiting' or 'taking advantage of' a person.
- Because 쓰다 means both 'to use' and 'to write', the phrase 돈을 쓰다 can literally mean 'to spend money' or 'to write about money' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- 그들이 그렇게 외설적인 언어를 쓰다니 정말 역겹다.To think they would use such indecent language! It's really disgusting.Tatoeba #2655698 by KoreanBeaver, translation #3658160 by rbbrbb
- 저는 핸드폰을 사용합니다.I use a cellphone.
- 저희 회사에서는 최신 기술을 사용하고 있습니다.Our company uses the latest technology.
- 담당자님, 컴퓨터를 사용해도 될까요?May I use the computer, sir/ma'am?
- 이 앱을 사용하면 더 편리해.It's more convenient if you use this app.
- 이걸 써봐!Give it a try (Use this)!
- 저거 쓰는 게 낫지 않을까?Wouldn't it be better to use that?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “use” translations and entries 쓰다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
