싸다
ssada[s͈a̠da̠]
The Korean verb 'to wrap' can be expressed as 싸다 (ssada) or 포장하다.
Meaning: to enclose completely in fabric, paper, etc (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 싸다 | ssada | [s͈a̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 포장하다 | pojanghada |
To wrap something means to enclose it completely in a material such as fabric or paper. The related noun 포장 refers to the actual packaging or the act of wrapping. If you are referring to the physical material used for wrapping, such as wrapping paper, use the noun 포장지. Note that the verb 둘러싸다 is used when you want to say 'to encircle' or 'to envelop', often in a metaphorical sense.
Which one should you use?
The word 싸다 can have two different meanings depending on the context and its grammatical role in a sentence: it can mean 'to wrap' or 'to be cheap'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
싸다 is a colloquial form.
How do you pronounce it?
ssada
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, it is considered polite to present gifts wrapped in beautifully designed and colorful wrapping paper.
Did you know?
- The word 싸다 can mean 'to urinate' or 'to poop' in a very informal and blunt context.
- The verb 싸다 is also used to describe the act of wrapping food in a leaf, such as lettuce or perilla, which is a central part of Korean barbecue culture.
- While 포장하다 means 'to wrap', the noun 포장 is used in restaurants to mean 'takeout' or 'to go'.
Examples in context
- 선물을 포장지에 싸다.To wrap a presentThis sentence is useful for learning how to use 싸다 in the context of wrapping a present.
- 선물을 포장해 주세요Please wrap the gift
- 아기 옷을 싸 주세요Please wrap the baby clothes
- 선물을 포장해 줄래?Can you wrap the present for me?
- 남은 음식을 비닐로 싸다.nameun eumsigul binillo ssada.Wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap.
- 차가운 것을 수건으로 꽁꽁 싸다.chagaun geoseul sugeoneuro kkongkkong ssada.Wrap the cold thing tightly in a towel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wrap” translations and entries 싸다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
