쓰다
sseuda[s͈ɯda̠]
To write in Korean, you can use 쓰다 (sseuda) or 적다.
Meaning: to form letters, etc. (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 쓰다 | sseuda | [s͈ɯda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 적다 | jeokda | [t͡ɕʌ̹k̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
쓰다 is the general verb used for the act of writing or composing text. It is a highly polysemous word, meaning it can also mean 'to use' an object, 'to wear' a hat or 'to be bitter' in taste depending on the context. 적다 is used specifically when the focus is on the act of recording or noting down information, such as writing down a phone number.
Which one should you use?
쓰다 is the general verb for writing or composing, whereas 적다 is used specifically when the intent is to record, note down or jot down information.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite informal conjugation of 쓰다 is 써요, and the past tense form is 썼다.
How do you pronounce it?
sseuda
Did you know?
- The word 쓰다 is so versatile that it is used for writing a letter, wearing a hat, using a tool and describing the taste of a lemon.
- The verb 적다 was documented in the Jīlín lèishì as early as 1103, long before the invention of the Hangul alphabet.
Examples in context
- 연필로 쓰다To write with a pencilThis sentence shows how to use the verb with a tool like a pencil.
- 영어로 쓰다To write in EnglishThis sentence shows how to indicate the language being used.
- 소설을 쓰다To write a novelThis sentence shows the verb being used for creative composition like a novel.
- 2글자를 쓰십시오.Please write two characters.
- 글을 써 주세요.Could you please write?
- 이 양식에 성함을 써 주세요.Could you write your name on this form, please?
- 친구에게 편지 써야 돼.I need to write a letter to my friend.
- 회의를 위해 보고서를 쓰겠습니다.I will write a report for the meeting.
- 전화번호 좀 써 줄래?Can you please write down your phone number?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo asks Subin to write her phone number on a piece of paper.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo여기에 전화번호 좀 써 주세요.yeogie jeonhwabeonho jom sseo juseyo.Please write your phone number here.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 지금 쓸게요.ne, jigeum sseulgeyo.Yes, I will write it now.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo펜이 없는데 쓰다 가능한가요?peni eomneunde sseuda ganeunghangayo?I don't have a pen, is it possible to write?
- 수빈 Su-bin제 펜으로 쓰세요.je pen-euro sseuseyo.Use my pen to write.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “write” translations and entries 쓰다, 적다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 쓰다, 적다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
