Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to break" in Korean: 깨뜨리다
깨뜨리다kkaetteurida
to break in Korean is 깨뜨리다 (kkaetteurida). 깨뜨리다 means break something such as glass; 깨지다 describes the object breaking.
to break: an everyday statement
실수로 접시를 깨뜨려요.silsuro jeopsireul kkaetteuryeoyo.
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How to pronounce 깨뜨리다
Say it
kkaetteurida
/k͈ɛt͈ɯɾita/
Read 깨뜨리다 as kkaetteurida. The spoken form 깨뜨려요 is kkaetteuryeoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to break" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 깨뜨리다kkaetteurida | to break Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 깨뜨려요kkaetteuryeoyo | to break (polite present) Use 깨뜨려요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 깨뜨려요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 깨뜨렸어요kkaetteuryeosseoyo | to break (polite past) Use 깨뜨렸어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 깨뜨렸어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 깨뜨리다 in real life
- 1to break: an everyday statement
실수로 접시를 깨뜨려요.
silsuro jeopsireul kkaetteuryeoyo.
I accidentally break a plate.
깨뜨려요 is the present form of 깨뜨리다.
- 2to break: a different situation
어제 컵을 깨뜨렸어요.
eoje keobeul kkaetteuryeosseoyo.
I broke a cup yesterday.
깨뜨렸어요 is the past form of 깨뜨리다.
- 3to break: a question or request
유리를 자주 깨뜨려요?
yurireul jaju kkaetteuryeoyo?
Do you often break glass?
깨뜨려요 is the present form of 깨뜨리다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 깨뜨리다
Incorrect: 깨뜨리다.
Correct: 깨뜨려요.
When practicing to break, 깨뜨리다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 깨뜨려요.
Incorrect: 어제 깨뜨려요.
Correct: 어제 깨뜨렸어요.
When practicing to break, for a completed event yesterday, use 깨뜨렸어요; the present form 깨뜨려요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
깨뜨리다 means break something such as glass; 깨지다 describes the object breaking. 깨뜨려요 is the polite conversational form of 깨뜨리다; 깨뜨렸어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 깨뜨리다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
실수로 접시를 깨뜨려요.
silsuro jeopsireul kkaetteuryeoyo.
I accidentally break a plate.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 컵을 깨뜨렸어요.
eoje keobeul kkaetteuryeosseoyo.
I broke a cup yesterday.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to break" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to break" in Korean
How do I use 깨뜨리다 in polite speech?
깨뜨려요 is the polite conversational form of 깨뜨리다; 깨뜨렸어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 깨뜨리다 in a past-tense sentence?
깨뜨렸어요 is the polite past form. 깨뜨리다 means break something such as glass; 깨지다 describes the object breaking.
What does 깨뜨려요 mean here?
깨뜨려요 is used for to break. For example, 실수로 접시를 깨뜨려요. means “I accidentally break a plate.”
What should I remember about 깨뜨리다?
깨뜨리다 means break something such as glass; 깨지다 describes the object breaking.
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