Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to change" in Korean: 바꾸다
바꾸다bakkuda
to change in Korean is 바꾸다 (bakkuda). 바꾸다 changes something or exchanges it; 바뀌다 means something changes on its own.
to change: an everyday statement
자리를 바꿔요.jarireul bakkwoyo.
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How to pronounce 바꾸다
Say it
bakkuda
/pak͈uta/
Read 바꾸다 as bakkuda. The spoken form 바꿔요 is bakkwoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to change" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 바꾸다bakkuda | to change Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 바꿔요bakkwoyo | to change (polite present) Use 바꿔요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 바꿔요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 바꿨어요bakkwosseoyo | to change (polite past) Use 바꿨어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 바꿨어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 바꾸다 in real life
- 1to change: an everyday statement
자리를 바꿔요.
jarireul bakkwoyo.
I change seats.
바꿔요 is the present form of 바꾸다.
- 2to change: a different situation
어제 계획을 바꿨어요.
eoje gyehoegeul bakkwosseoyo.
I changed the plan yesterday.
바꿨어요 is the past form of 바꾸다.
- 3to change: a question or request
다른 것으로 바꿔요?
dareun geoseuro bakkwoyo?
Shall we exchange it for another one?
바꿔요 is the present form of 바꾸다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 바꾸다
Incorrect: 바꾸다.
Correct: 바꿔요.
When practicing to change, 바꾸다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 바꿔요.
Incorrect: 어제 바꿔요.
Correct: 어제 바꿨어요.
When practicing to change, for a completed event yesterday, use 바꿨어요; the present form 바꿔요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
바꾸다 changes something or exchanges it; 바뀌다 means something changes on its own. 바꿔요 is the polite conversational form of 바꾸다; 바꿨어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 바꾸다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
자리를 바꿔요.
jarireul bakkwoyo.
I change seats.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 계획을 바꿨어요.
eoje gyehoegeul bakkwosseoyo.
I changed the plan 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 change" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to change" in Korean
How do I use 바꾸다 in polite speech?
바꿔요 is the polite conversational form of 바꾸다; 바꿨어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 바꾸다 in a past-tense sentence?
바꿨어요 is the polite past form. 바꾸다 changes something or exchanges it; 바뀌다 means something changes on its own.
What does 바꿔요 mean here?
바꿔요 is used for to change. For example, 자리를 바꿔요. means “I change seats.”
What should I remember about 바꾸다?
바꾸다 changes something or exchanges it; 바뀌다 means something changes on its own.
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