Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to swim" in Korean: 수영하다
수영하다suyeonghada
to swim in Korean is 수영하다 (suyeonghada). 수영하다 means swim; location takes 에서 when it marks where the swimming happens.
to swim: an everyday statement
수영장에서 수영해요.suyeongjangeseo suyeonghaeyo.
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How to pronounce 수영하다
Say it
suyeonghada
/sujʌŋhata/
Read 수영하다 as suyeonghada. The spoken form 수영해요 is suyeonghaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to swim" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 수영하다suyeonghada | to swim Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 수영해요suyeonghaeyo | to swim (polite present) Use 수영해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 수영해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 수영했어요suyeonghaesseoyo | to swim (polite past) Use 수영했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 수영했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 수영하다 in real life
- 1to swim: an everyday statement
수영장에서 수영해요.
suyeongjangeseo suyeonghaeyo.
I swim at the pool.
수영해요 is the present form of 수영하다.
- 2to swim: a different situation
어제 바다에서 수영했어요.
eoje badaeseo suyeonghaesseoyo.
I swam in the sea yesterday.
수영했어요 is the past form of 수영하다.
- 3to swim: a question or request
겨울에도 수영해요?
gyeouredo suyeonghaeyo?
Do you swim in winter too?
수영해요 is the present form of 수영하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 수영하다
Incorrect: 수영하다.
Correct: 수영해요.
When practicing to swim, 수영하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 수영해요.
Incorrect: 어제 수영해요.
Correct: 어제 수영했어요.
When practicing to swim, for a completed event yesterday, use 수영했어요; the present form 수영해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
수영하다 means swim; location takes 에서 when it marks where the swimming happens. 수영해요 is the polite conversational form of 수영하다; 수영했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 수영하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
수영장에서 수영해요.
suyeongjangeseo suyeonghaeyo.
I swim at the pool.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 바다에서 수영했어요.
eoje badaeseo suyeonghaesseoyo.
I swam in the sea 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 swim" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to swim" in Korean
How do I use 수영하다 in polite speech?
수영해요 is the polite conversational form of 수영하다; 수영했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 수영하다 in a past-tense sentence?
수영했어요 is the polite past form. 수영하다 means swim; location takes 에서 when it marks where the swimming happens.
What does 수영해요 mean here?
수영해요 is used for to swim. For example, 수영장에서 수영해요. means “I swim at the pool.”
What should I remember about 수영하다?
수영하다 means swim; location takes 에서 when it marks where the swimming happens.
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