Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to wait" in Korean: 기다리다
기다리다gidarida
to wait in Korean is 기다리다 (gidarida). 기다리다 takes the awaited person or object directly; English for is not a separate Korean preposition here.
to wait: an everyday statement
버스를 기다려요.beoseureul gidaryeoyo.
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How to pronounce 기다리다
Say it
gidarida
/kitaɾita/
Read 기다리다 as gidarida. The spoken form 기다려요 is gidaryeoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to wait" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 기다리다gidarida | to wait Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 기다려요gidaryeoyo | to wait (polite present) Use 기다려요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 기다려요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 기다렸어요gidaryeosseoyo | to wait (polite past) Use 기다렸어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 기다렸어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 기다리다 in real life
- 1to wait: an everyday statement
버스를 기다려요.
beoseureul gidaryeoyo.
I wait for the bus.
기다려요 is the present form of 기다리다.
- 2to wait: a different situation
역에서 친구를 기다렸어요.
yeogeseo chingureul gidaryeosseoyo.
I waited for a friend at the station.
기다렸어요 is the past form of 기다리다.
- 3to wait: a question or request
누구를 기다려요?
nugureul gidaryeoyo?
Who are you waiting for?
기다려요 is the present form of 기다리다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 기다리다
Incorrect: 기다리다.
Correct: 기다려요.
When practicing to wait, 기다리다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 기다려요.
Incorrect: 어제 기다려요.
Correct: 어제 기다렸어요.
When practicing to wait, for a completed event yesterday, use 기다렸어요; the present form 기다려요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
기다리다 takes the awaited person or object directly; English for is not a separate Korean preposition here. 기다려요 is the polite conversational form of 기다리다; 기다렸어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 기다리다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
버스를 기다려요.
beoseureul gidaryeoyo.
I wait for the bus.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
역에서 친구를 기다렸어요.
yeogeseo chingureul gidaryeosseoyo.
I waited for a friend at the station.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to wait" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to wait" in Korean
How do I use 기다리다 in polite speech?
기다려요 is the polite conversational form of 기다리다; 기다렸어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 기다리다 in a past-tense sentence?
기다렸어요 is the polite past form. 기다리다 takes the awaited person or object directly; English for is not a separate Korean preposition here.
What does 기다려요 mean here?
기다려요 is used for to wait. For example, 버스를 기다려요. means “I wait for the bus.”
What should I remember about 기다리다?
기다리다 takes the awaited person or object directly; English for is not a separate Korean preposition here.
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