Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to write" in Korean: 쓰다
쓰다sseuda
to write in Korean is 쓰다 (sseuda). 쓰다 loses ㅡ before the 아/어 ending, producing 써요; it also means use in other contexts.
to write: an everyday statement
이름을 써요.ireumeul sseoyo.
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How to pronounce 쓰다
Say it
sseuda
/s͈ɯta/
Read 쓰다 as sseuda. The spoken form 써요 is sseoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to write" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 쓰다sseuda | to write Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 써요sseoyo | to write (polite present) Use 써요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 써요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 썼어요sseosseoyo | to write (polite past) Use 썼어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 썼어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 쓰다 in real life
- 1to write: an everyday statement
이름을 써요.
ireumeul sseoyo.
I write my name.
써요 is the present form of 쓰다.
- 2to write: a different situation
친구에게 편지를 썼어요.
chinguege pyeonjireul sseosseoyo.
I wrote a letter to a friend.
썼어요 is the past form of 쓰다.
- 3to write: a question or request
주소를 어디에 써요?
jusoreul eodie sseoyo?
Where do I write the address?
써요 is the present form of 쓰다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 쓰다
Incorrect: 쓰다.
Correct: 써요.
When practicing to write, 쓰다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 써요.
Incorrect: 어제 써요.
Correct: 어제 썼어요.
When practicing to write, for a completed event yesterday, use 썼어요; the present form 써요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
쓰다 loses ㅡ before the 아/어 ending, producing 써요; it also means use in other contexts. 써요 is the polite conversational form of 쓰다; 썼어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 쓰다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
이름을 써요.
ireumeul sseoyo.
I write my name.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
친구에게 편지를 썼어요.
chinguege pyeonjireul sseosseoyo.
I wrote a letter to a friend.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to write" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to write" in Korean
How do I use 쓰다 in polite speech?
써요 is the polite conversational form of 쓰다; 썼어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 쓰다 in a past-tense sentence?
썼어요 is the polite past form. 쓰다 loses ㅡ before the 아/어 ending, producing 써요; it also means use in other contexts.
What does 써요 mean here?
써요 is used for to write. For example, 이름을 써요. means “I write my name.”
What should I remember about 쓰다?
쓰다 loses ㅡ before the 아/어 ending, producing 써요; it also means use in other contexts.
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