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A2 verb #3,000 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

다투다

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At the A1 level, you can think of '다투다' as a slightly more advanced way to say '싸우다' (to fight/argue). When you are just starting, you might learn '싸우다' first because it is very common. However, '다투다' is used when you want to talk about having a small argument with a friend or a brother/sister. For example, '친구와 다퉈요' (I argue with my friend). At this level, you only need to know that it involves two people talking and being a little bit angry or disagreeing. It is usually about small things like toys, food, or what movie to watch. You use the particle '와' or '과' to say who you are arguing with. It is a good word to use to show you know more than just the most basic Korean words.
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At the A2 level, you should understand that '다투다' isn't just for children or siblings; it's a common word for any verbal disagreement. You will see it used in sentences like '우리는 사소한 일로 자주 다퉈요' (We often argue over trivial things). You should also begin to see its second meaning: 'to compete'. For instance, if two people are running a race and are very close to each other, they are '다투고 있다'. This level requires you to distinguish between the 'arguing' meaning and the 'competing' meaning based on the context. You should also be comfortable with the past tense '다퉜다' and the polite form '다퉈요'. It's a very useful word for describing daily social interactions and simple competitions.
At the B1 level, you can use '다투다' in more complex social and professional contexts. You will encounter it in news stories or articles about disputes. For example, '두 회사가 시장 점유율을 다투고 있다' (Two companies are contending for market share). Here, the word moves away from 'arguing' and towards 'strategic competition'. You should also be familiar with the noun form '다툼' (a dispute/quarrel). You might hear phrases like '다툼이 생기다' (a dispute arises). At this stage, you should understand that '다투다' is a more 'objective' word than '싸우다'. If you are writing an essay about a conflict, '다투다' sounds more professional and less emotional, which is important for reaching an intermediate level of fluency.
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At the B2 level, you should be able to use '다투다' in idiomatic and abstract ways. A key expression to master is '초를 다투다' (to contend with seconds), which describes a situation of extreme urgency. You should also understand how '다투다' is used in literature or formal speeches to describe competing ideas or values. For example, '진리와 이익을 다투는 상황' (a situation where truth and profit are in contention). You should also recognize the nuance of '다투어' when used as an adverbial form meaning 'in competition with each other' or 'vying to be first'. For example, '꽃들이 다투어 피어났다' (The flowers bloomed as if competing with each other). This shows a high level of linguistic sensitivity.
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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the subtle differences between '다투다' and its many synonyms like '경쟁하다', '논쟁하다', and '겨루다'. You should be able to use '다투다' to describe high-level legal or political disputes ('법적 다툼', '정치적 다툼'). You will also see it used in philosophical contexts, where abstract concepts are said to '다투다' for dominance in human thought. At this level, you should be able to use the word to describe the 'contention' of various factors in a complex system. Your usage should reflect an understanding that '다투다' often implies a process of trying to prove superiority or gain a limited resource, whether that resource is time, space, or status.
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At the C2 level, you master the most sophisticated and archaic uses of '다투다'. You can use it in high-level literary analysis to discuss the '다툼' between fate and free will, or in legal scholarship to discuss '다툼의 여지' (room for dispute) in constitutional law. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how it appears in classical Korean literature to describe the struggles of heroes or the changing of eras. At this level, '다투다' is no longer just a verb for 'arguing'; it is a versatile tool for describing any form of dialectical tension or competitive existence in the universe. You can use it with perfect precision in any register, from a casual conversation to a formal academic dissertation.
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다투다 in 30 Sekunden

  • 다투다 means to argue or compete.
  • It is softer and more verbal than 싸우다.
  • It can describe siblings bickering or athletes racing.
  • It is used in formal contexts like legal disputes.

The Korean verb 다투다 (Datuda) is a multifaceted term that primarily describes the act of two or more parties being in conflict. At its most basic level, it refers to verbal disagreements or quarrels. Unlike the more aggressive term '싸우다' (to fight), which often implies a physical altercation or a very intense emotional battle, 다투다 tends to lean towards the 'argument' or 'dispute' side of the spectrum. It is frequently used to describe the bickering between siblings, the disagreements between couples, or the formal disputes between organizations.

Primary Nuance
Verbal disagreement or minor conflict.
Secondary Nuance
Competition or contention for a prize or status.
Tertiary Nuance
Urgency, as in 'racing against time'.

Beyond simple arguing, 다투다 also encompasses the concept of competition. When two athletes are vying for a gold medal, they are said to be '다투고 있다' (contending/competing). This adds a layer of ambition and effort to the word that '싸우다' lacks in a professional context. Furthermore, it is used in the idiomatic expression '초를 다투다' (to race against the seconds), which highlights extreme urgency where every moment is a 'competitor' against your goal.

동생과 사소한 일로 다투었어요. (I argued with my younger sibling over a trivial matter.)

두 선수가 1위를 다투고 있습니다. (Two athletes are contending for first place.)

이 문제는 우열을 다투기 어렵습니다. (It is hard to determine which is superior in this matter.)

그는 친구와 의견 차이로 다퉜다. (He argued with his friend due to a difference in opinion.)

시간을 다투는 일이라 서둘러야 해요. (It's a matter of racing against time, so we must hurry.)

In a broader sense, 다투다 represents the friction that occurs when two opposing forces meet. Whether those forces are people, ideas, or entities seeking the same goal, the word captures the tension of that encounter. In literature, it might describe the changing seasons '다투며' (contending/overlapping) or flowers '다투어' (competing to) bloom. This poetic usage elevates the word from a simple playground argument to a sophisticated description of natural and social dynamics.

Using 다투다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical structures and the specific contexts in which it thrives. As an intransitive verb (mostly), it describes an action that occurs between parties. However, when it means 'to compete for,' it takes an object marked by '-을/를'.

1. Social Disagreements

When you have a verbal spat with someone, use the pattern: [Person] + 와/과 다투다. This is the most common everyday usage. For example, '친구와 다퉜어요' (I argued with a friend). It implies a level of equality between the parties; you don't usually '다투다' with a much higher superior unless it's a very serious debate.

말다툼 (Maldatum)
A noun meaning 'verbal argument'.
의견을 다투다
To have a conflict of opinions.
사소한 일로 다투다
To argue over something trivial.

2. Competition and Contention

In sports, business, or academics, use the pattern: [Goal/Rank] + 을/를 다투다. This shifts the meaning to 'vying for' or 'competing for'. If two companies are trying to be the market leader, they are '1위를 다투고 있다'. This usage is very common in news headlines and sports commentary.

3. Urgency and Time

One of the most advanced uses is in the context of time. The phrase '초를 다투다' (to contend with seconds) is a set expression meaning that a situation is extremely urgent, such as a medical emergency or a ticking bomb. Here, '다투다' implies that you are fighting against the clock.

Finally, consider the register. 다투다 is slightly more refined than '싸우다'. If you are writing a formal report about a conflict between two departments, 다투다 or its noun form 다툼 is much more appropriate than the more colloquial '싸움'. It focuses on the points of contention rather than the emotional outburst.

You will encounter 다투다 in various spheres of Korean life, ranging from the mundane to the professional. Understanding these environments will help you grasp the word's versatility.

1. Domestic and Personal Life

In K-Dramas and daily conversations, you'll hear parents asking their children, '왜 또 다투니?' (Why are you arguing again?). It's the standard word for the constant bickering of siblings or the 'lovers' quarrels' (연인 사이의 다툼) that provide the drama in romantic series. It suggests a conflict that, while perhaps loud, isn't necessarily relationship-ending.

2. News and Sports Media

Journalists love this word because it sounds objective. You'll see headlines like '우승을 다투는 두 팀' (Two teams contending for the championship). It's also used in political reporting: '여야가 예산안을 두고 다투고 있다' (The ruling and opposition parties are disputing over the budget bill). In these contexts, it signifies a professional or structural conflict.

3. Legal and Formal Contexts

In legal settings, the noun form 다툼 is used to refer to a 'dispute'. For instance, '법적 다툼' (legal dispute) refers to a case being settled in court. If there is '다툼의 여지가 없다', it means there is 'no room for dispute'—the facts are clear. This is a very high-level, formal usage.

K-Drama Line
'우리는 맨날 사소한 걸로 다퉈.' (We always argue over small things.)
Sports Commentary
'마지막까지 선두를 다투는 치열한 경기입니다!' (It's a fierce match contending for the lead until the very end!)
Emergency Room
'지금 1분 1초를 다투는 상황입니다!' (We are in a situation where every second counts!)

Whether it's the noise from the apartment next door or a headline about global trade wars, 다투다 provides the linguistic framework for describing any situation where two sides are not in harmony or are chasing the same limited resource.

Even though 다투다 is an A2 level word, its nuances can be tricky for learners. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Overusing '싸우다'

Many learners use '싸우다' for everything. While '싸우다' is often interchangeable with '다투다', using '다투다' makes you sound more nuanced. If you say '친구랑 싸웠어요', it might sound like you had a big blow-up or even a physical fight. If you say '친구랑 다퉜어요', it sounds more like a verbal disagreement or a misunderstanding. Choosing the right one shows your level of Korean proficiency.

2. Particle Confusion

Remember the difference between -와/과 다투다 and -을/를 다투다.

  • With a person: Use '-와/과' (I argued with him).
  • For a goal: Use '-을/를' (I competed for the prize).
Using the wrong particle can change the meaning from 'arguing with the prize' (which makes no sense) to 'competing for the prize'.

3. Contextual Appropriateness

Don't use '다투다' for serious physical violence or wars. You wouldn't say '두 나라가 영토를 다투고 있다' to describe an active, bloody war; in that case, '전쟁을 하다' or '싸우다' is more appropriate. '다투다' implies a level of civility or a 'contest' rather than total destruction.

Finally, be careful with the honorifics. While the verb itself isn't inherently rude, describing a conflict with a superior using '다투다' can imply that you view yourself as their equal in the argument, which might be perceived as disrespectful in traditional Korean culture. In such cases, words like '의견을 조율하다' (adjusting opinions) or '말씀을 나누다' (having a talk) are safer.

Korean has several words for conflict and competition. Knowing the differences between them will help you choose the most precise term for your situation.

1. 싸우다 (Ssau-da) vs. 다투다

This is the most common comparison. 싸우다 is the general word for 'to fight'. It can be verbal, physical, or metaphorical (fighting a disease). It is stronger and more emotional. 다투다 is more focused on the disagreement of words or the act of competing. It is slightly more formal and less 'messy' than 싸우다.

2. 경쟁하다 (Gyeong-jaeng-ha-da)

This means 'to compete'. While 다투다 can mean competition, 경쟁하다 is the standard, formal term for it, especially in business or sports. You would use '경쟁하다' for 'market competition' (시장 경쟁), whereas '다투다' is used more for the immediate act of vying for a specific spot.

3. 논쟁하다 (Non-jaeng-ha-da)

This means 'to debate' or 'to argue logically'. It is much more formal and academic than 다투다. If you are having a scholarly debate about history, you are '논쟁'ing, not just '다투다'ing.

말다툼하다
Specifically 'to have a verbal argument'. Very common in daily life.
겨루다
To match skills against each other; to compete in a game or contest.
충돌하다
To collide or clash (often used for opinions or physical objects).

In summary, use 다투다 when you want a versatile word that covers everything from a bicker with a sibling to a race for the finish line, sitting right in the middle of the formality scale.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

-와/과 (With)

-을/를 두고 (Over/Concerning)

-기 시작하다 (Start doing)

-어지다 (Passive/State change)

-는 것 (Gerund)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

친구와 다퉜어요.

I argued with my friend.

Past tense of 다투다.

2

동생이랑 다투지 마세요.

Don't argue with your younger sibling.

-지 마세요 (Don't do...)

3

왜 다투고 있어요?

Why are you arguing?

-고 있다 (Progressive form)

4

우리는 자주 다퉈요.

We argue often.

Present tense polite form.

5

사탕 때문에 다퉜어요.

We argued because of candy.

N + 때문에 (Because of...)

6

어제 친구와 다퉜지만 화해했어요.

I argued with my friend yesterday, but we reconciled.

-지만 (But)

7

다투는 소리가 들려요.

I hear the sound of arguing.

Noun modifying form (-는).

8

그들은 항상 다툽니다.

They always argue.

Formal polite form (-습니다).

1

사소한 일로 다투지 마세요.

Don't argue over trivial matters.

N + (으)로 (Reason/Cause)

2

두 사람은 1위를 다투고 있어요.

The two people are contending for first place.

Object marker -를 used for competition.

3

어제 무엇 때문에 다퉜나요?

What did you argue about yesterday?

-나요? (Polite question ending)

4

의견 차이로 다투게 되었어요.

We ended up arguing due to a difference in opinion.

-게 되다 (To end up...)

5

다투고 나서 기분이 안 좋아요.

I feel bad after arguing.

-고 나서 (After doing...)

6

부모님이 다투시는 것을 봤어요.

I saw my parents arguing.

Honorific -시- added to the verb.

7

누가 먼저 다투기 시작했어요?

Who started arguing first?

-기 시작하다 (To start doing...)

8

다투지 말고 사이좋게 지내요.

Don't argue and get along well.

-지 말고 (Instead of...)

1

그들은 유산 문제를 두고 다투고 있다.

They are disputing over inheritance issues.

-를 두고 (Over/Concerning...)

2

두 나라는 영토를 다투고 있습니다.

The two countries are contending for territory.

Formal context usage.

3

이것은 우열을 다투기 힘든 문제입니다.

This is a matter where it's hard to determine which is superior.

우열을 다투다 (To contend for superiority).

4

작은 오해가 큰 다툼으로 번졌어요.

A small misunderstanding flared up into a big dispute.

Noun form '다툼' used as a subject.

5

승패를 다투는 경기에서 긴장감이 넘친다.

In a match contending for victory or defeat, tension overflows.

승패를 다투다 (To contend for victory).

6

그는 친구와 말다툼을 하다가 화가 났다.

He got angry while having a verbal argument with a friend.

말다툼 (Compound noun).

7

서로의 이익을 위해 다투는 것은 당연하다.

It is natural to contend for one's own interests.

-기 위해 (For the sake of...)

8

그들은 더 이상 다투지 않기로 약속했다.

They promised not to argue anymore.

-기로 하다 (To decide/promise to...)

1

지금은 1분 1초를 다투는 긴박한 상황입니다.

It is a tense situation where every second counts.

Idiomatic use of time.

2

선수들은 메달을 다투며 최선을 다했다.

The athletes did their best while contending for medals.

-며 (While doing...)

3

그 사건은 법정에서 시비를 다투게 되었다.

The case came to a dispute over right and wrong in court.

시비를 다투다 (To argue right and wrong).

4

봄이 오자 꽃들이 다투어 피기 시작했다.

As spring arrived, flowers began to bloom as if in competition.

Adverbial use '다투어' (vying to...).

5

두 이론은 학계에서 여전히 다투어지고 있다.

The two theories are still being contested in academia.

Passive-like usage with -어지다.

6

정치인들이 권력을 다투는 모습에 실망했다.

I was disappointed to see politicians contending for power.

Noun modifying clause.

7

그는 자신의 정당성을 다투기 위해 증거를 모았다.

He gathered evidence to contend for his own legitimacy.

Formal/Legal nuance.

8

우리는 더 큰 목표를 위해 사소한 다툼을 멈춰야 한다.

We must stop trivial disputes for the sake of a bigger goal.

Modality -어야 한다 (Must).

1

이 사안은 법적으로 다툼의 여지가 많습니다.

This issue has much room for legal dispute.

다툼의 여지 (Room for dispute).

2

인간의 존엄성을 다투는 논의가 계속되고 있다.

Discussions contending for human dignity are continuing.

Abstract usage.

3

그 기업들은 세계 시장의 패권을 다투고 있다.

Those companies are contending for hegemony in the global market.

패권을 다투다 (To contend for hegemony).

4

시간을 다투는 응급 환자가 이송되었다.

An emergency patient for whom time was of the essence was transported.

Compound modifier '시간을 다투는'.

5

그의 작품은 예술성과 대중성을 동시에 다툰다.

His work contends with both artistry and popularity at the same time.

Metaphorical contention.

6

진실을 다투는 과정에서 상처를 입기도 한다.

In the process of contending for the truth, one may get hurt.

-기도 하다 (Sometimes...)

7

선거철이 되자 후보들이 다투어 공약을 내걸었다.

As election season arrived, candidates vied to put forward their pledges.

다투어 (Adverbial usage).

8

이 문제는 철학적으로 깊이 다투어볼 만한 가치가 있다.

This problem is worth contending with deeply from a philosophical perspective.

-어 볼 만하다 (Worth trying...)

1

본 사안은 사실관계의 존부를 다투는 사안이다.

This matter is one that disputes the existence of factual relations.

High-level legal terminology (존부).

2

운명과 의지가 다투는 비극적 서사가 펼쳐진다.

A tragic narrative unfolds where fate and will contend.

Literary/Abstract usage.

3

그는 시대의 흐름과 다투며 자신의 신념을 지켰다.

He protected his beliefs while contending with the flow of the times.

Metaphorical struggle.

4

이 논문은 기존 학설의 타당성을 정면으로 다툰다.

This thesis directly contests the validity of existing theories.

Academic contention.

5

천하를 다투던 영웅들도 결국 역사 속으로 사라졌다.

Even the heroes who contended for the world eventually disappeared into history.

Historical/Epic register.

6

생사의 갈림길에서 초를 다투는 사투가 벌어졌다.

A life-and-death struggle ensued, racing against the seconds.

Intense idiomatic usage.

7

그의 시는 언어의 한계를 다투는 치열함을 보여준다.

His poetry shows a fierceness that contends with the limits of language.

Aesthetic/Critical register.

8

권력의 향배를 다투는 암투가 치열하게 전개되었다.

A secret struggle contending for the direction of power unfolded fiercely.

Advanced vocabulary (향배, 암투).

Häufige Kollokationen

말다툼을 다투다
1위를 다투다
우열을 다투다
초를 다투다
승패를 다투다
의견을 다투다
영토를 다투다
순위를 다투다
시비를 다투다
패권을 다투다

Häufige Phrasen

사소한 일로 다투다
친구와 다투다
부부 싸움을 다투다
시간을 다투는 일
다툼이 잦다
다툼을 멈추다
다툼을 해결하다
다툼의 원인
다툼이 생기다
다툼의 여지

Wird oft verwechselt mit

다투다 vs 싸우다

다투다 vs 경쟁하다

다투다 vs 겨루다

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"초를 다투다 (To race against the seconds; very urgent)"
"우열을 다투다 (To contend for superiority; hard to say who is better)"
"시비를 다투다 (To argue over right and wrong)"
"패권을 다투다 (To contend for hegemony/dominance)"
"자웅을 다투다 (To compete to see who is stronger/superior)"
"앞을 다투다 (To vie to be first/ahead)"
"승부를 다투다 (To contend for victory or defeat)"
"자리를 다투다 (To compete for a seat/position)"
"생사를 다투다 (To be between life and death)"
"말문을 다투다 (To compete to speak first)"

Leicht verwechselbar

다투다 vs 싸우다

More emotional and potentially physical.

다투다 vs 경쟁하다

More formal and systematic competition.

다투다 vs 논쟁하다

Logical or academic debate.

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

nuance

다투다 is more about the disagreement; 싸우다 is more about the fight.

formal use

Preferred in writing and news over 싸우다.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using '다투다' for physical violence.
  • Using the wrong particle (e.g., 친구를 다투다 instead of 친구와 다투다).
  • Using it to describe fighting a disease.
  • Overusing '싸우다' when '다투다' is more appropriate and polite.
  • Confusing '다투다' with '대답하다' (to answer) due to similar sounds.

Tipps

Choose Wisely

Use '다투다' instead of '싸우다' in essays to sound more professional.

Particle Match

Pair with '-와/과' for people and '-을/를' for prizes.

Urgency

Memorize '초를 다투다' for describing emergency situations.

Social Nuance

Avoid using it for arguments with elders; use '의견 차이가 있다' instead.

Pronunciation

Ensure the 't' sound in 'tu' is aspirated clearly.

Noun Form

Use '다툼' to describe the 'existence' of a conflict.

News Keywords

When you hear '다투다' on the news, look for words like '1위' or '법적'.

Poetic Use

Use '다투어 피다' when describing a beautiful spring scene.

Vs. 경쟁하다

'경쟁하다' is the system; '다투다' is the act.

Dating + Too

Two people dating who are 'too' angry argue (다투다).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine two people 'Dating' (Da-) but they are 'Too' (-tu-) angry at each other, so they 'Da-tu-da' (argue).

Wortherkunft

Native Korean word.

Kultureller Kontext

Publicly '다투다' is generally discouraged to maintain 'Chemyeon' (face).

Siblings are expected to '다투다' but eventually support each other.

The word is frequently used in the context of the 'Infinite Competition' (무한 경쟁) in Korean society.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"최근에 친구와 다툰 적이 있어요?"

"형제나 자매와 자주 다투나요?"

"다투고 나서 어떻게 화해해요?"

"1위를 다투는 경기를 보는 것을 좋아하세요?"

"사소한 일로 다투는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

어제 친구와 다퉜던 일에 대해 써 보세요.

살면서 가장 크게 다퉜던 기억은 무엇인가요?

다툼을 피하는 자신만의 방법이 있나요?

경쟁(다툼)이 사회 발전에 도움이 된다고 생각하나요?

'초를 다투는' 긴박한 상황을 겪어본 적이 있나요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is a standard verb. However, describing an argument with a superior using this word can imply you are on equal footing, which might be slightly informal.

Usually no. '싸우다' is used for physical fights. '다투다' is almost always verbal or competitive.

It means 'to race against time' or that a situation is extremely urgent, where every second matters.

Yes, it is very common in both daily life and news to refer to a dispute or argument.

No, you should use '싸우다' for fighting a disease (병과 싸우다).

'말다툼' is a noun specifically for a verbal argument. '다투다' is the verb that can mean that, or competition.

돈 문제로 다퉜어요 (Don munje-ro datwosseoyo).

Yes, very often to describe teams or players competing for a rank or title.

It means to be so close in quality or skill that it's hard to say who is better.

Yes, poetically, to describe flowers blooming all at once as if competing.

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