At the A1 level, learners usually stick to very simple verbs like 'to see' (보다) or 'to think' (생각하다). However, understanding the basic concept of '떠올리다' can help you describe when you are trying to remember a person's face or a simple word. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just think of it as a more 'visual' way to say you are thinking of something. For example, 'I think of my mom's face.' Even though '기억해요' (I remember) is common, '떠올려요' makes it sound like you are actually looking at a picture of her in your head. It's a great 'power word' to add to your early vocabulary to sound more like a native speaker who visualizes their thoughts. Focus on the simple 'Object + 을/를 + 떠올려요' pattern. This will help you express yourself more clearly when you are struggling to find a word and want to say, 'I am trying to bring the word to mind.'
At the A2 level, '떠올리다' becomes a very useful tool for daily conversation. You are now starting to talk more about your past, your hobbies, and your feelings. When you describe a trip you took, you can say 'I recall the sea' (바다를 떠올려요). This level is where you should start distinguishing between '떠올리다' (active recall) and '떠오르다' (something just popping into your head). You will also see this word in basic reading materials, often used to describe characters who are reminiscing about their families or hometowns. It's important to practice the past tense '떠올렸어요' because most of the time, we are talking about things we have already brought to mind. You can also start using it with simple adverbs like '자주' (often) or '가끔' (sometimes) to describe your habits of thought. 'I often recall my childhood' (어린 시절을 자주 떠올려요). Mastery at this level involves getting the object markers right and understanding the visual nuance of the word.
For B1 learners, '떠올리다' is essential for more nuanced storytelling and describing emotional states. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences, such as 'While listening to this song, I recalled my old friend' (이 노래를 들으면서 옛 친구를 떠올렸어요). At this stage, you should also learn the causative construction '떠올리게 하다' (to make someone recall). This is incredibly common in Korean. Instead of just saying 'I remember,' you can say 'This movie makes me remember my hometown' (이 영화는 고향을 떠올리게 해요). This adds a layer of sophistication to your speech. You should also be aware of the difference between '떠올리다' and more formal Sino-Korean words like '회상하다' (to reminisce). While '떠올리다' is used in almost any context, '회상하다' is better for writing or formal speeches. B1 is the level where you move from simple recall to using the word to describe inspiration and the creative process.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '떠올리다' in professional and academic contexts. It's not just for memories anymore; it's for 'bringing up' concepts, strategies, and solutions. For example, 'We need to recall the core values of our company' (우리 회사의 핵심 가치를 떠올려야 합니다). You will encounter this word in news reports, editorials, and literature. You should understand how it interacts with various adverbs to change the tone of a sentence—words like '생생하게' (vividly), '어렴풋이' (dimly), or '필사적으로' (desperately). You should also be able to explain the difference between '떠올리다' and '연상하다' (to associate). B2 learners should use '떠올리다' to create vivid imagery in their writing, using it to set a scene or describe a character's internal monologue. It’s also important to recognize it in the passive or causative forms in more complex grammatical structures, such as '~지 않을 수 없게 떠올리다' (cannot help but recall).
C1 learners should have a deep, intuitive grasp of '떠올리다' and its place in the broader web of Korean cognitive verbs. You should be able to appreciate the poetic nuances of the word in classical and modern literature. In these contexts, '떠올리다' often carries a weight of 'longing' (그리움) or 'regret' (후회). You should be able to use it in high-level debates to refer back to previous points or to evoke shared cultural memories. For instance, 'When we recall the hardships of the past century...' (지난 세기의 고난을 떠올려 볼 때...). You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and metaphors involving the word. At this level, your choice between '떠올리다', '상기하다', and '되새기다' should be deliberate and based on the specific register and emotional 'color' you want to convey. You should also be able to use it to describe abstract philosophical concepts, like the 'recollection' of Platonic ideas or the 'retrieval' of repressed memories in a psychological context.
At the C2 level, '떠올리다' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You understand its etymological roots in 'floating' and 'raising' so well that you can use it metaphorically in ways that surprise even native speakers. You can use it to critique art, discussing how a certain brushstroke 'evokes' (떠올리게 한다) a sense of transience. Your use of the word in formal writing is impeccable, knowing exactly when to use the pure Korean '떠올리다' for emotional resonance versus the Sino-Korean '회상하다' for historical distance or '상기하다' for logical clarity. You can navigate the most complex honorifics and stylistic endings with this verb, such as '떠올려 보시옵소서' in a historical drama context or '떠올림직하다' (is worth recalling). You are also aware of how the word has evolved in modern digital culture, including its use in UI/UX contexts (e.g., 'recalling' a previous search). Your command of the word is not just about meaning, but about the 'texture' it adds to the Korean language.

떠올리다 en 30 segundos

  • A verb meaning to recall or bring to mind, often used for memories, faces, and new ideas.
  • It is the causative form of '떠오르다' (to float up), implying an active mental effort.
  • Commonly used with abstract nouns like '추억' (memory) and '기억' (remembrance).
  • Essential for describing nostalgia, creative inspiration, and the act of visualization.

The Korean verb 떠올리다 is a multifaceted term that primarily translates to 'to recall,' 'to bring to mind,' or 'to evoke.' At its linguistic core, it is a causative construction derived from the combination of 뜨다 (to float) and 올리다 (to raise or lift). This literal foundation provides a vivid mental image: taking a thought, memory, or image that was submerged in the subconscious and 'lifting' it to the surface of one's conscious mind. Unlike the more general term 기억하다 (to remember/keep in memory), 떠올리다 emphasizes the active process of retrieval—the moment an idea or image strikes you or is intentionally summoned.

Visual Nature
This word is deeply visual. Koreans use it when they are trying to picture someone's face or reconstruct a scene from the past in their mind's eye. It suggests a 'rendering' of an image within the brain.
Active vs. Passive
While 생각나다 (to occur to one) often implies a memory popping up spontaneously, 떠올리다 can be used for both spontaneous thoughts and intentional efforts to remember something specific.

그의 이름을 다시 떠올리다. (To bring his name to mind again.)

In social contexts, this word is frequently used when discussing nostalgia or creative inspiration. For instance, a songwriter might 'bring to mind' a melody, or a traveler might 'recall' the scenery of a city they visited years ago. The usage is not limited to pleasant memories; one can also recall painful experiences or traumatic events, though the word itself is neutral in valence. Its versatility allows it to function in formal literature, casual conversation, and technical psychological discussions regarding memory retrieval mechanisms.

어린 시절의 추억을 떠올리다. (To recall memories of childhood.)

Cognitive Effort
When you use this word with an object marker (을/를), you are indicating that you are the agent performing the action of remembering. It implies a cognitive engagement that is more focused than just 'having a thought.'

Furthermore, 떠올리다 is essential for describing creative processes. In Korean brainstorming sessions, participants are often asked to 'recall' or 'come up with' (떠올리다) new ideas or solutions. It bridges the gap between memory and imagination, as the 'bringing to mind' can apply to something that was already there (a memory) or something newly synthesized from existing concepts (an idea).

새로운 해결책을 떠올리다. (To come up with a new solution.)

Culturally, the concept of 'longing' or 그리움 is often associated with this verb. When Koreans talk about missing their hometown or a lost loved one, they describe the act of 'bringing the face to mind' as a way of keeping the connection alive. It is a word that carries significant emotional weight in poetic and lyrical contexts, often appearing in song lyrics to describe the persistent return of a past lover's image to the speaker's consciousness.

Using 떠올리다 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb. This means it almost always takes an object, marked by ~을/를. The typical sentence structure is [Subject] + [Object] + [떠올리다]. Because it is a causative verb, it implies an agent (the person thinking) is making a mental image (the object) 'rise up' into awareness.

Basic Conjugation
In present tense, it becomes 떠올려요 (polite) or 떠올려 (informal). In past tense, it is 떠올렸어요 (polite) or 떠올렸다 (plain).

나는 옛 친구의 얼굴을 떠올렸다. (I brought an old friend's face to mind.)

One of the most common ways to use this verb is with abstract nouns like 추억 (memory/reminiscence), 기억 (memory), or 이미지 (image). It is also frequently paired with sensory nouns, such as 향기 (scent) or 목소리 (voice), to describe the mental reconstruction of a sensory experience. For example, 'Hearing that song makes me recall her voice' would use 떠올리게 하다 (to make one recall).

With Causative Constructions
Often, an external stimulus causes you to remember something. In these cases, we use ~을/를 떠올리게 하다. For instance: 'This photo makes me recall my childhood' (이 사진은 나의 어린 시절을 떠올리게 한다).

바다 냄새는 고향을 떠올리게 해요. (The smell of the sea makes me recall my hometown.)

In more advanced usage, 떠올리다 can be used in the middle of a sentence to link concepts. Using the ~며 or ~면서 ending (while), you can describe someone doing an action while reminiscing. 'He smiled while recalling the past' would be 그는 과거를 떠올리며 미소 지었다. This adds a narrative quality to your Korean, making it sound more natural and descriptive.

갑자기 좋은 아이디어가 떠올랐어요 vs. 좋은 아이디어를 떠올렸어요.

The second sentence in the example above implies you were actively thinking or trying to find an idea, whereas the first (using 떠오르다) suggests it just popped into your head. This nuance is vital for A2 and B1 learners to master. In professional settings, 떠올리다 is used when proposing concepts: 'We should recall the original purpose of this project' (이 프로젝트의 원래 목적을 떠올려야 합니다).

Common Adverbial Pairings
It is often paired with 다시 (again), 가만히 (quietly/stillly), or 문득 (suddenly). For example, '가만히 옛 기억을 떠올리다' means to quietly recall old memories.

You will encounter 떠올리다 in a vast array of contexts, from heart-wrenching K-dramas to high-stakes business meetings. In media, it is the go-to word for characters reflecting on their past. If you watch a romance drama, you will inevitably hear a character say something like 'I keep recalling your face' (자꾸 네 얼굴이 떠올라—note that in casual speech, the intransitive 떠오르다 is slightly more common for feelings, but 떠올리다 is used when they are actively trying to remember).

그 영화를 보면 항상 첫사랑을 떠올리게 돼요. (Whenever I see that movie, I end up recalling my first love.)

In the Korean music industry (K-Pop), lyrics are saturated with this verb. It’s used to describe the bittersweet process of thinking about a former partner. Songs by artists like IU or BTS often use this word to evoke a sense of nostalgia or 'longing' (그리움). It’s a word that resonates with the Korean cultural sentiment of looking back at one's roots or past experiences to find meaning in the present.

In News and Documentaries
Journalists use 떠올리다 when interviewing people about historical events. 'The survivors recalled the events of that day' (생존자들은 그날의 사건을 떠올렸다). It provides a more respectful and descriptive tone than the simple 'remembered.'

In educational settings, teachers use this word to encourage students to use their prior knowledge. A teacher might say, 'Recall what we learned yesterday' (어제 배운 내용을 떠올려 보세요). This usage highlights the 'retrieval' aspect of learning. Similarly, in creative writing classes, students are told to 'recall a specific emotion' to fuel their work. It is a fundamental verb for any discussion involving the mind's internal workings.

그의 말을 떠올리며 깊은 생각에 잠겼다. (Recalling his words, they fell into deep thought.)

Social media also sees frequent use of this word. On platforms like Instagram or KakaoTalk, people share old photos with captions like 'Recalling the memories of last summer' (지난 여름의 추억을 떠올리며). It functions as a tag for nostalgia. In business, it’s used in branding discussions: 'What image does our brand make consumers recall?' (우리 브랜드는 소비자들에게 어떤 이미지를 떠올리게 합니까?). This versatility makes it a high-frequency word across all registers of Korean society.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 떠올리다 is confusing it with its intransitive counterpart, 떠오르다. While they both relate to things 'coming to mind,' their grammatical structures are strictly different. Using the wrong one can make a sentence sound unnatural or grammatically broken.

Mistake 1: Confusing ~이/가 with ~을/를
Incorrect: 기억이 떠올렸어요. (The memory recalled - makes no sense). Correct: 기억이 떠올랐어요 (The memory came to mind) OR 기억을 떠올렸어요 (I recalled the memory).

아이디어가 떠오르다 (Idea pops up) vs. 아이디어를 떠올리다 (I bring up an idea).

Another common error is overusing 기억하다 when 떠올리다 would be more natural. 기억하다 is about the state of having information stored in your brain. If you are describing the act of visualizing a past event, 떠올리다 is the better choice. For example, saying 'I remember the beach' is 바다를 기억해요, but 'I am picturing the beach in my mind right now' is 바다를 떠올리고 있어요.

Mistake 2: Using it for 'Remind' incorrectly
In English, we say 'You remind me of my brother.' In Korean, you shouldn't just use 떠올리다 alone. You must use the causative form: 너는 내 남동생을 떠올리게 해 (You make me recall my brother).

Learners also struggle with the nuances between 떠올리다 and 생각하다. 생각하다 is very broad (to think). If you say 'I thought of a good idea,' 생각했다 is acceptable, but 떠올렸다 is much more precise and sophisticated. It shows you understand the 'emergence' of the idea.

그의 얼굴을 생각하다 (Think about his face) vs. 그의 얼굴을 떠올리다 (Recall/Visualize his face).

Lastly, be careful with the spelling. Because the pronunciation of 'ㄹㄹ' can be tricky, some beginners misspell it as '떠올이다' or '떠울리다'. Always remember the root '올리다' (to raise). If you can remember that you are 'raising' (올리다) a 'floating' (뜨다) thought, you will never forget the spelling or the meaning.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for mental processes. Understanding the subtle differences between 떠올리다 and its synonyms will significantly elevate your fluency. The most direct comparison is usually with 생각나다, 기억하다, and 회상하다.

떠올리다 vs. 생각나다
떠올리다: Active, requires an object marker (~을/를). You are the agent.
생각나다: Passive, requires a subject marker (~이/가). The thought just happens to you.
떠올리다 vs. 회상하다 (回想--)
떠올리다: Pure Korean word, used in everyday speech for memories and new ideas.
회상하다: Sino-Korean word, more formal. Specifically means 'to reminisce' or 'look back' on the past. You wouldn't use this for a 'new idea.'

어린 시절을 회상하다 (Formal/Literary) vs. 어린 시절을 떠올리다 (General/Versatile).

Another interesting alternative is 연상하다 (聯想--), which means 'to associate.' This is used when one thing makes you think of another. For example, 'Red makes me think of fire.' In this case, 연상하다 is more precise than 떠올리다, although 떠올리게 하다 could also be used.

Other Related Terms
  • 상기하다 (想起--): To remind oneself or recall a fact (very formal).
  • 추억하다 (追憶--): To cherish or dwell on a pleasant memory.
  • 되새기다: To ruminate or chew over a thought (like a cow chewing cud).

When you want to describe a memory that is vivid and clear, you might use the phrase 생생하게 떠올리다 (to recall vividly). If the memory is faint, you might say 어렴풋이 떠올리다 (to recall dimly). These adverbial additions help distinguish 떠올리다 from the more static 기억하다, which doesn't always imply a visual or sensory component.

그날의 공포를 생생하게 떠올렸다. (I vividly recalled the terror of that day.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word perfectly captures the Korean psychological view of the mind as a body of water, where thoughts and memories are 'submerged' and must be 'raised' to the surface to be seen.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tʌ.ol.li.da/
US /tʌ.ol.li.da/
The stress is relatively even, but a slight emphasis on the second syllable 'ol' is common.
Rima con
올리다 (to raise) 불리다 (to be called) 풀리다 (to be untied) 졸리다 (to be sleepy) 날리다 (to fly) 말리다 (to dry) 밀리다 (to be pushed) 빌리다 (to borrow)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'tt' as 't' or 'd'. It must be tense.
  • Missing the double 'l' (ㄹㄹ) sound and saying 'teo-i-ri-da'.
  • Confusing the vowel 'eo' (ㅓ) with 'o' (ㅗ).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Common in stories and news; easy to recognize once the root is known.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct use of object markers and distinguishing from '떠오르다'.

Expresión oral 3/5

The double 'l' pronunciation requires practice for fluency.

Escucha 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it relatively easy to catch in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

뜨다 올리다 생각 기억

Aprende después

회상하다 연상하다 상기하다

Avanzado

반추하다 되새기다

Gramática que debes saber

Causative Verbs (~이/히/리/기)

떠오르다 (intransitive) -> 떠올리다 (causative)

Simultaneous Action (~며/면서)

추억을 떠올리며 걷다 (walking while recalling memories)

Making an effort (~으려고 노력하다)

이름을 떠올리려고 노력하다 (trying to recall a name)

Causative Construction (~게 하다)

영화를 보게 하다 -> 떠올리게 하다 (make someone recall)

Conditional (~면)

그를 떠올리면 슬퍼요 (When I recall him, I am sad)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

엄마 얼굴을 떠올려요.

I bring my mom's face to mind.

Simple present tense: 떠올리다 -> 떠올려요.

2

그 노래는 바다를 떠올려요.

That song brings the sea to mind.

Subject + Object + Verb.

3

친구의 이름을 떠올렸어요.

I recalled my friend's name.

Past tense: 떠올리다 -> 떠올렸어요.

4

사진을 보고 옛날을 떠올려요.

I look at the photo and recall the old days.

~고 (and) connects two actions.

5

맛있는 음식을 떠올려 보세요.

Please try to bring delicious food to mind.

~아/어 보세요 (Please try doing...).

6

선생님을 떠올리면 행복해요.

When I recall my teacher, I am happy.

~면 (when/if) conditional.

7

그림을 보며 고향을 떠올려요.

While looking at the painting, I recall my hometown.

~며 (while) indicates simultaneous action.

8

내일 계획을 떠올려 봐요.

Try to bring tomorrow's plan to mind.

Basic imperative/suggestion.

1

어린 시절의 추억을 떠올렸어요.

I recalled memories of my childhood.

'추억' (memory) is a common object for this verb.

2

그 영화는 제 첫사랑을 떠올리게 해요.

That movie makes me recall my first love.

~게 하다 (causative: to make someone do).

3

갑자기 좋은 생각이 떠올랐어요.

Suddenly a good idea came to mind.

Note the use of '떠오르다' (intransitive) for contrast.

4

우리는 작년 여행을 떠올리며 웃었어요.

We laughed while recalling last year's trip.

~며 (while) linking two related actions.

5

그의 목소리를 다시 떠올려 보세요.

Try to recall his voice again.

'다시' (again) is often used with recall verbs.

6

가끔 돌아가신 할머니를 떠올려요.

Sometimes I recall my late grandmother.

'가끔' (sometimes) adds frequency.

7

이 냄새는 우리 집을 떠올리게 해요.

This smell makes me recall my home.

Sensory stimuli triggering recall.

8

중요한 약속을 떠올리려고 노력했어요.

I tried to recall an important appointment.

~으려고 노력하다 (to make an effort to).

1

그는 옛 친구의 얼굴을 생생하게 떠올렸다.

He vividly recalled the face of an old friend.

'생생하게' (vividly) is a common adverbial pairing.

2

이 음악은 우리가 처음 만난 날을 떠올리게 하네요.

This music makes me recall the day we first met.

~게 하네요 (expresses a realization or gentle statement).

3

과거의 실수를 떠올리는 것은 고통스러울 수 있다.

Recalling past mistakes can be painful.

~는 것 (nominalization of the verb phrase).

4

그 작가는 자신의 경험을 떠올려 소설을 썼다.

The author wrote the novel by recalling their own experiences.

Sequential action using the ~아/어 form.

5

회의 중에 새로운 마케팅 아이디어를 떠올렸습니다.

I came up with a new marketing idea during the meeting.

Formal polite style (~습니다).

6

우리는 잊고 있었던 약속을 간신히 떠올렸다.

We barely managed to recall the promise we had forgotten.

'간신히' (barely/with difficulty).

7

그 풍경은 마치 한 폭의 그림을 떠올리게 했다.

That scenery made me recall a piece of painting.

'마치 ~처럼/같이' (as if) often used with recall.

8

부모님의 고생을 떠올리니 눈물이 났다.

Recalling my parents' hardships, tears came to my eyes.

~니 (because/since) expressing cause and effect.

1

그 사건을 떠올릴 때마다 가슴이 아픕니다.

Whenever I recall that incident, my heart aches.

~을 때마다 (every time one does...).

2

역사적 교훈을 떠올리며 우리는 같은 실수를 반복하지 말아야 한다.

Recalling historical lessons, we must not repeat the same mistakes.

Formal imperative/prohibition (~지 말아야 한다).

3

그의 제안은 작년에 실패했던 프로젝트를 떠올리게 했다.

His proposal made me recall the project that failed last year.

Relative clause modifying the object.

4

어렴풋이 떠올리는 것만으로는 부족하니 자세히 설명해 주세요.

Recalling it dimly is not enough, so please explain in detail.

'어렴풋이' (dimly/faintly).

5

우리는 소비자들의 감성을 떠올리게 하는 광고를 만들어야 합니다.

We need to create advertisements that evoke consumers' emotions.

~게 하는 (attributive form of causative).

6

그는 조용히 눈을 감고 지난 세월을 떠올렸다.

He quietly closed his eyes and recalled the past years.

Sequential actions with '고'.

7

어떤 단어를 떠올리려고 해도 도저히 생각이 나지 않았다.

Even though I tried to recall a certain word, it just wouldn't come to mind.

~려고 해도 (even if one tries to...).

8

이 책은 독자들에게 인간의 본성을 떠올리게 하는 힘이 있다.

This book has the power to make readers recall human nature.

Abstract usage of '떠올리게 하다'.

1

작가는 고통스러운 기억을 떠올려 예술로 승화시켰다.

The artist recalled painful memories and sublimated them into art.

'승화시키다' (to sublimate) - high-level vocabulary.

2

우리는 선조들의 지혜를 떠올려 현재의 위기를 극복해야 합니다.

We must recall the wisdom of our ancestors to overcome the current crisis.

Formal persuasive tone.

3

그의 연설은 우리에게 잊고 있었던 공동체의 의무를 떠올리게 했다.

His speech made us recall the forgotten duties of the community.

Abstract noun '공동체의 의무' as object.

4

그 영화의 마지막 장면은 숭고한 희생을 떠올리게 하며 깊은 여운을 남겼다.

The final scene of the movie evoked a sublime sacrifice and left a deep lingering impression.

'여운을 남기다' (to leave a lingering impression).

5

어린 시절의 트라우마를 떠올리는 것은 심리 치료의 중요한 과정이다.

Recalling childhood trauma is an important process in psychological therapy.

Academic/Technical context.

6

그 음악가는 자연의 소리를 떠올리며 새로운 교향곡을 작곡했다.

The musician composed a new symphony while recalling the sounds of nature.

Creative process description.

7

과거의 영광만을 떠올리는 것은 발전에 도움이 되지 않는다.

Only recalling past glories does not help in development.

~만 (only) emphasizing the object.

8

그는 자신의 정체성을 떠올리게 하는 상징적인 물건을 항상 품고 다녔다.

He always carried a symbolic object that made him recall his identity.

Complex relative clause.

1

역사의 파편들을 떠올리며 그는 잃어버린 문명의 흔적을 추적했다.

Recalling the fragments of history, he traced the traces of a lost civilization.

Poetic/Literary phrasing '역사의 파편'.

2

그의 문체는 독자로 하여금 아득한 고전의 향취를 떠올리게 한다.

His writing style makes the reader recall the scent of distant classics.

'~로 하여금' (making someone do - very formal causative).

3

존재의 근원을 떠올리게 하는 철학적 사유가 이 책의 핵심이다.

Philosophical speculation that evokes the origin of existence is the core of this book.

Highly abstract/academic language.

4

그는 억압된 기억을 떠올리려 애썼지만, 무의식의 장벽은 견고했다.

He struggled to recall suppressed memories, but the barrier of the unconscious was solid.

Psychological terminology.

5

망각의 늪에서 간신히 한 조각 기억을 떠올려 낸 그는 안도의 한숨을 내쉬었다.

Having barely recalled a piece of memory from the swamp of oblivion, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Metaphorical usage ('망각의 늪').

6

이 건축물은 과거와 미래를 동시에 떠올리게 하는 기묘한 매력이 있다.

This building has a strange charm that evokes the past and the future simultaneously.

Contrastive objects.

7

인간은 죽음의 공포를 떠올림으로써 삶의 소중함을 깨닫기도 한다.

Humans sometimes realize the preciousness of life by recalling the fear of death.

~함으로써 (by doing...).

8

그의 눈빛은 내가 가장 두려워했던 순간을 떠올리게 하기에 충분했다.

The look in his eyes was enough to make me recall the moment I feared most.

~하기에 충분하다 (enough to...).

Colocaciones comunes

기억을 떠올리다
얼굴을 떠올리다
추억을 떠올리다
아이디어를 떠올리다
장면을 떠올리다
이름을 떠올리다
목적을 떠올리다
이미지를 떠올리다
고통을 떠올리다
해결책을 떠올리다

Frases Comunes

자꾸 떠올라요

— It keeps coming to mind (using the intransitive form).

그녀의 목소리가 자꾸 떠올라요.

머릿속에 떠올리다

— To bring something up in one's head.

그림을 머릿속에 떠올려 보세요.

눈앞에 떠올리다

— To visualize something as if it were right before one's eyes.

고향 풍경을 눈앞에 떠올렸다.

떠올리게 만들다

— To make someone recall something.

이 노래는 나를 슬프게 떠올리게 만든다.

문득 떠올리다

— To suddenly recall something.

문득 잊고 있던 약속을 떠올렸다.

가만히 떠올리다

— To quietly or stillly recall something.

가만히 지난 일을 떠올려 보았다.

생생하게 떠올리다

— To recall something very vividly.

그날의 기억을 생생하게 떠올릴 수 있다.

어렴풋이 떠올리다

— To recall something dimly or vaguely.

어릴 적 친구를 어렴풋이 떠올렸다.

필사적으로 떠올리다

— To desperately try to recall something.

비밀번호를 필사적으로 떠올리려 했다.

다시금 떠올리다

— To recall something once again (emphatic).

그의 은혜를 다시금 떠올리게 된다.

Se confunde a menudo con

떠올리다 vs 생각나다

'생각나다' is passive (it happens to you), while '떠올리다' is active (you do it).

떠올리다 vs 기억하다

'기억하다' is about storage; '떠올리다' is about retrieval and visualization.

떠올리다 vs 회상하다

'회상하다' is more formal and specifically for the past; '떠올리다' is versatile.

Modismos y expresiones

"머릿속을 스치다"

— To flash through one's mind (related to quick recall).

불길한 예감이 머릿속을 스쳤다.

Neutral
"기억이 가물가물하다"

— To have a fading memory (when you can't recall).

그의 이름이 가물가물해서 떠올리기 힘들다.

Informal
"무릎을 치다"

— To clap one's knee (when suddenly recalling/realizing).

좋은 생각이 떠올라 무릎을 쳤다.

Informal
"눈에 선하다"

— To be vivid in one's eyes (describing a clear recall).

그의 모습이 아직도 눈에 선하다.

Neutral
"새록새록 떠오르다"

— To keep popping up (memories coming back one after another).

옛 추억이 새록새록 떠오른다.

Neutral
"어제 일처럼 생생하다"

— To be as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

그 사건은 아직도 어제 일처럼 생생하게 떠오른다.

Neutral
"까맣게 잊다"

— To completely forget (the opposite of recall).

약속을 까맣게 잊고 있었다.

Informal
"가슴에 새기다"

— To engrave in one's heart (to remember deeply).

선생님의 말씀을 가슴에 새겼다.

Literary
"뇌리에 박히다"

— To be stuck in one's mind (a memory that is always recalled).

그 장면이 뇌리에 박혀 떠나지 않는다.

Neutral
"추억에 젖다"

— To be soaked in memories (reminiscing deeply).

옛 사진을 보며 추억에 젖었다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

떠올리다 vs 떠오르다

They sound similar and both involve thoughts rising to the mind.

떠오르다 is intransitive (Idea + 가/이); 떠올리다 is transitive (I + Idea + 를/을).

아이디어가 떠올랐다 vs. 아이디어를 떠올렸다.

떠올리다 vs 생각하다

Both mean 'to think'.

생각하다 is general thinking; 떠올리다 is specific recall or visualization.

미래를 생각하다 vs. 미래의 모습을 떠올리다.

떠올리다 vs 기억나다

Both mean 'to remember'.

기억나다 is passive (memory comes back); 떠올리다 is active recall.

이름이 기억났다 vs. 이름을 떠올렸다.

떠올리다 vs 연상하다

Both involve bringing images to mind.

연상하다 is specifically for associations (A makes me think of B).

사과를 보면 고향이 연상된다.

떠올리다 vs 상기하다

Both mean 'to recall'.

상기하다 is very formal and often refers to facts or duties.

주의 사항을 상기하시기 바랍니다.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Object]을/를 떠올려요.

친구를 떠올려요.

A2

[Object]을/를 떠올렸어요.

추억을 떠올렸어요.

B1

[Object]을/를 떠올리게 해요.

이 노래는 바다를 떠올리게 해요.

B1

[Object]을/를 떠올리며 [Verb].

과거를 떠올리며 웃었어요.

B2

[Object]을/를 떠올리려고 애쓰다.

이름을 떠올리려고 애썼어요.

C1

[Object]을/를 떠올려 [Verb]시키다.

기억을 떠올려 예술로 승화시키다.

C2

[Object]으로 하여금 [Object]을/를 떠올리게 하다.

그는 우리로 하여금 희망을 떠올리게 한다.

C2

[Object]을/를 떠올림으로써 [Verb].

죽음을 떠올림으로써 삶을 깨닫다.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

떠오름 (rising/occurrence)
기억 (memory)
생각 (thought)

Verbos

떠오르다 (to float up/come to mind)
올리다 (to raise)
뜨다 (to float)

Adjetivos

생생하다 (vivid)
희미하다 (faint)

Relacionado

회상 (reminiscence)
기억력 (memory power)
연상 (association)
상기 (reminder)
추억 (memory)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken Korean.

Errores comunes
  • 기억이 떠올렸어요. 기억을 떠올렸어요.

    '떠올리다' is a transitive verb and requires the object marker '을/를'.

  • 이름이 떠올리지 않아요. 이름이 떠오르지 않아요.

    If you can't remember something, use the intransitive '떠오르다' with '이/가'.

  • 그는 나를 친구로 떠올렸다. 그는 나를 보면 친구를 떠올린다. (or 연상한다)

    To say someone reminds you of something, use the causative '떠올리게 하다'.

  • 떠울리다 (Misspelling) 떠올리다

    The second syllable is '올' (from 올리다 - to raise), not '울'.

  • 기억해냈어요 vs 떠올렸어요 Both are okay, but '떠올렸어요' is more visual.

    '기억해내다' implies managing to remember something difficult; '떠올리다' is the act of bringing it to mind.

Consejos

Use with Adverbs

Pair '떠올리다' with adverbs like '문득' (suddenly) or '가만히' (quietly) to sound more like a native speaker.

Check Your Particles

Always use '~을/를' with '떠올리다'. If you want to use '~이/가', switch to '떠오르다'.

Emotional Nuance

In a romantic context, using '떠올리다' implies you are actively thinking about the person, which shows more intent than just 'remembering'.

Descriptive Writing

When writing a story, use '떠올리다' to describe a character's internal state or flashbacks.

Tense Consonant

Make sure the 'tt' in 'tteo' is tense. If it sounds too soft, it might be confused with other words.

Causative Pairs

Learn '떠오르다' and '떠올리다' together as a pair. This is a common pattern in Korean verbs.

The Water Metaphor

Remember the root '뜨다' (to float). You are making a memory 'float' to the top.

Creative Context

Use it when brainstorming. '좋은 아이디어를 떠올려 봐!' (Try to come up with a good idea!)

Song Lyrics

Listen for this word in slow ballads. It's almost always there during the bridge or chorus.

Expand to Sino-Korean

Once you master '떠올리다', try using '회상하다' in your essays for a more academic feel.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'Bubble' (the thought) 'Rising' (뜨다) and you 'Lifting' (올리다) it up to see it. TTEO-OL-LI-DA.

Asociación visual

A fisherman pulling a bright fish (a memory) out of a dark pond (the subconscious).

Word Web

Memory Visualization Idea Nostalgia Recall Mind Surface Creative

Desafío

Try to describe three things you recalled today using '떠올렸어요' (e.g., breakfast, a friend's face, a task).

Origen de la palabra

A compound of '뜨다' (to float/rise) and '올리다' (to raise/lift). It is the causative form of '떠오르다'.

Significado original: To cause something to float up to the surface.

Korean (Native)

Contexto cultural

Neutral word, but use care when asking someone to 'recall' potentially traumatic events.

English speakers use 'remember' for both storing and retrieving. In Korean, '떠올리다' is specifically for the retrieval/visualizing part.

'추억을 떠올리며' (Recalling Memories) is a common title for K-Pop ballads. The movie 'Architecture 101' is a classic example of characters 'recalling' their first love.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Reminiscing about the past

  • 추억을 떠올리다
  • 옛날을 떠올리다
  • 그 시절을 떠올리다
  • 첫사랑을 떠올리다

Brainstorming ideas

  • 아이디어를 떠올리다
  • 해결책을 떠올리다
  • 방법을 떠올리다
  • 새로운 생각을 떠올리다

Describing a person

  • 얼굴을 떠올리다
  • 목소리를 떠올리다
  • 미소를 떠올리다
  • 모습을 떠올리다

Legal or Investigative

  • 사건을 떠올리다
  • 장면을 떠올리다
  • 상황을 떠올리다
  • 세부 사항을 떠올리다

Creative Writing/Art

  • 이미지를 떠올리다
  • 영감을 떠올리다
  • 배경을 떠올리다
  • 감정을 떠올리다

Inicios de conversación

"가장 행복했던 기억을 떠올려 본다면 무엇인가요? (If you recall your happiest memory, what is it?)"

"이 노래를 들으면 누가 떠오르나요? (Who comes to mind when you hear this song?)"

"고향 하면 가장 먼저 떠올리는 음식은 무엇인가요? (What is the first food you recall when you think of home?)"

"어린 시절의 친구 이름을 모두 떠올릴 수 있나요? (Can you recall all your childhood friends' names?)"

"갑자기 좋은 아이디어를 떠올린 적이 있나요? (Have you ever suddenly come up with a good idea?)"

Temas para diario

오늘 하루 중 가장 기억에 남는 순간을 떠올려 보세요. (Recall the most memorable moment of your day today.)

부모님의 젊은 시절 모습을 떠올리며 편지를 써 보세요. (Write a letter while recalling your parents in their youth.)

10년 후의 자신의 모습을 떠올려 보고 설명해 보세요. (Imagine/Recall your future self 10 years from now and describe it.)

가장 좋아하는 영화의 마지막 장면을 떠올려 보세요. (Recall the final scene of your favorite movie.)

어려웠던 시기를 어떻게 극복했는지 떠올려 보세요. (Recall how you overcame a difficult time.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes! While it often refers to memories, you can also use it for 'coming up with' a new idea or solution, as if you are bringing it up from your imagination.

떠올리다 is something YOU do (active). 생각나다 is something that HAPPENS to you (passive). Use '을/를' with 떠올리다 and '이/가' with 생각나다.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual talk, but it is also very common in formal writing and literature.

You use the causative form: '너는 [Person]을 떠올리게 해.' (You make me recall [Person]).

No, it only means the act of bringing to mind. To forget, use '잊어버리다'.

Mostly, yes. It implies a mental image, but it can also be used for sounds, smells, or abstract concepts.

Extremely often! It's a key word for songs about missing an ex-partner or childhood.

The past tense is '떠올렸다' (plain) or '떠올렸어요' (polite).

Yes, this is a very common collocation meaning 'to recall a memory.'

It sounds like a long 'L' sound in English. Your tongue should stay at the roof of your mouth for the end of 'ol' and the start of 'li'.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write 'I recall my mom's face' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Ensure '얼굴' has '을' and '떠올려요' is used.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Ensure '얼굴' has '을' and '떠올려요' is used.

writing

Write 'I recalled the name' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use past tense '떠올렸어요'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use past tense '떠올렸어요'.

writing

Write 'This song makes me recall the sea' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use the causative '~게 해요'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use the causative '~게 해요'.

writing

Write 'I often recall my childhood' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '어린 시절' and '자주'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '어린 시절' and '자주'.

writing

Write 'I vividly recalled the past' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '생생하게'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '생생하게'.

writing

Write 'While listening to music, I recalled a friend' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '~며' or '~면서'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '~며' or '~면서'.

writing

Write 'We must recall our original purpose' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '~어야 합니다' for obligation.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '~어야 합니다' for obligation.

writing

Write 'I tried to recall the password' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '~으려고 노력하다'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '~으려고 노력하다'.

writing

Write 'The movie evokes a sense of sacrifice' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use abstract noun '희생 정신'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use abstract noun '희생 정신'.

writing

Write 'Recalling the wisdom of ancestors is important' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '~는 것은 중요하다'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '~는 것은 중요하다'.

writing

Translate: 'Please try to recall.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Polite suggestion.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Polite suggestion.

writing

Translate: 'I suddenly recalled a good idea.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Active recall version.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Active recall version.

writing

Translate: 'This smell makes me recall home.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Causative usage.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Causative usage.

writing

Translate: 'I recalled it dimly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '어렴풋이'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '어렴풋이'.

writing

Translate: 'Recalling the fear of death, we realize the value of life.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use '~함으로써'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Use '~함으로써'.

writing

Write a sentence with '사진' (photo) and '떠올리다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Example sentence.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Example sentence.

writing

Write a sentence with '친구' (friend) and '떠올리다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Example sentence.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Example sentence.

writing

Write a sentence with '노래' (song) and '떠올리다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Example sentence.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Example sentence.

writing

Write a sentence with '실수' (mistake) and '떠올리다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Example sentence.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Example sentence.

writing

Write a sentence with '지혜' (wisdom) and '떠올리다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Example sentence.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Example sentence.

speaking

Say 'I recall a friend' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice 'tteo-ol-li-da'.

speaking

Say 'I recall my mom' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Focus on the 'tt' sound.

speaking

Say 'I recalled my childhood' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice the past tense conjugation.

speaking

Say 'Please try to recall' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice the suggestion form.

speaking

Say 'This song makes me recall the sea' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice the causative '~게 해요'.

speaking

Say 'I vividly recall it' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice the adverb '생생하게'.

speaking

Say 'I tried to recall the name' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice '~으려고 노력하다'.

speaking

Say 'It makes me recall my mistakes' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice the object '실수'.

speaking

Say 'We must recall the wisdom of ancestors' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice formal obligation.

speaking

Say 'It evokes a lingering impression' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Practice C1 level vocabulary.

speaking

Repeat: 떠올리다.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Pronunciation check.

speaking

Repeat: 떠올렸어요.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Past tense check.

speaking

Repeat: 떠올리게 하다.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Causative check.

speaking

Repeat: 생생하게 떠올리다.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Adverb pairing check.

speaking

Repeat: 정체성을 떠올리다.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Abstract phrase check.

speaking

Say 'I recall pizza'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Simple sentence.

speaking

Say 'I recall a movie'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Simple sentence.

speaking

Say 'I recall your voice'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Informal polite.

speaking

Say 'I recall the scene'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Polite suggestion.

speaking

Say 'I recall the fragments of history'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Literary style.

listening

Listen and identify the object: '사과를 떠올려요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'사과' is apple.

listening

Listen and identify the tense: '이름을 떠올렸어요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'~었/았' indicates past.

listening

Listen for the adverb: '문득 추억을 떠올렸다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'문득' means suddenly.

listening

Listen for the causative: '그는 나를 떠올리게 했다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'~게 했다' is causative.

listening

Listen for the abstract noun: '지혜를 떠올려야 합니다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'지혜' means wisdom.

listening

Listen and identify the verb: '떠올려요'.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

Present tense.

listening

Listen: '사진을 보고 떠올렸어요.' What was the stimulus?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'사진' is photo.

listening

Listen: '생생하게 떠올려 봐.' Is the memory clear or blurry?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'생생하게' means vivid/clear.

listening

Listen: '필사적으로 떠올리려 했다.' Did they succeed easily?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'필사적으로' means desperately.

listening

Listen: '정체성을 떠올리게 하는 디자인.' What is the design about?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

'정체성' means identity.

listening

Listen and repeat the verb.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

N/A

listening

Listen and repeat: '추억을 떠올려요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

N/A

listening

Listen and repeat: '아이디어를 떠올렸어.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

N/A

listening

Listen and repeat: '원래 목적을 떠올리세요.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

N/A

listening

Listen and repeat: '예술로 승화시키다.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

N/A

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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