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A2 verb #3,000 le plus courant 5 min de lecture

나타내다

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At the A1 level, you can think of '나타내다' as a way to say 'to show' or 'to make'. It is often used in very simple sentences about feelings or simple pictures. For example, '아이들이 기쁨을 나타내요' (Children show joy). At this stage, you mainly learn it to distinguish it from '나타나다' (to appear). You might see it in basic workbooks when describing what a picture represents. It is a 'doing' word where someone is showing something to others. Focus on the pattern: [Person]이/가 [Feeling]을/를 나타내요.
At the A2 level, '나타내다' becomes more useful for describing things like maps, simple charts, and signs. You use it to explain what a sign means: '이 표지판은 위험을 나타내요' (This sign represents danger). You also start using it to describe people's reactions in stories. It helps you move beyond simple verbs like '좋아해요' (I like) to '좋아하는 마음을 나타내요' (I show my liking heart). This adds variety to your speaking and writing. You should be able to use it with basic objects like '생각' (thought), '마음' (heart/feeling), and '의미' (meaning).
At the B1 level, you use '나타내다' to describe trends and social phenomena. It is common in intermediate reading passages about society or psychology. You might say, '이 통계는 인구 감소를 나타냅니다' (This statistic indicates a population decrease). You also use it to discuss the 'intent' (의도) or 'characteristics' (특징) of something. For example, '이 건물은 현대적인 특징을 잘 나타내고 있어요' (This building represents modern characteristics well). At this level, you should be comfortable using it in the '나타내고 있다' (is representing/showing) form to describe ongoing states or current facts.
At the B2 level, '나타내다' is used for nuanced analysis. You will use it to interpret literature, art, or complex data. You might discuss how an author 'represents' a certain social class or how a scientific result 'indicates' a specific hypothesis is correct. It is often used in the passive-like causative structure or in complex sentences with connectors like '-음으로써' (by doing). For example, '작가는 주인공의 갈등을 통해 사회적 모순을 나타내고자 했다' (The author intended to represent social contradictions through the protagonist's conflict). You also distinguish it clearly from synonyms like '표명하다' (to state/declare) or '시사하다' (to imply).
At the C1 level, '나타내다' is a tool for precise academic and professional discourse. You use it to describe abstract manifestations of culture, philosophy, or high-level data trends. It appears in contexts like '현상으로 나타내다' (to manifest as a phenomenon). You understand its role in formal registers where '표현하다' might feel too personal or '보여주다' too informal. You can use it to describe how subtle nuances in language 'represent' the speaker's social status or attitude. Your usage is fluid, incorporating it into advanced grammatical structures and using it to summarize complex arguments in essays.
At the C2 level, your mastery of '나타내다' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You use it in highly specialized fields—such as law, advanced mathematics, or classical literature—where the 'representation' of a concept must be described with absolute precision. You understand its historical development and how it interacts with Hanja-based synonyms in formal documents. You can use it to discuss the 'semiotics' of a text or the 'phenomenological representation' of an idea. It is no longer just a vocabulary word but a precise instrument for articulating the most subtle connections between an object and its meaning.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

나타내다 en 30 secondes

  • 나타내다 means to show, express, or represent something using external signs or actions.
  • It is a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object (e.g., showing *feelings*, representing *data*).
  • Commonly used in academic contexts to describe what graphs or symbols indicate.
  • Often confused with '나타나다' (to appear), but '나타내다' is the active act of showing.

The Korean verb 나타내다 is a versatile and essential term used to describe the act of making something visible, known, or understandable to others. At its core, it functions as the causative form of 나타나다 (to appear). While 나타나다 describes something appearing on its own, 나타내다 focuses on the subject performing the action of showing or expressing. This distinction is crucial for learners moving from A1 to A2 levels. It covers a broad spectrum of meanings from physical display to abstract emotional expression.

Physical Representation
Using signs, symbols, or marks to show information, such as a map showing a route.
Emotional Expression
Revealing inner thoughts, feelings, or intentions through words, facial expressions, or behavior.
Statistical Indication
When data, graphs, or numbers represent a specific trend or fact.

그는 기쁜 마음을 얼굴에 나타내다.

Translation: He showed his happy heart on his face.

In daily life, you will encounter this word when discussing how people convey their personalities or how machines display data. It is less about the 'existence' of something and more about the 'communication' of that thing to an observer. Whether it is a thermometer indicating the temperature or an artist expressing a theme, 나타내다 is the bridge between the internal/hidden and the external/visible.

숫자로 결과를 나타내다.

그림으로 생각을 나타내다.

표정으로 슬픔을 나타내다.

Context: Mathematics
Variables representing values (x는 10을 나타낸다).
Context: Social Science
Surveys representing public opinion.

Using 나타내다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb. This means it almost always takes an object. The basic structure is [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 나타내다. For example, '그래프가(Subject) 변화를(Object) 나타냅니다(Verb)'.

1. Expressing Feelings

When you want to say someone is showing an emotion, you use the emotion as the object. It is often paired with body parts like '얼굴' (face) or '눈빛' (look in eyes). '그녀는 얼굴에 미소를 나타냈다' (She showed a smile on her face). Note that in natural Korean, '보이다' is often used interchangeably here, but '나타내다' feels slightly more formal or deliberate.

2. Representing Concepts

This is common in symbolic contexts. '빨간색은 열정을 나타냅니다' (Red represents passion). Here, the word acts like 'to symbolize' or 'to stand for'. It is frequently used in tests and textbooks when asking what a certain underlined word or symbol refers to.

3. Data and Facts

In professional or academic settings, use it to describe what data points to. '이 수치는 경제 성장을 나타냅니다' (This figure indicates economic growth). It sounds objective and precise.

Grammar Check: 나타내다 vs 나타나다

  • 나타나다: Something appears (Intransitive). '해가 나타났다' (The sun appeared).
  • 나타내다: Someone/Something shows something (Transitive). '그는 용기를 나타냈다' (He showed courage).

You will encounter 나타내다 in various spheres of Korean life, ranging from the news to casual literature. Its frequency is high because it bridges the gap between simple 'showing' and complex 'representing'.

In News and Media

News anchors frequently use this word when reporting on statistics or public sentiment. '조사 결과는 시민들의 불안감을 나타내고 있습니다' (The survey results are showing the citizens' anxiety). It provides a formal tone suitable for broadcasting.

In Classrooms and Exams

If you take the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), you will see this word in almost every reading section. Questions like '밑줄 친 부분이 나타내는 것은 무엇입니까?' (What does the underlined part represent?) are standard. It is the go-to word for academic inquiry.

In Literature

Authors use it to describe character development or atmospheric shifts. Instead of saying a character is sad, they might say '그의 행동은 깊은 슬픔을 나타냈다' (His actions expressed deep sadness), which adds a layer of descriptive depth.

In Business Presentations

When presenting charts or KPIs, '이 그래프는 매출 상승을 나타냅니다' (This graph represents an increase in sales) is a standard phrase. It sounds professional and clear.

Even intermediate learners often stumble with 나타내다 due to its similarity with other verbs. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Confusing with 나타나다: As mentioned, this is the #1 mistake. Remember: 나타나다 is 'A appears', 나타내다 is 'B shows A'. You cannot say '기분이 나타냈어요' to mean 'My feelings appeared'; you must say '기분을 나타냈어요' (I showed my feelings).
  • Overusing it for 'Show': While it means 'to show', you shouldn't use it for showing a physical object to a friend, like a new phone. For 'Show me your phone', use 보여주다. 나타내다 is for expressing qualities, meanings, or data.
  • Incorrect Particle Usage: Because it is transitive, it requires the object marker -을/를. Learners often use -이/가 by mistake because they are thinking of the passive 'appearing'.
  • Tense Confusion: When describing a graph that currently shows something, use the present tense 나타낸다 or 나타내고 있다. Using the past tense 나타냈다 implies it no longer shows that information.

Incorrect: 지도가 길을 나타나요. (The map appears the road.)

Correct: 지도가 길을 나타내요. (The map shows/represents the road.)

Korean has several words for 'showing' or 'expressing'. Understanding the nuances helps you sound more like a native speaker.

1. 표현하다 (To Express)

This is the closest synonym. However, 표현하다 is more focused on the *method* of expression, like using words, art, or music. 나타내다 is more about the *result* of making something visible. You 'express' (표현) your love through a song, and that song 'shows' (나타낸다) your love.

2. 보이다 (To Show/Be Visible)

보이다 is very general. It can mean something is simply visible to the eye. 나타내다 implies a more active or symbolic representation. If you show someone a picture, use 보여주다. If a picture represents a historical event, use 나타내다.

3. 드러내다 (To Reveal/Expose)

드러내다 implies that something was hidden or covered and is now being exposed. 나타내다 doesn't necessarily imply it was hidden; it just means it is being manifested or represented.

4. 상징하다 (To Symbolize)

This is a subset of 나타내다. While 나타내다 can be used for symbols, 상징하다 is specifically for deep, cultural, or artistic symbolism.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

그는 웃음으로 기쁨을 나타내요.

He shows joy with a laugh.

Present tense: 나타내요

2

그림이 꽃을 나타내요.

The drawing represents a flower.

Object: 꽃 (flower)

3

아이들이 슬픔을 나타냅니다.

Children express sadness.

Formal ending: -읍니다

4

이것은 무엇을 나타내요?

What does this represent?

Question form

5

얼굴에 화를 나타내지 마세요.

Don't show anger on your face.

Negative: -지 마세요

6

손으로 숫자를 나타내요.

Show numbers with your hands.

Instrumental: -으로

7

그녀는 사랑을 나타내고 싶어해요.

She wants to show her love.

Desire: -고 싶어하다

8

색깔이 기분을 나타내요.

Colors represent feelings.

Subject: 색깔 (color)

1

이 지도는 산을 나타냅니다.

This map represents mountains.

Topic: 지도 (map)

2

그래프가 온도를 나타내고 있어요.

The graph is showing the temperature.

Progressive: -고 있다

3

그는 고개를 저어 반대를 나타냈다.

He shook his head to show opposition.

Past tense: 나타냈다

4

이 표지판은 정지를 나타내요.

This sign represents 'stop'.

Object: 정지 (stop)

5

글자로 마음을 나타내는 것은 어려워요.

It is hard to express your heart with letters.

Gerund: -는 것

6

그녀의 눈빛이 진심을 나타냈다.

The look in her eyes showed her sincerity.

Subject: 눈빛 (eye-look)

7

이 숫자는 가격을 나타냅니다.

This number represents the price.

Formal: 나타냅니다

8

우리는 박수로 환영을 나타냈어요.

We showed our welcome with applause.

Past tense: 나타냈어요

1

설문 조사 결과는 소비자의 선호도를 나타낸다.

The survey results indicate consumer preferences.

Plain style: 나타낸다

2

이 작품은 평화에 대한 갈망을 나타내고 있다.

This work represents a longing for peace.

Topic: 작품 (work of art)

3

그의 침묵은 동의를 나타내는 것일 수도 있다.

His silence might represent agreement.

Probability: -일 수도 있다

4

단어의 선택이 화자의 태도를 나타냅니다.

The choice of words represents the speaker's attitude.

Subject: 단어의 선택

5

이 기호는 수학에서 무한대를 나타냅니다.

This symbol represents infinity in mathematics.

Context: 수학 (math)

6

그녀는 행동으로 자신의 의지를 나타냈다.

She showed her will through her actions.

Object: 의지 (will)

7

빨간색은 위험이나 경고를 나타낼 때 사용됩니다.

Red is used when representing danger or warning.

Time: -을 때

8

이 수치는 작년보다 높은 성장률을 나타낸다.

This figure indicates a higher growth rate than last year.

Comparison: -보다

1

작가는 소설을 통해 인간의 본성을 나타내고자 했다.

The author intended to represent human nature through the novel.

Intention: -고자 하다

2

경제 지표는 시장의 불안정성을 명확히 나타내고 있다.

Economic indicators clearly show the market's instability.

Adverb: 명확히 (clearly)

3

이 유물은 당시 사람들의 생활 양식을 잘 나타낸다.

This artifact represents the lifestyle of the people at that time well.

Time: 당시 (at that time)

4

그의 연기는 캐릭터의 복잡한 심리를 효과적으로 나타냈다.

His acting effectively represented the character's complex psychology.

Object: 복잡한 심리

5

정부는 이번 정책을 통해 개혁 의지를 나타냈다.

The government showed its will for reform through this policy.

Subject: 정부 (government)

6

이 현상은 지구 온난화의 심각성을 나타내는 증거이다.

This phenomenon is evidence representing the seriousness of global warming.

Noun: 증거 (evidence)

7

통계 자료를 시각적으로 나타내는 것이 중요하다.

It is important to represent statistical data visually.

Adverbial: 시각적으로

8

그녀의 말투는 상대방에 대한 존중을 나타내고 있었다.

Her tone of voice was showing respect for the other person.

Past progressive: -고 있었다

1

이 철학적 개념은 존재의 본질을 나타내는 핵심적인 요소이다.

This philosophical concept is a core element representing the essence of existence.

Adjective: 핵심적인 (core)

2

언어는 그 사회의 문화적 정체성을 나타내는 거울과 같다.

Language is like a mirror representing the cultural identity of that society.

Simile: -와 같다

3

연구 결과는 두 변수 사이의 상관관계를 뚜렷하게 나타냈다.

The research results clearly showed the correlation between the two variables.

Noun: 상관관계 (correlation)

4

건축 양식은 시대의 정신을 나타내는 중요한 척도가 된다.

Architectural style becomes an important measure representing the spirit of the times.

Noun: 척도 (measure/yardstick)

5

그의 시는 상실의 아픔을 은유적으로 나타내고 있다.

His poetry metaphorically represents the pain of loss.

Adverb: 은유적으로 (metaphorically)

6

이 데이터는 기후 변화가 생태계에 미치는 영향을 나타낸다.

This data represents the impact of climate change on the ecosystem.

Clause: 미치는 영향

7

법률 조항은 정의를 실현하고자 하는 국가의 의지를 나타낸다.

Legal provisions represent the state's will to realize justice.

Noun: 법률 조항

8

그의 미세한 표정 변화는 심리적 동요를 나타내고 있었다.

His subtle changes in facial expression were showing psychological agitation.

Adjective: 미세한 (subtle)

1

이 서사시는 민족의 수난사와 극복 의지를 집약적으로 나타낸다.

This epic poem intensively represents the nation's history of suffering and will to overcome.

Adverb: 집약적으로 (intensively)

2

담론 분석을 통해 권력 관계가 어떻게 나타나는지 고찰한다.

Through discourse analysis, we examine how power relations are represented.

Indirect question: -는지

3

예술적 표현은 주관적 세계관을 객관적 매체로 나타내는 과정이다.

Artistic expression is the process of representing a subjective worldview through an objective medium.

Contrast: 주관적 vs 객관적

4

이 수식은 물리적 현상의 법칙을 수학적으로 나타낸 것이다.

This formula is a mathematical representation of the laws of physical phenomena.

Structure: -ㄴ 것이다

5

문화적 기호는 집단 무의식의 층위를 나타내는 지표로 기능한다.

Cultural symbols function as indicators representing the layers of the collective unconscious.

Function: -로 기능한다

6

역사적 사료는 과거의 진실을 온전히 나타내기에는 한계가 있다.

Historical records have limits in fully representing the truth of the past.

Limitation: -기에는 한계가 있다

7

그의 논문은 자본주의의 구조적 모순을 통찰력 있게 나타냈다.

His thesis insightfully represented the structural contradictions of capitalism.

Adverbial: 통찰력 있게

8

음악의 선율은 인간의 형언할 수 없는 감정을 나타낸다.

The melody of music represents the indescribable emotions of humans.

Adjective: 형언할 수 없는

Collocations courantes

기쁨을 나타내다
슬픔을 나타내다
의사를 나타내다
특징을 나타내다
수치로 나타내다
그래프로 나타내다
얼굴에 나타내다
태도를 나타내다
의미를 나타내다
반대를 나타내다

Phrases Courantes

겉으로 나타내다

분명하게 나타내다

말로 나타내다

그림으로 나타내다

숫자로 나타내다

반응을 나타내다

관심을 나타내다

차이를 나타내다

결과를 나타내다

성질을 나타내다

Souvent confondu avec

나타내다 vs 나타나다

Intransitive (to appear). '나타내다' is transitive (to show).

나타내다 vs 표현하다

Focuses on the act of expressing; '나타내다' focuses on the manifestation.

나타내다 vs 드러내다

Implies revealing something previously hidden.

Expressions idiomatiques

""

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""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

나타내다 vs

나타내다 vs

나타내다 vs

나타내다 vs

나타내다 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

It is more formal than '보여주다' and more objective than '표현하다'.

frequency

Very high in written Korean and formal speech.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '나타나요' when you mean 'shows' (should be 나타내요).
  • Using '나타내다' for showing a physical item (use 보여주다).
  • Forgetting the object marker -을/를.
  • Confusing it with '드러나다' (to be revealed).
  • Using it for 'appearing' in a place (use 나타나다).

Astuces

Object Marker

Always check for the 을/를 marker. If you see 이/가, you probably need '나타나다' instead.

Synonym Choice

Use '나타내다' for charts and '표현하다' for art/feelings for a more natural sound.

Facial Expressions

Combine with '얼굴에' to describe how someone is feeling without them saying a word.

TOPIK Prep

Memorize the phrase '밑줄 친 부분이 나타내는 것' for the reading section.

News Keywords

When you hear '나타냈습니다' on the news, look for a graph or a percentage on the screen.

Symbolism

Use it to explain cultural symbols, like what the colors on the Korean flag represent.

Deliberate Action

It often implies a deliberate act of showing or a clear indication of a fact.

The 'Na' Sound

Associate 'Na' with 'Now' - making something visible 'Now'.

Professionalism

In business meetings, use this word to explain your data points.

Visualizing

If you can draw a picture of the information, you can use '나타내다' to describe it.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Native Korean word.

Contexte culturel

Koreans might use '나타내다' cautiously when talking about their own achievements to avoid sounding boastful.

When showing respect, you might use '표현하시다' for elders, but '나타내다' is generally neutral.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"당신의 기분을 어떻게 나타내요? (How do you show your feelings?)"

"이 그림은 무엇을 나타낸다고 생각하세요? (What do you think this painting represents?)"

"한국 문화에서 빨간색은 무엇을 나타내나요? (What does red represent in Korean culture?)"

"성공을 어떻게 수치로 나타낼 수 있을까요? (How can we represent success in numbers?)"

"표정으로 모든 것을 나타낼 수 있을까요? (Can everything be shown through facial expressions?)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 느낀 감정을 글로 나타내 보세요. (Try to express the feelings you felt today in writing.)

나를 가장 잘 나타내는 물건은 무엇인가요? (What object represents you best?)

말하지 않고 고마움을 나타내는 방법들을 적어 보세요. (Write down ways to show gratitude without speaking.)

우리 가족의 특징을 한 단어로 나타낸다면? (If you could represent your family's characteristics in one word?)

미래의 내 모습을 그림으로 나타내 본다면? (If you were to represent your future self in a drawing?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is used for feelings, data, symbols, and characteristics. It is very broad.

It's better to use '보여주다' for physical objects. '나타내다' is for meanings.

'상징하다' is specifically 'to symbolize'. '나타내다' is a general 'to show/represent'.

Yes, '나타내어지다' exists but is less common than '나타나다'.

Yes, '그래프가 결과를 나타낸다' is a very common sentence.

You say '그는 본색을 나타냈다'.

Yes, basic usage starts at A2, but it is used all the way to C2.

Yes, a thermometer '나타낸다' the temperature.

In daily conversation about feelings, '표현하다' is slightly more common.

Yes, words like '표시(表示)하다' or '표현(表現)하다' share similar meanings.

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