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A2 noun #8,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

그루

geuru Top 8,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 그루 en 30 secondes

Explication 그루 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to count things in Korean. You might already know that Korean has two number systems: Native Korean (하나, 둘, 셋...) and Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼...). For counting trees, we use the word '그루' (geuru) along with the Native Korean numbers. However, when we use these numbers with a counter like '그루', some of them change their shape slightly. '하나' becomes '한', '둘' becomes '두', '셋' becomes '세', and '넷' becomes '네'. So, to say 'one tree', you say '나무 한 그루'. This is a very basic but important pattern. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex sentences. Just focus on the simple 'Noun + Number + Counter' structure. Imagine you are looking at a picture of a park and you want to say how many trees there are. You would point and say '나무 세 그루' (three trees). This word is very specific—you only use it for trees! If you are counting apples, you use a different word ('개'). If you are counting people, you use '명'. Learning '그루' helps you understand that in Korean, the word for 'how many' changes depending on what you are counting. It's like a special label for trees.

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At the A2 level, you should be comfortable using '그루' in basic sentences to describe your surroundings. You are now moving beyond just naming the trees and starting to use them in context. For example, you might say '우리 집 마당에 감나무 두 그루가 있어요' (There are two persimmon trees in my yard). Notice how the particle '가' is attached to '그루' because it is the subject of the sentence. You should also be aware of the spacing: '한 그루' has a space in the middle. At this level, you can start to differentiate between different types of trees using this counter. Whether it's a fruit tree like '사과나무' (apple tree) or a '소나무' (pine tree), the counter '그루' remains the same. You might also encounter this word when talking about your hobbies, like gardening or hiking. If you went to a forest, you could say '숲에 나무가 정말 많아요. 수백 그루가 있어요' (There are so many trees in the forest. There are hundreds of them). The use of '수백 그루' (hundreds of trees) shows you are expanding your vocabulary. Remember, '그루' is used for the whole plant. If you see a flower on the tree, don't use '그루' for the flower—use '송이' for that. Keeping these categories straight is a key goal for A2 learners.

As a B1 learner, you can use '그루' to discuss more complex topics like the environment, community projects, or personal experiences in more detail. You are likely able to use various tenses and connectors with this word. For instance, '작년에 학교에서 나무 열 그루를 심었어요' (Last year, we planted ten trees at school). Here, you are using the object particle '를' with the counter. You should also begin to understand the nuance of '그루' in written texts. In a story, a writer might describe a 'lonely tree' as '외로운 나무 한 그루,' where the counter helps emphasize the tree's singular presence. You might also start to see '그루' in the context of 'Arbor Day' (식목일) and understand its importance in Korean society. You should be careful not to confuse '그루' with '포기,' which is used for plants like cabbage or lettuce. While both are plants, '그루' is for things with a woody trunk. At this stage, your goal is to use '그루' naturally in conversation without having to pause and think about which number system to use. You should automatically reach for Native Korean numbers (한, 두, 세...) whenever you see a tree and want to count it. You can also start using it with '몇' (how many) to ask questions: '나무가 몇 그루 있어요?' (How many trees are there?)

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use '그루' with high accuracy in both spoken and written Korean. You can use it in more formal or professional contexts, such as describing an urban development plan or an environmental report. You might say, '도시 녹지화 사업을 위해 가로수 오백 그루를 추가로 심기로 했습니다' (We decided to plant an additional 500 street trees for the urban greening project). At this level, you can also handle larger numbers more fluidly. While you still use Native Korean numbers for smaller counts, for very large numbers like 500, you use the Sino-Korean number (오백) followed by '그루'. You should also be aware of the metaphorical uses of the word. In literature, a 'tree' can represent a person's life or their family roots, and the counter '그루' provides a sense of concrete reality to that metaphor. You might encounter the term '그루갈이' (double cropping) in agricultural or economic texts, showing how the word extends into specialized vocabulary. Your understanding of '그루' should now include its function as a 'dependent noun,' meaning you understand that it cannot stand alone and always needs a modifier (usually a numeral or a word like '여러' meaning 'several'). You are also expected to use the correct spacing and particles consistently in formal writing.

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At the C1 level, your use of '그루' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand not only the grammatical rules but also the stylistic implications of using this counter. In academic or highly formal settings, you might recognize the Sino-Korean alternative counter '주' (ju), but you know that '그루' remains the preferred term for most descriptive and literary contexts because it feels more 'alive' and native. You can appreciate the use of '그루' in classical poetry or modern essays where the rhythm of the sentence is carefully constructed. For example, a writer might use the sequence '나무 한 그루, 풀 한 포기' (one tree, one blade of grass) to create a sense of comprehensive natural beauty, contrasting the two different counters for effect. You are also capable of discussing complex environmental issues, such as the impact of deforestation, using '그루' to provide specific data points. You might say, '매년 수천만 그루의 나무가 벌목되고 있어 생태계 파괴가 심각합니다' (Tens of millions of trees are being cut down every year, causing serious ecosystem destruction). Your mastery of the word includes its placement in complex sentence structures, including those with embedded clauses, and you never falter with number-counter agreement, even when dealing with complex or approximate numbers like '여덟-아홉 그루' (eight or nine trees).

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At the C2 level, you have a profound grasp of '그루' and its place within the broader tapestry of the Korean language. You understand its etymological roots and how its usage has evolved. You can analyze the use of '그루' in various registers, from the most colloquial speech to the most archaic or specialized texts. You might explore the philosophical connotations of the word in Buddhist-influenced Korean literature, where a single tree (나무 한 그루) can be a microcosm of the universe. You are aware of how '그루' interacts with other counters in a list to create a specific aesthetic or rhetorical effect. In professional forestry or agricultural research, you can navigate between '그루' and '주' with ease, choosing the one that best fits the target audience and the formality of the document. You also understand the subtle regional variations or historical usages that might appear in older dialects or literature. For you, '그루' is no longer just a 'counter for trees'; it is a versatile linguistic tool that you use to convey precision, emotion, and cultural depth. You can even use it in wordplay or advanced puns that rely on the listener's knowledge of counters. Your command of the word is absolute, reflecting a deep immersion in the Korean linguistic and cultural environment.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

그루 en 30 secondes

그루 is the essential Korean counter used exclusively for trees and large woody shrubs, following the standard 'Noun + Number + Counter' grammar pattern.
It must be paired with Native Korean numbers (한, 두, 세, 네...) rather than Sino-Korean numbers for most everyday counting contexts.
Beyond trees, it can technically refer to the stumps or root-bases of harvested plants in agricultural settings, though this is less common for learners.
Using 그루 instead of the general counter 개 shows linguistic precision and respect for the natural, living status of trees in Korean culture.

The Korean word 그루 (geuru) is a specialized dependent noun that functions primarily as a counter for trees. In the Korean language, counting items is not as simple as just placing a number before a noun; instead, the language employs a sophisticated system of classifiers known as 'counters.' Each category of objects—be it animals, people, thin flat items, or long cylindrical objects—requires a specific counter. For anything that can be classified as a tree, whether it is a massive ancient oak or a small sapling recently planted in a garden, 그루 is the mandatory term used to quantify them. This word is essential for anyone wanting to describe a forest, a backyard, or even a single decorative tree in an urban setting. Understanding 그루 is a gateway to mastering the Korean counting system, which is one of the more challenging yet rewarding aspects of the language for English speakers. In English, we simply say 'one tree' or 'two trees,' but in Korean, the structure is typically 'Noun + Number + Counter,' making it 나무 한 그루 (namu han geuru).

Grammatical Classification: Dependent Noun (Counter). It cannot stand alone and must follow a numeral.
Primary Target: Trees, shrubs, and sometimes large stalks of crops like corn or rice when referring to the individual plant unit.
Number System Pairing: Always used with Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) which change to their determiner forms (한, 두, 세, 네...).

우리 마당에는 사과나무가 두 그루 있습니다. (There are two apple trees in our yard.)

Beyond its literal use as a counter for living trees, 그루 also carries a secondary meaning in agricultural contexts. It can refer to the remaining stump of a tree or the root-base of a harvested plant. For instance, after a harvest, the parts left in the ground might be referred to using this term. In a more figurative sense, particularly in literature and poetry, 그루 is used to evoke a sense of rootedness and stability. When a writer describes a person standing 'like a single tree' (나무 한 그루처럼), they are using the counter to emphasize the individuality and the singular presence of that person against the landscape. This nuance is important because using a general counter like 개 (gae) for a tree would sound clinical or even disrespectful to the natural life of the plant in a poetic context. Therefore, 그루 is not just a mathematical tool; it is a word that carries the weight of the tree's existence as a living, breathing entity.

In daily conversation, you will hear this word most frequently when people are talking about gardening, hiking, or environmental issues. On Arbor Day in Korea (Sikmogil, April 5th), news reports will inevitably use 그루 to describe how many millions of trees were planted across the country. It is a word associated with growth, environmental stewardship, and the beauty of the Korean landscape, which is largely mountainous and forested. For a language learner, mastering 그루 is a sign that you are moving beyond the 'one-size-fits-all' counters and beginning to appreciate the specific categories that define the Korean worldview. It shows a level of precision and respect for the natural world that is deeply embedded in Korean culture.

Using 그루 correctly requires an understanding of the relationship between nouns, numbers, and counters in Korean syntax. In English, we say 'five trees,' where the number precedes the noun. In Korean, the most natural and common structure is [Noun] + [Number] + [Counter]. For example, to say 'five trees,' you would say 나무 다섯 그루 (namu daseot geuru). It is also possible to say 다섯 그루의 나무, but this is slightly more formal or literary and is less common in spoken conversation. The key is to always use the Native Korean number system. You must never use the Sino-Korean system (일, 이, 삼...) with 그루. Using '오 그루' instead of '다섯 그루' would be a significant grammatical error that would confuse native speakers.

Structure 1: The Standard Way: [Target Tree] + [Native Korean Number] + 그루. Example: 소나무 한 그루 (One pine tree).
Structure 2: The Particle Placement: Particles like 이/가 or 을/를 usually attach to the counter. Example: 나무 두 그루를 심었어요 (I planted two trees).

공원에 단풍나무 백 그루가 심어져 있습니다. (One hundred maple trees are planted in the park.)

Another important aspect of using 그루 is knowing which plants qualify. While it is primarily for trees, it can also be used for large, woody shrubs. However, it is not used for flowers (which use 송이), small leafy plants or vegetables like lettuce (which use 포기), or thin grasses. The distinction lies in the presence of a trunk or a substantial main stem. If the plant feels like a 'tree' in its structure, 그루 is likely the correct choice. When dealing with very large numbers, such as 'ten thousand trees,' Koreans might switch to Sino-Korean numbers for the total figure but will still often append 그루 if they want to emphasize the individual units of the trees. However, for most everyday counts (1 to 99), Native Korean numbers are the absolute rule.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter 그루 in the context of 'double cropping' or agricultural cycles, referred to as 그루갈이 (geurugal-i). This refers to planting a second crop on the same plot of land after the first has been harvested. Here, 그루 represents the 'stump' or the 'spot' where a plant once stood. While this is a more technical term, it illustrates the depth of the word's meaning beyond just a simple counter. For the majority of learners, focusing on the 'Noun + Native Number + 그루' pattern will cover 99% of necessary use cases. Whether you are describing a lonely tree on a hill or a massive reforestation project, this word is your primary tool for quantification.

The word 그루 is ubiquitous in several specific domains of Korean life. One of the most common places you will hear it is in news broadcasts, particularly during the spring. South Korea has a dedicated national holiday called 식목일 (Sikmogil), or Arbor Day, held on April 5th. On this day, government officials, students, and citizens participate in mass tree-planting events. News anchors will report statistics such as, '전국적으로 수만 그루의 나무를 심었습니다' (Tens of thousands of trees were planted nationwide). In this context, 그루 sounds official, organized, and positive. It conveys a sense of national effort and environmental progress.

Domain: Environmental Reports: Used to discuss reforestation, forest fires (counting lost trees), and urban greening projects.
Domain: Real Estate & Gardening: When buying a house with a yard or visiting a nursery, people count the fruit trees or ornamental trees using this term.

이 사과나무 한 그루에서 사과가 정말 많이 열렸네요! (So many apples grew from this one apple tree!)

Another significant area where 그루 appears is in Korean literature and folk songs. Trees hold a special place in Korean culture, often symbolizing longevity, resilience, and the spirit of the village (as seen in the traditional dangsan-namu or guardian trees). When a poet writes about a 'single pine tree standing on a cliff,' they use 소나무 한 그루 to emphasize the tree's solitary strength. This usage is deeply evocative and emotional. In children's songs and stories, you'll often hear about planting 'one tree, two trees' in a rhythmic fashion, helping children learn both the numbers and the counter simultaneously. This cultural immersion ensures that every native speaker associates 그루 with the living, structural beauty of nature.

Finally, you will encounter 그루 in educational settings, specifically in science or geography classes. When discussing ecosystems or the carbon footprint, teachers will use this counter to quantify the number of trees needed to offset carbon emissions. For instance, a common educational campaign might state that 'one person needs to plant X number of trees (X 그루) per year.' This makes the word part of the modern discourse on sustainability. Whether in the high-tech context of climate science or the ancient context of a village guardian tree, 그루 remains the indispensable unit of measurement for Korea's arboreal life.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using 그루 is forgetting to use a counter altogether. In English, we say 'three trees,' but in Korean, simply saying '나무 셋' (namu set) sounds incomplete and grammatically 'naked' in most contexts. You must include the counter to sound natural. Another very common error is the confusion between the Native Korean and Sino-Korean number systems. Learners often default to '일, 이, 삼' because they are easier to memorize for larger numbers, but using them with 그루 is a major error. You must use '한, 두, 세, 네' and so on. If you say '일 그루' (il geuru), a Korean speaker will likely understand you, but it will sound extremely jarring, much like saying 'one pieces of tree' in English.

Mistake: Using '개' (gae) for Trees: While '개' is a general counter, using it for trees (나무 두 개) makes the trees sound like inanimate objects or logs rather than living plants.
Mistake: Confusing '그루' with '송이' (song-i): '송이' is for flowers or bunches of grapes. You cannot use '그루' for a rose, and you cannot use '송이' for an oak tree.

Incorrect: 나무 하나 그루 (Namu hana geuru)
Correct: 나무 한 그루 (Namu han geuru)

Spacing is another technical mistake common among learners and even some native speakers. According to standard Korean orthography, there should be a space between the number and the counter: 한 그루, not 한그루. While this is often ignored in casual texting, it is important for formal writing and exams. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the 'Noun + Number + Counter' vs. 'Number + Counter + 의 + Noun' patterns. While both are technically correct, the former is much more common. If you use the latter (e.g., 두 그루의 나무), it sounds very poetic or like a translation from a foreign language. Stick to the 'Noun + Number + Counter' format for daily life to sound more like a native.

Lastly, be careful with plants that are 'tree-like' but not quite trees. For example, a large sunflower might look like a tree to some, but it is counted with 송이 (flower) or 대 (stalk). Bamboo, despite its height, is often counted with 대 because of its stalk-like nature, though 그루 is sometimes used if emphasizing it as a singular plant in a garden. When in doubt, if it has bark and branches, 그루 is your safest bet. If it's a soft-stemmed plant, look for a different counter. Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly elevate your Korean fluency and help you describe the world around you with precision.

In the world of Korean counters, 그루 occupies a very specific niche, but there are several other counters that learners often confuse with it. Understanding the subtle differences between these words is key to achieving a high level of proficiency. The most common 'competitors' for 그루 are 송이 (song-i), 포기 (pogi), and 대 (dae). Each of these is used for plants, but the 'unit' of the plant they describe is different. For instance, while 그루 counts the entire tree, 송이 counts the flower or a cluster of fruit. You would use 송이 for a single rose or a bunch of grapes, but never for the grapevine itself (which would be 그루).

그루 vs. 포기 (Pogi): '그루' is for trees/shrubs. '포기' is for plants that grow in clumps or heads, like cabbage (배추), lettuce, or grass. You count 'one head of cabbage' as 배추 한 포기.
그루 vs. 대 (Dae): '대' is for long, slender stalks or poles. It is used for bamboo, green onions, or corn stalks. While a tree is thick, '대' implies a thinner, more pole-like structure.

장미 한 송이 (One rose flower) vs. 장미 나무 한 그루 (One rose bush/tree)

Another word to consider is 묘목 (myomok), which means 'sapling.' While 그루 is the counter, 묘목 is the noun. So you would say 묘목 한 그루 (one sapling). In agricultural contexts, you might also hear 주 (ju). 주 is the Sino-Korean counter for trees. It is almost exclusively used in formal documents, forestry reports, or academic papers. For example, a government report might say '1,000주' (cheon-ju) instead of '천 그루'. As a learner, you should recognize 주 in reading but always use 그루 in speaking to sound natural. Using 주 in a casual conversation about your garden would sound overly stiff and technical.

Finally, the general counter 개 (gae) is the 'emergency' alternative. If you completely forget 그루, using 개 will get your point across, but it lacks the specificity and cultural flavor of the correct counter. In Korean, using the specific counter is a way of showing that you understand the nature of the object you are talking about. By choosing 그루 over 개, you are acknowledging the tree as a distinct, living entity rather than just a generic 'thing.' This distinction is what separates a basic learner from an intermediate speaker who can express themselves with nuance and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word '그루' is also used in the name of a specific type of sleep called '그루잠,' which refers to falling back asleep shortly after waking up in the morning.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡɯ.ɾu/

US /ɡɯ.ɾu/

The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean word rhythm.

Rime avec

마루 (maru - floor) 가루 (garu - powder) 자루 (jaru - handle/sack counter) 하루 (haru - day) 나루 (naru - ferry) 다루 (daru - handle) 부루 (buru - lettuce) 서루 (seoru - each other - archaic)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'eu' as 'oo' (making it sound like 'guru' in English).
Rounding the lips for the first syllable.
Using a strong English 'r' instead of a light Korean tap.
Stress on the first syllable only.
Vowel length—keeping both vowels short and crisp.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the shape, but can be confused with other 'ru' ending words.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the space between the number and the counter.

Expression orale 4/5

Difficult because you must use the correct Native Korean number form (han, du, se...).

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

나무 (Tree) 하나, 둘, 셋 (Native Korean numbers) 개 (General counter) 명 (People counter)

Apprends ensuite

송이 (Flower/Bunch counter) 포기 (Cabbage/Clump counter) 대 (Stalk/Vehicle counter) 권 (Book counter)

Avancé

주 (Formal tree counter) 그루터기 (Stump) 식목일 (Arbor Day) 조경 (Landscaping)

Grammaire à connaître

Native Korean Number Determiner Forms

하나 -> 한, 둘 -> 두, 셋 -> 세, 넷 -> 네 before 그루.

Noun + Number + Counter Pattern

나무 (Noun) + 두 (Number) + 그루 (Counter).

Spacing in Counters

Always a space: '한 그루', not '한그루'.

Particles with Counters

나무 한 그루'가' (Subject), 나무 한 그루'를' (Object).

Using '몇' with Counters

나무가 '몇 그루' 있어요? (How many trees?)

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Exemples par niveau

나무 한 그루가 있어요.

There is one tree.

하나 changes to 한 before the counter 그루.

사과나무 두 그루를 봐요.

I see two apple trees.

둘 changes to 두 before the counter 그루.

산에 나무가 세 그루 있어요.

There are three trees on the mountain.

셋 changes to 세 before the counter 그루.

나무 네 그루를 그려요.

I draw four trees.

넷 changes to 네 before the counter 그루.

공원에 나무 다섯 그루가 있습니다.

There are five trees in the park.

다섯 remains the same before the counter 그루.

나무가 몇 그루 있어요?

How many trees are there?

몇 is used to ask 'how many' with a counter.

여기에 나무 여섯 그루가 있어요.

There are six trees here.

여섯 is the Native Korean number for six.

작은 나무 한 그루예요.

It is one small tree.

Adjectives like 작은 (small) come before the noun.

우리 학교 마당에는 큰 나무가 열 그루 있어요.

There are ten large trees in our school yard.

열 is the Native Korean number for ten.

어제 공원에 나무 스무 그루를 심었어요.

Yesterday, we planted twenty trees in the park.

스물 changes to 스무 before the counter 그루.

이 사과나무 한 그루에서 사과가 많이 열려요.

Many apples grow from this one apple tree.

한 그루 refers to the singular unit of the tree.

집 앞에 소나무 두 그루가 서 있어요.

Two pine trees are standing in front of the house.

서 있다 means 'to be standing'.

할아버지 댁에는 감나무가 여러 그루 있습니다.

There are several persimmon trees at my grandfather's house.

여러 means 'several' and can modify the counter.

길을 따라 가로수가 수십 그루 심어져 있어요.

Dozens of street trees are planted along the road.

수십 means 'dozens' or 'tens of'.

벚나무 한 그루가 예쁘게 피었습니다.

One cherry blossom tree has bloomed beautifully.

피다 is the verb for 'to bloom'.

그 숲에는 오래된 나무가 백 그루 넘게 있어요.

There are more than a hundred old trees in that forest.

백 (100) is used with 그루 for large counts.

환경을 보호하기 위해 매년 나무 한 그루씩 심기로 했어요.

I decided to plant one tree every year to protect the environment.

-씩 is a particle meaning 'each' or 'per'.

태풍 때문에 마당에 있던 나무 세 그루가 쓰러졌어요.

Three trees in the yard fell down because of the typhoon.

쓰러지다 means 'to fall down' or 'to collapse'.

이 공원에는 전 세계에서 온 희귀한 나무들이 수십 그루 있습니다.

There are dozens of rare trees from all over the world in this park.

희귀하다 means 'to be rare'.

마을 사람들은 마을 입구의 큰 느티나무 한 그루를 소중히 여깁니다.

The villagers cherish the one large zelkova tree at the entrance of the village.

소중히 여기다 means 'to cherish' or 'to value highly'.

우리 아파트 단지에는 벚나무가 백 그루 정도 심어져 있어서 봄에 아주 예뻐요.

There are about a hundred cherry trees planted in our apartment complex, so it's very beautiful in spring.

정도 means 'about' or 'approximately'.

산불로 인해 수만 그루의 나무가 한꺼번에 타 버렸습니다.

Due to the forest fire, tens of thousands of trees were burned all at once.

-아/어 버리다 indicates an action completed, often with a sense of regret.

정원에 과일 나무를 몇 그루 더 심고 싶어요.

I want to plant a few more fruit trees in the garden.

더 means 'more'.

이 숲에는 수령이 백 년이 넘는 나무들이 여러 그루 보존되어 있습니다.

Several trees over a hundred years old are preserved in this forest.

수령 refers to the age of a tree.

정부는 미세먼지 저감을 위해 도심에 나무 백만 그루를 심는 프로젝트를 추진 중입니다.

The government is pushing a project to plant one million trees in the city center to reduce fine dust.

추진 중이다 means 'to be in the process of pushing/promoting'.

한 그루의 나무가 자라기 위해서는 수십 년의 세월과 정성이 필요합니다.

For a single tree to grow, decades of time and devotion are required.

정성 means 'devotion' or 'sincere effort'.

그 소설가는 고향 집 뒷산에 있는 소나무 한 그루를 자신의 문학적 영감의 원천이라고 말했습니다.

The novelist said that a single pine tree on the hill behind his childhood home is the source of his literary inspiration.

영감의 원천 means 'source of inspiration'.

과수원 주인은 작년 추위에 얼어 죽은 배나무 열 그루를 베어내고 새 묘목을 심었습니다.

The orchard owner cut down ten pear trees that froze to death last year and planted new saplings.

베어내다 means 'to cut down' (a tree).

이 지역은 보호 구역으로 지정되어 있어 나무 한 그루도 함부로 베어서는 안 됩니다.

This area is designated as a protected zone, so you must not cut down even a single tree without permission.

-어서는 안 된다 is a strong prohibition meaning 'must not'.

폭설로 인해 나뭇가지가 꺾인 나무들이 여러 그루 발견되었습니다.

Several trees were found with broken branches due to the heavy snow.

꺾이다 is the passive form of 'to break/snap'.

그는 평생 동안 수천 그루의 나무를 심어 황무지를 울창한 숲으로 가꾸었습니다.

Throughout his life, he planted thousands of trees and turned the wasteland into a lush forest.

가꾸다 means 'to cultivate' or 'to tend to'.

기념 식수 행사에서 대통령은 평화를 상징하는 올리브 나무 한 그루를 심었습니다.

At the commemorative tree-planting ceremony, the president planted an olive tree symbolizing peace.

기념 식수 means 'commemorative tree planting'.

생태학적 관점에서 볼 때, 고사한 나무 한 그루도 숲의 생물 다양성을 유지하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다.

From an ecological perspective, even a single dead tree plays an important role in maintaining the forest's biodiversity.

고사하다 means 'to die' (referring to plants/trees).

조선 시대 선비들은 지조와 절개를 상징하는 소나무 한 그루를 보며 자신의 마음을 다스리곤 했습니다.

Scholars of the Joseon Dynasty used to discipline their minds while looking at a single pine tree, which symbolized fidelity and integrity.

-곤 하다 expresses a repeated or habitual action in the past.

이번 산림 자원 조사 결과, 해당 지역에는 평당 평균 세 그루의 침엽수가 분포하고 있는 것으로 나타났습니다.

As a result of this forest resource survey, it was found that an average of three conifers are distributed per 'pyeong' in the area.

분포하다 means 'to be distributed'.

그 정원사는 나무 한 그루 한 그루의 특성을 파악하여 최적의 환경에서 자랄 수 있도록 세심히 관리합니다.

The gardener identifies the characteristics of each individual tree and meticulously manages them so they can grow in an optimal environment.

Repeating '한 그루' emphasizes individual attention to each unit.

대규모 개발 사업으로 인해 수백 년 된 당산나무 한 그루가 사라질 위기에 처하자 주민들이 반대 운동에 나섰습니다.

When a centuries-old guardian tree was in danger of disappearing due to a large-scale development project, residents stepped up to protest.

위기에 처하다 means 'to be in a crisis/danger'.

문학 작품 속에서 나무 한 그루는 종종 고독한 인간의 실존을 투영하는 매개체로 사용되기도 합니다.

In literary works, a single tree is often used as a medium to project the existence of a lonely human being.

투영하다 means 'to project' or 'to reflect'.

전통 한옥을 지을 때는 기둥으로 쓸 나무 한 그루를 고르는 데에도 심혈을 기울였습니다.

When building a traditional Hanok, great care was taken even in choosing a single tree to be used as a pillar.

심혈을 기울이다 is an idiom meaning 'to put one's heart and soul into something'.

기후 변화에 대응하기 위해 탄소 흡수원이 되는 나무 한 그루의 가치가 그 어느 때보다 높게 평가되고 있습니다.

To respond to climate change, the value of a single tree as a carbon sink is being evaluated more highly than ever before.

탄소 흡수원 means 'carbon sink'.

우주라는 거대한 유기체 속에서 나무 한 그루의 존재는 미미해 보일지 모르나, 그 안에는 생명의 신비가 오롯이 담겨 있습니다.

In the vast organism of the universe, the existence of a single tree may seem insignificant, but within it, the mystery of life is fully contained.

오롯이 means 'wholly' or 'perfectly'.

그 철학자는 인간의 삶을 비바람을 견디며 뿌리 내리는 나무 한 그루에 비유하며 인내의 미덕을 강조했습니다.

The philosopher compared human life to a single tree taking root while enduring wind and rain, emphasizing the virtue of patience.

비유하다 means 'to compare' or 'to use as a metaphor'.

산림청의 통계에 따르면 국토의 60% 이상이 산림임에도 불구하고, 노거수 한 그루 한 그루에 대한 체계적인 관리는 여전히 미흡한 실정입니다.

According to statistics from the Korea Forest Service, despite more than 60% of the land being forested, systematic management of each individual ancient tree is still insufficient.

미흡한 실정이다 means 'to be in an insufficient state'.

예술가는 캔버스 위에 나무 한 그루를 그려 넣음으로써 여백의 미를 완성하고 자연과의 합일을 꾀했습니다.

By drawing a single tree on the canvas, the artist completed the beauty of the void and sought union with nature.

합일을 꾀하다 means 'to seek union/oneness'.

수천 년의 세월을 버텨온 주목 한 그루는 그 자체로 살아있는 역사이자 경외심을 불러일으키는 자연의 경이입니다.

A single yew tree that has survived for thousands of years is in itself a living history and a wonder of nature that inspires awe.

경외심을 불러일으키다 means 'to inspire awe/reverence'.

우리는 후손들에게 물려줄 소중한 자산으로서 나무 한 그루를 심고 가꾸는 일의 숭고한 가치를 잊지 말아야 합니다.

We must not forget the sublime value of planting and tending to a single tree as a precious asset to be passed down to our descendants.

숭고하다 means 'to be sublime' or 'noble'.

이 시는 혹독한 겨울을 이겨내고 싹을 틔우는 나무 한 그루의 강인한 생명력을 서정적인 필치로 묘사하고 있습니다.

This poem describes the resilient vitality of a single tree that overcomes a harsh winter and sprouts buds with lyrical brushwork.

서정적인 필치 means 'lyrical touch/style'.

현대 문명의 이기 속에서 잊혀가는 자연의 소중함을 되새기기 위해 그는 매일 창밖의 나무 한 그루와 교감하며 명상을 합니다.

To reflect on the preciousness of nature, which is being forgotten amidst the conveniences of modern civilization, he meditates every day while communing with a single tree outside his window.

교감하다 means 'to commune with' or 'to have a spiritual connection'.

Collocations courantes

나무 한 그루

사과나무 두 그루

소나무 여러 그루

수천 그루의 나무

그루를 심다

그루를 베다

그루가 자라다

단풍나무 백 그루

그루를 가꾸다

그루가 쓰러지다

Phrases Courantes

나무 한 그루도 아끼다

— To value even a single tree. Used to emphasize environmental conservation.

우리는 자연을 보호하기 위해 나무 한 그루도 아껴야 합니다.

내일 지구가 멸망하더라도 나는 오늘 한 그루의 사과나무를 심겠다

— Famous quote attributed to Spinoza. Means to do what is right and hopeful despite despair.

그는 절망적인 상황에서도 '오늘 한 그루의 사과나무를 심겠다'는 마음으로 일했습니다.

한 그루의 나무처럼

— Like a single tree. Often used in poetry to describe someone who is steadfast and solitary.

그녀는 언제나 그 자리에 한 그루의 나무처럼 서 있었습니다.

수십 그루를 심다

— To plant dozens of trees. A common phrase used during reforestation efforts.

자원봉사자들이 오늘 산에 나무 수십 그루를 심었습니다.

나무 몇 그루 있어요?

— How many trees are there? The standard way to ask for a tree count.

정원에 나무가 총 몇 그루 있어요?

그루갈이를 하다

— To practice double cropping. Planting a second crop in the same spot.

이 지역 농부들은 보리를 수확한 뒤 벼로 그루갈이를 합니다.

외로운 나무 한 그루

— A lonely single tree. A common literary image in Korean art and writing.

벌판에 외로운 나무 한 그루가 서 있네요.

그루터기만 남다

— Only the stump remains. Used when a tree has been cut down.

나무를 베어내고 이제 그루터기만 남았습니다.

백 그루의 묘목

— One hundred saplings. Often used in the context of starting a new forest.

우리는 백 그루의 묘목을 준비했습니다.

그루마다 열매가 열리다

— Fruit grows on every tree. Used to describe a successful harvest.

나무 그루마다 탐스러운 사과가 열렸습니다.

Souvent confondu avec

그루 vs 송이

Used for flowers or bunches of fruit. Don't use it for the whole tree.

그루 vs 포기

Used for clumped plants like cabbage. Don't use it for trees.

그루 vs 대

Used for thin stalks or poles. Trees use '그루' because they are thicker.

Expressions idiomatiques

"나무 한 그루를 보고 숲을 보지 못한다"

— To see a single tree but not the forest. Equivalent to 'not seeing the forest for the trees.'

작은 문제에만 집착하면 나무 한 그루를 보고 숲을 보지 못하는 실수를 범하게 됩니다.

Neutral/Proverbial

"그루터기에 토끼를 기다린다"

— Waiting for a rabbit at a tree stump. Based on a story about a farmer who waited for a rabbit to crash into a stump again instead of working.

노력하지 않고 요행만 바라는 것은 그루터기에서 토끼를 기다리는 것과 같습니다.

Literary/Ancient

"뿌리 깊은 나무 한 그루"

— A deep-rooted tree. Symbolizes a person or institution with strong foundations and history.

우리 회사는 뿌리 깊은 나무 한 그루처럼 어떤 위기에도 흔들리지 않습니다.

Formal/Poetic

"열 번 찍어 안 넘어가는 나무 없다"

— There is no tree that won't fall after ten chops. Means persistence pays off.

포기하지 말고 계속 도전하세요. 열 번 찍어 안 넘어가는 나무 없으니까요.

Informal/Proverbial

"큰 나무 한 그루가 그늘을 만든다"

— One big tree makes shade. Means a great person provides benefits to many others.

그분은 우리 마을의 큰 나무 한 그루 같은 존재로, 모두에게 도움을 주십니다.

Honorific/Respectful

"죽은 나무 한 그루에 물 주기"

— Watering a dead tree. Doing something useless or wasting effort on a hopeless cause.

이미 끝난 일에 매달리는 것은 죽은 나무 한 그루에 물을 주는 것과 다름없습니다.

Neutral

"그루마다 꽃이 피다"

— Flowers blooming on every tree. A metaphor for widespread prosperity or success.

드디어 우리 사업의 모든 그루마다 꽃이 피기 시작했습니다.

Literary

"한 그루의 나무로 서다"

— To stand as a single tree. To become independent and self-reliant.

그는 시련을 겪고 이제 온전한 한 그루의 나무로 섰습니다.

Poetic

"나무 한 그루 심는 마음으로"

— With the heart of planting a tree. Doing something with long-term vision and care.

아이들을 가르칠 때는 나무 한 그루 심는 마음으로 정성을 다해야 합니다.

Neutral

"고목 한 그루가 마을을 지킨다"

— One old tree protects the village. Refers to the wisdom and protection of elders.

마을 어르신은 고목 한 그루처럼 우리 곁을 든든하게 지켜주십니다.

Honorific

Facile à confondre

그루 vs 개

It's the general counter for objects.

그루 is specific to trees and sounds more professional and natural. 개 makes the tree sound like an object or a piece of wood.

나무 두 그루 (Natural) vs. 나무 두 개 (Sounds like two sticks or logs).

그루 vs 주 (株)

Both count trees.

그루 is the native word used in speech. 주 is a Sino-Korean term used in formal reports and documents.

나무 세 그루 (Spoken) vs. 수목 3주 (Written report).

그루 vs 토막

Both can refer to wood.

그루 is for the whole living plant. 토막 is for a cut piece of a dead tree.

나무 한 그루 (A tree) vs. 나무 한 토막 (A log).

그루 vs 포기

Both are used for plants.

그루 is for trees (woody). 포기 is for leafy vegetables (herbaceous) like kimchi cabbage.

소나무 한 그루 (Pine tree) vs. 배추 한 포기 (Cabbage).

그루 vs 송이

Both relate to plants.

그루 counts the tree. 송이 counts the flower or fruit bunch on that tree.

포도나무 한 그루 (Grapevine) vs. 포도 한 송이 (Bunch of grapes).

Structures de phrases

[Noun] [Num] 그루가 있어요.

나무 한 그루가 있어요.

[Noun] [Num] 그루를 심었어요.

사과나무 두 그루를 심었어요.

[Noun] [Num] 그루가 [Verb]-아/어 있어요.

소나무 세 그루가 서 있어요.

[Noun] 수[Num] 그루가 [Verb]-ㄴ다.

나무 수십 그루가 자란다.

[Noun] 한 그루 한 그루가 [Adj].

나무 한 그루 한 그루가 소중합니다.

[Num] 그루의 [Noun] (Literary)

한 그루의 사과나무를 심겠다.

[Noun] [Num] 그루에 불과하다.

남은 나무는 겨우 한 그루에 불과하다.

[Noun] [Num] 그루를 매개로 [Verb].

나무 한 그루를 매개로 자연과 소통한다.

Famille de mots

Noms

그루터기 (stump)

그루갈이 (double cropping)

그루잠 (sleeping briefly after waking up)

Verbes

그루박다 (to fall headfirst - unrelated root but similar sound)

그루질하다 (to clear stumps)

Apparenté

나무 (tree)

묘목 (sapling)

식목 (planting trees)

산림 (forest)

과수원 (orchard)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in nature, gardening, and environmental topics.

Erreurs courantes

Using '하나 그루' instead of '한 그루'. → 한 그루
Native numbers 1-4 and 20 change their form before a counter. '하나' must become '한'.
Using Sino-Korean numbers like '삼 그루' for 3 trees. → 세 그루
Counters for physical objects like trees almost always require Native Korean numbers.
Using '그루' to count flowers. → 송이
'그루' is specifically for trees. Flowers use '송이'. Counting a rose as '장미 한 그루' implies a whole rose bush, not a single flower.
Writing '한그루' without a space. → 한 그루
Standard Korean spacing rules require a space between the numeral and the dependent noun (counter).
Using '그루' for cut logs or timber. → 개 or 토막
'그루' implies a whole plant unit or a stump. Once it's processed into wood, it's no longer counted as '그루'.

Astuces

Number Agreement

Always pair '그루' with Native Korean numbers. Memorize the 'Big 5' changes: 한, 두, 세, 네, 스무. This is the most common area for mistakes.

Tree vs. Flower

If it has a woody trunk, use '그루'. If it's a soft stem with a flower on top, use '송이'. This simple rule will save you from most counter errors.

Spacing Matters

In Korean proficiency tests like TOPIK, spacing is graded strictly. Always write '한 그루' with a space. It shows you are a disciplined learner.

Arbor Day Context

April 5th is 식목일. If you talk about trees in April, you'll definitely hear and use '그루' more often. It's a great time to practice!

Natural Flow

The most natural sentence structure is 'Noun + Number + Counter'. Practice saying '나무 한 그루' as one fluid unit rather than three separate words.

Stump Meaning

Remember that '그루' can also mean the stump. This helps you understand words like '그루터기' and why we count trees from their base.

Guru Mnemonic

Visualize a 'Guru' sitting under a single tree. 'Guru' sounds like 'Geuru'. One Guru, one Geuru tree. This association is very sticky!

Large Numbers

For numbers over 100, you can use Sino-Korean numbers (e.g., 백 그루, 천 그루). For numbers under 100, stick to Native Korean (e.g., 마흔 그루).

Context Clues

If you hear 'geuru' at the end of a phrase, look for trees! The counter system in Korean actually helps you identify the subject of conversation.

Don't Overthink

If you see a tree, count it with '그루'. It's one of the most consistent and straightforward counters in the Korean language.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Guru' (그루) sitting under a single tree. You need a 'Guru' to count the trees properly!

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant number '1' shaped like a tree trunk, with the word '그루' written on the bark.

Word Web

나무 (Tree) 숫자 (Number) 한 (One) 두 (Two) 세 (Three) 네 (Four) 심다 (Plant) 숲 (Forest)

Défi

Go to a park and find five different types of trees. Point at each one and say its name followed by '한 그루' (e.g., 소나무 한 그루, 단풍나무 한 그루).

Origine du mot

Native Korean word. It has been used for centuries as the primary classifier for trees and stumps.

Sens originel : The base, root, or individual unit of a woody plant.

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

There are no major sensitivities, but when counting trees at a memorial or sacred site, using the correct counter '그루' is a sign of respect for the location's sanctity.

In English, we don't have a specific word for counting trees (we just say 'trees'). In Korean, not using '그루' sounds as strange as saying 'three bread' instead of 'three loaves of bread' in English.

Arbor Day (식목일) news reports in Korea. The 'Apple Tree' quote by Spinoza, widely translated in Korea using '그루'. Traditional Korean landscape paintings (Sansuhwa) which often feature a solitary tree.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Gardening

나무 한 그루 심기
물 주기
비료 주기
가지치기

Hiking

큰 나무 한 그루
쉼터
숲길
공기 좋다

News/Environment

수만 그루 식재
산불 피해
녹색 도시
탄소 중립

Children's Education

숫자 세기
그림 그리기
관찰하기
쑥쑥 자라라

Real Estate

마당 있는 집
유실수
정원 가꾸기
조망권

Amorces de conversation

"마당에 나무를 몇 그루나 심고 싶으세요?"

"가장 좋아하는 나무 한 그루를 꼽으라면 무엇인가요?"

"식목일에 나무를 한 그루라도 심어본 적이 있나요?"

"공원에 있는 저 큰 나무 한 그루의 이름이 뭔지 아세요?"

"우리 동네에는 벚나무가 수백 그루 있어서 봄에 정말 예뻐요."

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 길을 걷다가 본 가장 인상 깊은 나무 한 그루에 대해 묘사해 보세요.

만약 당신이 나무 한 그루를 심는다면, 어디에 어떤 나무를 심고 싶나요?

자신을 나무 한 그루에 비유한다면 어떤 종류의 나무일지 생각해 보세요.

숲에서 수천 그루의 나무들 사이에 서 있을 때 어떤 기분이 드나요?

환경을 위해 우리가 나무 한 그루씩 더 심어야 하는 이유는 무엇일까요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, '그루' is specifically for trees or large woody shrubs. For flowers, you should use '송이' (song-i). For example, '장미 한 송이' means 'one rose'.

It is always '한 그루'. The Native Korean numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 20 change their forms to 한, 두, 세, 네, and 스무 when followed by a counter like '그루'.

Using Sino-Korean numbers with '그루' is grammatically incorrect. While a native speaker might understand you, it will sound very unnatural. Always use Native Korean numbers (한, 두, 세...).

Yes, as long as the tree is still a single unit (like a standing dead tree or a stump), you can use '그루'. However, if it's cut into pieces, use '토막' or '개'.

You don't count a forest with '그루'. You count the trees *inside* the forest with '그루'. For the forest itself, you just use the noun '숲' or '산림'.

Yes, according to standard Korean grammar, there should be a space, e.g., '한 그루'. In casual texting, people sometimes omit it, but it's required in formal writing.

Bamboo is a bit tricky. While it looks like a tree, it's technically a grass. Usually, '대' (stalk) is used, but '그루' is acceptable if you are treating it as an individual plant in a garden.

It's an agricultural term for 'double cropping.' It refers to planting a second crop in the spot (the 'geuru') where a previous crop was already harvested.

Use '주' only in very formal, technical, or academic writing, like a scientific paper or a government report on forestry. In all other cases, use '그루'.

You can say '나무가 여러 그루 있어요' (There are several trees) or '나무가 수천 그루 있어요' (There are thousands of trees).

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