Meaning
To acquire money through labor or investment.
Cultural Background
The phrase '돈을 벌다' is often used in the context of 'N-job-reo' (N-jobber), a modern term for people with multiple side hustles to increase their income. During the Lunar New Year (Seollal), children receive 'Sebaetdon' (pocket money). They don't '벌다' this money; they '받다' (receive) it. There is a popular saying '개같이 벌어서 정승같이 쓴다', which means 'Earn money like a dog (hard/humble work) and spend it like a minister (noble/generous spending).' In Korean dramas, a common trope is a character working multiple 'part-time jobs' (alba) to '벌다' money for a sick family member, highlighting the self-sacrificial nature of earning.
Drop the Particle
In casual conversation, always drop the '을'. '돈 벌어야 돼' sounds much more natural than '돈을 벌어야 돼'.
Don't say 'Make'
Never use '만들다' (make). It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating from English.
Meaning
To acquire money through labor or investment.
Drop the Particle
In casual conversation, always drop the '을'. '돈 벌어야 돼' sounds much more natural than '돈을 벌어야 돼'.
Don't say 'Make'
Never use '만들다' (make). It's the #1 giveaway that you are translating from English.
Be Humble
When someone says you earn a lot, it's polite to say '아니에요, 겨우 먹고 살아요' (No, I'm just barely getting by).
Use with '많이'
The most common adverb used with this phrase is '많이' (a lot). '돈 많이 버세요' is a common well-wish.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '벌다'.
저는 편의점에서 아르바이트를 해서 돈을 ______.
The context is earning money through a part-time job, so '벌어요' is correct.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct formal sentence.
In formal speech (-ㅂ니다), the 'ㄹ' in '벌다' drops, resulting in '법니다'.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You found 1,000 won on the floor.
Finding money on the floor is '줍다' (to pick up), not '벌다' (to earn).
Complete the dialogue.
가: 왜 그렇게 열심히 일해요? 나: 돈을 ______ 여행을 가고 싶거든요.
'-어서' is used here to show the sequence of earning money and then going on a trip.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Earn vs. Win vs. Find
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 편의점에서 아르바이트를 해서 돈을 ______.
The context is earning money through a part-time job, so '벌어요' is correct.
Choose the correct formal sentence.
In formal speech (-ㅂ니다), the 'ㄹ' in '벌다' drops, resulting in '법니다'.
You found 1,000 won on the floor.
Finding money on the floor is '줍다' (to pick up), not '벌다' (to earn).
가: 왜 그렇게 열심히 일해요? 나: 돈을 ______ 여행을 가고 싶거든요.
'-어서' is used here to show the sequence of earning money and then going on a trip.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsTechnically no. Use '당첨되다' (to be selected/win).
Yes, it is neutral. To be more formal, use '수입을 올리다'.
'벌다' is through work; '얻다' is to obtain (could be a gift or information).
You can say '돈벌이를 하고 있어요' or '먹고 살고 있어요'.
It is '벌어요'. The 'ㄹ' stays before '어'.
Yes, '회사가 돈을 벌다' is very common.
It means someone is obsessed with earning money (negative nuance).
Say '돈 많이 버세요!'
Yes, it can be used for 'earning time' (시간을 벌다).
This is a rule for 'ㄹ' irregular verbs when they meet 'ㄴ, ㅂ, ㅅ'.
Yes, but focus on 'contributing' as well as 'earning'.
'돈을 쓰다' (to spend) or '돈을 잃다' (to lose).
No, there is also '현금' (cash) and '금전' (monetary).
You can say '부업' (side job).
Related Phrases
돈을 쓰다
contrastTo spend money
돈을 모으다
builds onTo save/collect money
수입이 있다
similarTo have income
부자가 되다
builds onTo become rich
월급을 받다
specialized formTo receive a monthly salary
