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놓이다

A2 verb #4,500 most common 9 min read

놓이다

noida Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 놓이다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 놓이다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will primarily use '놓이다' in its most basic physical sense: to describe where objects are. You will most often see it in the form '놓여 있어요' (is placed/is there). At this stage, focus on using it with simple nouns like '책' (book), '컵' (cup), or '펜' (pen) and location particles like '- 위에' (on top of). It helps you describe a scene or find things around the house. You don't need to worry about complex passive rules yet; just think of '놓여 있어요' as a way to say 'it is sitting there' for objects on a surface. This is a step up from just using '있어요' (there is), as it implies the object was purposefully placed there. For example, '사과가 테이블 위에 놓여 있어요' means 'The apple is [placed] on the table.'

At the A2 level, you start to use '놓이다' for slightly more abstract but still common concepts. The most important addition at this stage is the idiomatic expression '마음이 놓이다' (to feel relieved). You will learn to use this to express your feelings after a stressful event, like finishing an exam or hearing good news. You also begin to see '놓이다' used for infrastructure, specifically '다리가 놓이다' (a bridge is built). This expands your vocabulary from simple household items to city-wide structures. You should also start practicing the past tense '놓였어요' to describe things that were placed or built in the past. Understanding the difference between '놓다' (active) and '놓이다' (passive) becomes more important here to avoid particle errors.

At the B1 level, you will use '놓이다' to describe more complex situations and states of being. You'll encounter it in phrases like '어려운 상황에 놓이다' (to be placed in a difficult situation) or '위기에 놓이다' (to be in a crisis). This level requires you to understand how '놓이다' functions in news articles and formal stories. You will also learn to use it with more diverse grammar endings like '-게 되다' (to come to be) to show a change in status, such as '선택의 기로에 놓이게 되었어요' (I came to be placed at a crossroads of choice). Your ability to distinguish '놓이다' from similar verbs like '두어지다' or '배치되다' should begin to develop, allowing for more precise descriptions of how objects and people are positioned in a context.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '놓이다' in formal writing and academic contexts. You will see it used to describe the arrangement of ideas, the positioning of a country in international relations, or the status of a scientific theory. For instance, '이 문제는 논의의 중심에 놓여 있다' (This issue is placed at the center of the discussion). You will also handle the passive voice more naturally, understanding that '놓이다' is often used to maintain a neutral, objective tone in reports. You'll explore more nuanced idioms and collocations, such as '궤도에 놓이다' (to be put on track/on orbit) or '안중에 놓이다' (to be within one's consideration). Your focus shifts from physical placement to metaphorical and systemic positioning.

At the C1 level, '놓이다' becomes a tool for sophisticated literary and philosophical expression. You will use it to describe existential states or the intricate placement of themes within a piece of literature. You can appreciate the subtle difference between '놓여 있다' (state) and '놓이다' (the act of being placed in a specific moment) in high-level texts. You will encounter '놓이다' in complex sentence structures with multiple clauses, such as '역사적 필연성 앞에 놓인 인간의 운명' (Human destiny placed before historical necessity). At this stage, you should be able to use the word to discuss abstract concepts like 'social hierarchy' or 'logical structures' with the same ease as describing a cup on a table, using advanced connectors and formal registers.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '놓이다' and all its subtle nuances. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific moods or in professional debates to frame complex issues. You understand its role in archaic or highly formal Korean, and you can distinguish it from every possible synonym with perfect accuracy. You might use it in legal or diplomatic translations where the exact nuance of 'being placed' versus 'being established' or 'being situated' is critical. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and can use it in wordplay or advanced metaphors. For a C2 learner, '놓이다' is not just a verb, but a versatile linguistic building block that can describe anything from the birth of a galaxy to the release of a deep-seated psychological trauma.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

놓이다 in 30 Seconds

놓이다 is the passive form of 놓다, meaning 'to be placed' or 'to be put'. It is mostly used for objects on surfaces.
It is the standard verb for infrastructure like bridges and roads being built or laid down in a specific location.
In emotional contexts, '마음이 놓이다' is a very common idiom meaning 'to feel relieved' or 'to be at ease'.
It can describe being in a certain abstract situation, like a crisis or a crossroads, emphasizing the state over the action.

The Korean verb 놓이다 is a multifaceted word that primarily serves as the passive form of the active verb 놓다 (to put, to place). At its most fundamental level, it describes the state or action of an object being positioned in a specific location. However, its usage extends far beyond mere physical placement, touching upon infrastructure, social situations, and deep psychological states. Understanding 놓이다 is crucial for moving from a beginner to an intermediate level in Korean because it introduces the concept of 'state of being' resulting from an action, often paired with the auxiliary verb structure -어/아 있다.

Physical Placement: When an object has been placed somewhere by someone, and we are focusing on the object's current position rather than the person who put it there, we use 놓이다. For example, 'The vase is placed on the table' becomes 꽃병이 탁자 위에 놓여 있다.

책상 위에 두꺼운 사전이 놓여 있습니다. (A thick dictionary is placed on the desk.)

Beyond physical objects, 놓이다 is the standard verb used when discussing the construction or installation of large-scale infrastructure like bridges, roads, or railway tracks. In English, we might say a bridge was 'built' or 'constructed,' but in Korean, the nuance is that the bridge was 'laid down' or 'placed' across a gap. This usage highlights the structural connection being made between two points.

Infrastructure and Connectivity: This refers to the completion of paths or links. Whether it is a literal bridge over a river or a metaphorical bridge between cultures, 놓이다 captures the essence of establishing a connection.

강 위에 새로운 다리가 놓였습니다. (A new bridge was built/placed over the river.)

Finally, the word is used in abstract or situational contexts. When someone is 'placed' in a difficult situation or a crisis, 놓이다 is the verb of choice. It suggests that external circumstances have positioned the subject in a particular state. This passive nuance is important because it implies the subject might not have had full control over how they ended up in that situation, emphasizing the environment or the result of prior events.

Situational Context: This covers being in a predicament, a position of power, or a state of uncertainty. It is widely used in news reporting and formal writing to describe the status of individuals or nations.

회사는 현재 매우 어려운 상황에 놓여 있습니다. (The company is currently placed in a very difficult situation.)

Using 놓이다 correctly requires an understanding of Korean passive voice constructions. Unlike the active 놓다, which requires an object (indicated by the particles -을/를), 놓이다 focuses on the subject (indicated by -이/가) that is being placed. The most common grammatical pattern you will encounter is [Subject] + [Location] + -에 놓여 있다. This describes a continuous state—the object was placed there in the past and remains there now.

The 'State of Being' Pattern: Using 놓여 있다 (is placed) is much more common in daily speech than the simple present 놓인다 when describing physical objects. It emphasizes the resulting state that is visible to the speaker right now.

컵이 식탁 위에 놓여 있어요. (The cup is [sitting] on the dining table.)

When conjugating 놓이다 for the past tense, 놓였다 is used. This can mean 'was placed' or 'was built.' In the context of the idiomatic expression 마음이 놓이다, the past tense 마음이 놓였다 means 'I felt relieved' or 'I was at ease.' It signifies the moment the tension left your body. In formal settings, such as news or academic papers, you will see the plain form 놓인다 or the formal 놓입니다 to describe general facts or current events.

Emotional Relief: The phrase 마음이 놓이다 is an essential collocation. It is used when a worry is resolved. For example, 'Now that I know you are safe, I am relieved' is 당신이 안전하다는 것을 알게 되니 이제야 마음이 놓이네요.

시험이 끝나서 이제야 마음이 놓여요. (The exam is over, so I finally feel relieved.)

In more advanced usage, 놓이다 can be paired with complex endings like -게 되다 (to come to be) or -어야 하다 (must be). For instance, 중요한 기로에 놓이게 되었다 means 'came to be placed at an important crossroads.' This shows a transition into a certain state. When describing a plan that hasn't happened yet, the future tense 놓일 것이다 is used, often seen in urban planning announcements regarding new roads or facilities.

Abstract Positioning: When we talk about being in a certain 'order' or 'rank,' we use 놓이다. 'The two items are placed in order of size' would be 두 물건이 크기 순서대로 놓여 있다.

우리는 선택의 기로에 놓여 있습니다. (We are placed at a crossroads of choice.)

You will encounter 놓이다 in a wide variety of daily life scenarios, from the most mundane to the most dramatic. In a domestic setting, it is the word mothers use when telling children where things are: 'Your clothes are placed on the bed' (옷이 침대 위에 놓여 있어). In a restaurant, a server might say 'The side dishes are placed here' (반찬이 여기 놓입니다) as they set the table. It provides a polite, descriptive way to indicate the location of items without focusing on the act of putting them down.

Daily Life & Home: Used to describe the organization of a room or the location of lost items. 'Where is my phone?' 'It's placed on the sofa.' (소파 위에 놓여 있어.)

현관에 신발이 가지런히 놓여 있네요. (The shoes are placed neatly at the entrance.)

In the world of K-Dramas and movies, 놓이다 frequently appears in emotional climaxes. When a protagonist finally solves a mystery or finds a missing loved one, they will exhale and say, "이제야 마음이 놓여요" (Now I can finally breathe/feel at ease). It is a powerful expression of emotional release. Conversely, in thrillers, a character might realize they are 위험한 상황에 놓였다 (placed in a dangerous situation), adding a sense of being trapped by fate or external forces.

Drama & Emotional Context: Used to express the transition from anxiety to peace, or the sudden realization of a precarious position. It's a key word for expressing empathy and relief.

아이를 찾았다는 소식에 부모는 마음이 놓였습니다. (At the news that the child was found, the parents felt relieved.)

In professional and academic environments, 놓이다 is used to describe the status of projects or the economy. A report might state that 'The economy is placed in a period of stagnation' (경제가 정체기에 놓여 있다). It is also used in literature to describe the setting or the arrangement of elements in a scene, providing a vivid picture of how things are laid out. Whether you are reading a novel or a business report, this word helps you understand the 'where' and 'how' of the subject's existence.

News & Formal Reports: Describes macro-situations, geographical locations of buildings, or the installation of public utilities. It conveys a sense of objectivity and permanence.

이 건물은 산과 바다 사이에 놓여 있어 경치가 좋습니다. (This building is placed between the mountains and the sea, so the view is great.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 놓이다 is confusing it with its active counterpart, 놓다. Because both relate to 'putting' or 'placing,' students often use the wrong particles. Remember: 놓다 is something YOU do to an object (Object + -을/를 놓다), while 놓이다 is something that HAPPENS to the subject (Subject + -이/가 놓이다). If you say 책을 놓여 있어요, it is grammatically incorrect because the passive verb cannot take a direct object with -을/를.

Passive vs. Active Confusion: Incorrect: 사과를 테이블 위에 놓여 있어요. (Wrong particle)
Correct: 사과가 테이블 위에 놓여 있어요. (The apple is placed...)

주어(Subject)가 놓이다 vs 목적어(Object)를 놓다.

Another common error is confusing 놓이다 with 넣다 (to put inside). While both involve 'putting,' 놓다/놓이다 usually refers to placing something ON a surface or in an open space, whereas 넣다/넣이다 (though 담기다 is more common for the passive of 'put in') implies putting something INSIDE a container like a bag or a box. Using 놓이다 when you mean 'it is inside the drawer' will sound strange to native speakers.

Surface vs. Interior: Use 놓이다 for: Tables, floors, bridges, shelves.
Use 넣다/담기다 for: Bags, pockets, boxes, drawers.

가방 안에 책이 놓여 있어요? (No, usually '책이 들어 있어요' or '담겨 있어요' is better for 'inside'.)

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the nuance of 마음이 놓이다. They might try to say 마음을 놓다 to mean they feel relieved. While 마음을 놓다 exists, it often means 'to let one's guard down' or 'to relax one's mind' (sometimes in a negative way, like being careless). If you want to express the feeling of 'I am relieved because the danger has passed,' the passive 마음이 놓이다 is much more natural and common.

The 'Relief' Nuance: 마음이 놓이다: My heart is at peace (Relief).
마음을 놓다: To relax one's focus (Can mean carelessness).

절대로 마음을 놓지 마세요. (Never let your guard down - versus - 이제 마음이 놓여요. Now I am relieved.)

Korean has several verbs that describe location and state, and choosing the right one depends on the context. While 놓이다 is the most general term for 'being placed,' you might consider alternatives like 위치하다, 배치되다, or 설치되다 depending on whether you are talking about geography, organization, or equipment.

놓이다 vs. 위치하다: 놓이다 focuses on the result of an action (someone put it there). 위치하다 is more formal and geographical, used for buildings, cities, or organs in the body. You wouldn't say a spoon '위치하다' on a table; you would say it '놓여 있다'.

서울은 한국의 중심에 위치하고 있습니다. (Seoul is located in the center of Korea.)

When discussing items that have been arranged with a specific plan or strategy, 배치되다 (to be deployed/arranged) is a strong alternative. This is often used for furniture in a showroom, soldiers in a field, or employees in departments. It implies a higher level of intentional organization than the simple 놓이다.

놓이다 vs. 배치되다: 놓이다: General placement.
배치되다: Strategic or systematic arrangement.

가구들이 효율적으로 배치되었습니다. (The furniture has been arranged efficiently.)

For machines, appliances, or infrastructure that requires technical work to 'place,' 설치되다 (to be installed) is the best choice. While you can say a bridge is '놓이다,' you would say an air conditioner or a security camera is '설치되다.' 놓이다 sounds more like 'laying it down,' while 설치되다 sounds like 'setting it up for use.'

놓이다 vs. 설치되다: 놓이다: Used for bridges, roads, and simple objects.
설치되다: Used for electronic devices, software, or complex systems.

교실에 새로운 에어컨이 설치되었습니다. (A new air conditioner was installed in the classroom.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root '놓다' originally meant both 'to put' and 'to let go'. This is why '마음이 놓이다' means relief—you are 'letting go' of your worry.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /no.i.da/

US /no.i.da/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'no'.

Rhymes With

보이다 (to be seen) 모이다 (to gather) 꼬이다 (to be twisted) 쓰이다 (to be used) 트이다 (to be opened) 고이다 (to stagnate) 조이다 (to tighten) 쪼이다 (to be pecked)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' (ㅎ) strongly. In '놓이다', the 'ㅎ' sound often disappears because it is followed by the vowel '이'.
Confusing the pronunciation with '노이다', which sounds identical in fast speech but has no meaning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially with '마음이 놓이다'.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of passive voice and particle usage (-이/가 vs -을/를).

Speaking 3/5

Using '놓여 있다' correctly instead of '놓아요' takes practice.

Listening 2/5

The 'h' sound can be tricky, but the word is common enough to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

놓다 (to put) 있다 (to be/exist) 마음 (heart/mind) 다리 (bridge) 위 (top/above)

Learn Next

보이다 (to be seen) 들리다 (to be heard) 쓰이다 (to be used) 바뀌다 (to be changed)

Advanced

위치하다 (to be located) 설치하다 (to install) 배치하다 (to arrange/deploy) 기로 (crossroads)

Grammar to Know

Passive Suffix -이/히/리/기-

놓다 -> 놓이다, 보다 -> 보이다, 듣다 -> 들리다

-어/아 있다 (Resultant State)

책이 놓여 있다 (The book is [in the state of being] placed).

Passive Voice Particle Usage

사과가(Subject) 놓이다 vs 사과를(Object) 놓다

-게 되다 (Becoming/External Change)

어려운 상황에 놓이게 되었다 (Came to be placed in a difficult situation).

-ㄴ/은 채 (While in the state of...)

문이 열려 놓인 채로 나갔다 (Went out with the door left open).

Examples by Level

책이 책상 위에 놓여 있어요.

The book is placed on the desk.

놓여 있어요 is the state of being placed.

컵이 식탁 위에 놓여 있습니다.

The cup is placed on the dining table.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

펜이 공책 옆에 놓여요.

The pen is placed next to the notebook.

Present tense indicating a general fact or action.

가방이 의자 위에 놓여 있었어요.

The bag was placed on the chair.

Past continuous state -어 있었다.

꽃병이 창가에 놓여 있어요.

The vase is placed by the window.

Location particle -에.

신발이 현관에 놓여 있습니다.

Shoes are placed at the entrance.

Plurality is implied by context.

사과가 접시 위에 놓여요.

The apple is placed on the plate.

Simple present.

편지가 우체통 위에 놓여 있어요.

The letter is placed on top of the mailbox.

State of being.

이제야 마음이 놓여요.

Now I finally feel relieved.

Idiomatic expression for relief.

강에 큰 다리가 놓였습니다.

A big bridge was built over the river.

Used for infrastructure construction.

시험이 끝나서 마음이 놓였어요.

I felt relieved because the exam ended.

Past tense of the relief idiom.

길에 새로운 보도블록이 놓이고 있어요.

New sidewalk blocks are being laid on the road.

Progressive form -고 있다.

부모님 소식을 들으니 마음이 놓이네요.

I feel relieved to hear news of my parents.

Exclamatory ending -네요.

마을에 철길이 놓일 예정입니다.

A railroad is scheduled to be laid in the village.

Future plan -일 예정이다.

그는 지금 아주 곤란한 상황에 놓여 있어요.

He is in a very difficult situation right now.

Abstract situational usage.

안전한 곳에 놓여 있으니 걱정 마세요.

It is placed in a safe place, so don't worry.

Reasoning ending -으니.

회사는 파산 위기에 놓여 있습니다.

The company is at risk of bankruptcy.

Formal situational usage.

두 나라는 전쟁의 기로에 놓였습니다.

The two countries are at a crossroads of war.

Metaphorical 'crossroads'.

모든 물건이 제자리에 놓여야 합니다.

All items must be placed in their proper places.

Obligation -어야 하다.

그 문제는 아직 해결되지 않은 채 놓여 있어요.

That problem still sits there unresolved.

Describing an abstract state -ㄴ 채.

새로운 법안이 국회에 놓이게 되었습니다.

A new bill has been placed before the National Assembly.

Becoming/Change of state -게 되다.

우리는 아주 중요한 선택 앞에 놓여 있습니다.

We are placed before a very important choice.

Metaphorical placement.

이 책은 시대적 배경이 잘 놓여진 작품입니다.

This book is a work where the historical background is well-set.

Note: 놓여진 is a double passive, common but often criticized.

섬과 육지 사이에 다리가 놓이면서 생활이 편리해졌어요.

As a bridge was built between the island and the mainland, life became convenient.

Reason/Cause -으면서.

그의 제안은 논의의 대상에서 제외된 채 놓여 있다.

His proposal sits excluded from the subject of discussion.

Formal written style.

한국 경제는 현재 중대한 전환점에 놓여 있습니다.

The Korean economy is currently at a critical turning point.

Macro-economic context.

이 논문은 과학적 근거 위에 놓여야 설득력이 있다.

This paper is persuasive only if it is placed on scientific grounds.

Logical foundation.

그는 사회적 편견이라는 벽 앞에 놓이게 되었다.

He came to be placed before the wall of social prejudice.

Abstract barrier.

유물들이 박물관 전시실에 체계적으로 놓여 있다.

Relics are systematically placed in the museum exhibition room.

Systematic arrangement.

환경 보호와 경제 발전 사이에서 어려운 선택에 놓였다.

We are placed in a difficult choice between environmental protection and economic development.

Dilemma context.

평화 협정의 토대가 놓이기 시작했습니다.

The foundation for a peace treaty has begun to be laid.

Foundation/Basis usage.

이 장치는 자석의 원리 위에 놓여 작동합니다.

This device operates based on (is placed on) the principle of magnets.

Scientific principle.

인간의 실존은 끊임없는 선택의 연속 위에 놓여 있다.

Human existence is placed upon a continuous series of choices.

Philosophical usage.

그의 운명은 이제 타인의 손에 놓여 있었다.

His fate was now placed in the hands of others.

Metaphorical control.

작가는 소설 속 인물들을 극한의 상황에 놓이게 함으로써 인간성을 탐구한다.

The author explores humanity by placing the characters in extreme situations.

Causative-passive structure -게 함으로써.

이 정책은 국민의 신뢰라는 반석 위에 놓여야 성공할 수 있다.

This policy can succeed only if it is placed on the rock of public trust.

Metaphorical foundation '반석'.

두 사상 사이의 접점에 놓인 이 이론은 매우 독특하다.

This theory, placed at the interface between the two ideologies, is very unique.

Describing an intellectual intersection.

역사적 소명 앞에 놓인 우리는 결단을 내려야 한다.

Placed before our historical calling, we must make a decision.

Formal/Oratorical style.

그림 속의 정물들은 기하학적 구도에 따라 정교하게 놓여 있다.

The still life objects in the painting are elaborately placed according to a geometric composition.

Artistic composition.

정보의 홍수 속에 놓인 현대인들은 진실을 찾기 위해 노력한다.

Modern people, placed in a flood of information, strive to find the truth.

Societal context.

존재의 심연 위에 놓인 자아의 불안을 서술하고 있다.

It describes the anxiety of the ego placed over the abyss of existence.

High-level literary analysis.

국제 질서의 재편이라는 거대한 파도 앞에 놓인 작은 국가들의 고뇌.

The agony of small nations placed before the giant wave of international order restructuring.

Geopolitical metaphor.

법과 도덕의 경계선에 놓인 이 사건은 판결을 내리기 매우 까다롭다.

This case, placed on the boundary between law and morality, is very tricky to judge.

Legal/Ethical dilemma.

그의 문체는 고전적 우아함과 현대적 감각의 교차점에 놓여 있다.

His prose style is placed at the intersection of classical elegance and modern sensibility.

Stylistic critique.

우주적 시공간 속에 놓인 티끌 같은 지구의 위치를 생각해보라.

Think about the position of the Earth, like a speck of dust, placed in cosmic space-time.

Scientific/Philosophical perspective.

전통의 파편들이 현대 문명의 폐허 위에 놓여 있는 풍경.

A landscape where fragments of tradition are placed upon the ruins of modern civilization.

Evocative imagery.

인과율의 그물망 속에 놓인 모든 현상은 서로 연결되어 있다.

All phenomena placed within the web of causality are interconnected.

Metaphysical concept.

언어의 한계 너머에 놓인 진실을 포착하려는 시도.

An attempt to capture the truth placed beyond the limits of language.

Epistemological context.

Common Collocations

마음이 놓이다

다리가 놓이다

책상 위에 놓이다

위기에 놓이다

기로에 놓이다

순서대로 놓이다

처지에 놓이다

중심에 놓이다

바닥에 놓이다

철길이 놓이다

Common Phrases

마음이 푹 놓이다

— To feel completely at ease or deeply relieved.

합격 소식을 들으니 마음이 푹 놓이네요.

눈앞에 놓이다

— To be placed right in front of one's eyes; to be imminent.

해결해야 할 과제가 눈앞에 놓여 있다.

제자리에 놓이다

— To be placed in its original or proper spot.

물건들이 모두 제자리에 놓여 있다.

어려움에 놓이다

— To be in a difficult situation.

그는 갑작스러운 어려움에 놓이게 되었다.

안전한 곳에 놓이다

— To be kept in a safe location.

귀중품은 금고라는 안전한 곳에 놓여 있다.

전시실에 놓이다

— To be placed in an exhibition room.

유명한 화가의 그림이 전시실에 놓여 있다.

테이블 위에 놓이다

— To be placed on a table.

음식이 테이블 위에 놓이자마자 다 먹었다.

상황에 놓이다

— To be in a certain state or circumstance.

어쩔 수 없는 상황에 놓여서 그랬어요.

선반에 놓이다

— To be placed on a shelf.

책들이 선반에 가지런히 놓여 있다.

바닥에 놓이다

— To be placed on the floor.

젖은 신발이 바닥에 놓여 있어요.

Often Confused With

놓이다 vs 놓다

The active version. Use with '-을/를'. '놓이다' is passive and uses '-이/가'.

놓이다 vs 넣다

Means 'to put inside'. '놓다/놓이다' is usually for surfaces or open areas.

놓이다 vs 나다

Sometimes confused in '마음이 나다' (not a common phrase) vs '마음이 놓이다'.

Idioms & Expressions

"마음이 놓이다"

— To feel relieved of worry or anxiety.

아이가 무사히 돌아와서 마음이 놓인다.

Common

"도마 위에 놓이다"

— To be placed on the cutting board; to be subject to criticism or scrutiny.

그의 행동이 비판의 도마 위에 놓였다.

Metaphorical

"바둑판 위에 놓이다"

— To be placed on a Go board; to be part of a strategic situation.

외교 문제는 마치 바둑판 위에 놓인 돌과 같다.

Literary

"기로에 놓이다"

— To be at a crossroads; to have to make a crucial decision.

인생의 중요한 기로에 놓였을 때 신중해야 한다.

Common

"안중에 놓이다"

— To be within one's sight or consideration (often used in negative: 안중에 없다).

그 문제는 그의 안중에 놓여 있지 않았다.

Formal

"벼랑 끝에 놓이다"

— To be placed at the edge of a cliff; to be in a desperate situation.

팀은 패배 직전, 벼랑 끝에 놓여 있다.

Dramatic

"반석 위에 놓이다"

— To be placed on a rock; to have a solid foundation.

회사의 경영이 이제 반석 위에 놓였다.

Formal

"선상에 놓이다"

— To be on the line; to be a candidate for something (e.g., 수사 선상 - under investigation).

그는 유력한 용의 선상에 놓여 있다.

Legal/News

"궤도에 놓이다"

— To be put on orbit; to be on the right track for progress.

사업이 이제 정상 궤도에 놓였다.

Business

"시험대에 놓이다"

— To be placed on the test stand; to have one's abilities tested.

새로운 감독의 능력이 시험대에 놓였다.

Sports/Business

Easily Confused

놓이다 vs 두다

Both mean 'to put'.

'놓다/놓이다' is more about the physical act and immediate state. '두다' implies leaving it there for a purpose or long-term.

여기에 놓으세요 (Put it here) vs 여기에 두세요 (Leave it here).

놓이다 vs 얹다

Both mean placing something.

'얹다' specifically means placing something ON TOP of something else, often implying a lighter or more careful action.

손을 어깨에 얹다 (Place a hand on a shoulder).

놓이다 vs 박히다

Both describe being in a spot.

'박히다' means to be stuck, embedded, or nailed in, whereas '놓이다' is just sitting on a surface.

못이 벽에 박혀 있다 (A nail is stuck in the wall).

놓이다 vs 담기다

Passive of putting.

'담기다' is the passive of '담다' (to put in a container/liquid). '놓이다' is for surfaces.

물이 컵에 담겨 있다 (Water is in the cup).

놓이다 vs 세워지다

Infrastructure.

'세워지다' (to be built/erected) is used for buildings and statues. '놓이다' is for bridges and roads.

빌딩이 세워지다 (A building is built).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun]이/가 [Place]에 놓여 있어요.

펜이 책상에 놓여 있어요.

이제야 마음이 놓여요.

[Place]에 [Infrastructure]이/가 놓였어요.

강에 다리가 놓였어요.

[Situation]에 놓여 있다.

위험한 상황에 놓여 있다.

[Noun]이/가 [Order]대로 놓여 있다.

책이 순서대로 놓여 있다.

[Abstract Noun]의 기로에 놓이다.

선택의 기로에 놓이다.

[Foundation] 위에 놓여 있다.

과학적 근거 위에 놓여 있다.

[Metaphor] 앞에 놓인 [Subject].

거대한 역사 앞에 놓인 개인.

Word Family

Nouns

놓음 (the act of putting/placing)

놓기 (putting/placing)

Verbs

놓다 (to put/place - active form)

내놓다 (to put out/take out)

가로놓이다 (to lie across)

들여놓다 (to bring in)

내어놓다 (to offer/put out)

두다 (to leave/put)

얹다 (to place on top)

쌓이다 (to be piled up)

걸리다 (to be hung)

담기다 (to be contained)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in the context of 'relief' and 'describing where things are'.

Common Mistakes

책을 책상 위에 놓여 있어요. → 책이 책상 위에 놓여 있어요.
You cannot use the object particle '-을' with the passive verb '놓이다'. Use the subject particle '-이'.
마음이 놓다. → 마음이 놓이다.
To express relief, use the passive '놓이다'. '마음을 놓다' means something else (to relax or be careless).
가방이 책상 안에 놓여 있어요. → 가방이 책상 안에 들어 있어요.
'놓이다' is for surfaces. For 'inside', use '들어 있다' or '담겨 있다'.
다리가 만들어졌어요. → 다리가 놓였어요.
While '만들어지다' is not wrong, '놓이다' is the specific and more natural term for bridges and roads.
꽃병이 놓여져 있어요. → 꽃병이 놓여 있어요.
'놓여지다' is a double passive. '놓이다' is already passive, so '놓여 있다' is the correct way to describe the state.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always use the subject particle -이/가 with '놓이다'. If you find yourself wanting to use -을/를, you probably need the active verb '놓다'.

Infrastructure Secret

If you are talking about bridges, roads, or cables, '놓이다' is your best friend. It sounds much more native than '만들어지다' (to be made).

Expressing Relief

Memorize '이제야 마음이 놓여요' as a single phrase. It's one of the most common ways to express that a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

State vs. Action

Use '놓여 있다' when you want to describe a scene, like a picture. It focuses on the fact that the object is there, not who put it there.

Avoid Redundancy

In essays, stick to '놓이다'. Avoid '놓여지다'. It makes your writing look more professional and grammatically sound.

Table Manners

When setting a table, you can say '수저가 여기 놓여요' to guide guests. It’s a polite way to indicate the arrangement.

Situational Power

When describing a crisis, '위기에 놓이다' sounds more serious and objective than just saying '위험해요'.

The 'No' Rule

'No' (놓) more worries once the heart is 'placed' (놓이다). Use this to remember the relief meaning.

Natural Flow

When describing your room, start with the location: '침대 옆에 스탠드가 놓여 있어요'. This is a very natural Korean sentence structure.

Feng Shui Context

In traditional contexts, where things are '놓이다' matters for energy flow. Use this word when discussing interior design.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'No' (놓) + 'E' (이) + 'Da' (다). 'No' more stress, my heart is 'E'asy (relieved), so it's 'Da' (the) end of worry.

Visual Association

Imagine a heavy backpack being 'placed' (놓이다) on the ground after a long hike. That physical 'placing' is exactly how your 'heart' feels when you are relieved.

Word Web

놓다 (Active) 놓이다 (Passive) 마음이 놓이다 (Relief) 다리가 놓이다 (Bridge) 책상 위에 놓이다 (Surface) 위기에 놓이다 (Crisis) 놓여 있다 (State) 가로놓이다 (Lie across)

Challenge

Try to find 3 things in your room right now and say '[Item]이 [Location]에 놓여 있어요' out loud.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Korean verb '놓다' (to release, to put) combined with the passive suffix '-이-'.

Original meaning: To be caused to be released or to be caused to be placed down.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but when using '마음이 놓이다', ensure the context warrants relief, otherwise it might sound dismissive of a still-serious situation.

In English, we often use 'to be relieved' or 'to be built'. We don't usually say 'my heart is placed' or 'the bridge is placed' as frequently as Koreans use '놓이다'.

The phrase '마음이 놓이다' is a staple in Korean soap operas (K-Dramas) whenever a medical emergency or a missing person case is resolved. Many Korean poems use '놓이다' to describe the peaceful state of nature, like a stone 'placed' in a stream. Urban planning news in Korea frequently uses '다리가 놓이다' when discussing the Han River bridges.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

리모컨이 어디 놓여 있어?
식탁 위에 놓여 있어.
신발을 현관에 놓아.
옷이 침대에 놓여 있네.

At work

서류가 책상 위에 놓여 있습니다.
우리는 어려운 상황에 놓여 있습니다.
프로젝트가 중단된 채 놓여 있다.
결재 서류가 부장님 책상에 놓였다.

Expressing feelings

이제 마음이 좀 놓여요.
결과가 좋아서 마음이 놓이네요.
걱정했는데 마음이 푹 놓였다.
아이를 보니 마음이 놓인다.

Infrastructure/Urban Planning

한강에 새 다리가 놓입니다.
도로가 새로 놓였어요.
철길이 마을을 가로질러 놓여 있다.
통신망이 전국에 놓이게 된다.

Abstract/Metaphorical

선택의 기로에 놓였다.
위험한 상황에 놓여 있다.
비판의 도마 위에 놓였다.
역사적 사명 앞에 놓여 있다.

Conversation Starters

"어디에 물건을 두었는지 기억 안 날 때: '제 지갑이 어디 놓여 있는지 보셨어요?'"

"걱정하던 친구에게: '이제 소식을 들었으니 마음이 좀 놓여?'"

"새로운 시설에 대해: '우리 동네에 새로 놓인 다리 가봤어요?'"

"어려운 고민을 할 때: '우리가 지금 어떤 상황에 놓여 있는지 생각해봐야 해요.'"

"정리정돈에 대해: '물건들이 왜 이렇게 아무렇게나 놓여 있죠?'"

Journal Prompts

오늘 가장 마음이 놓였던 순간은 언제였나요? 왜 그랬나요?

내 방에서 가장 소중한 물건은 어디에 놓여 있나요? 그 위치가 특별한 이유가 있나요?

지금 내 인생이 어떤 기로에 놓여 있다고 생각하나요? 어떤 선택을 해야 할까요?

최근에 우리 동네나 도시에 새로 놓인 시설(다리, 길 등)이 있나요? 생활이 어떻게 변했나요?

누군가에게 도움을 주어 그 사람의 마음을 놓이게 했던 경험이 있나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'놓여 있다' describes a current, continuous state (It is sitting there now). '놓였다' is the simple past tense (It was placed). In most daily descriptions, '놓여 있다' is more natural.

Yes, but it has a different nuance. '마음이 놓이다' is the feeling of relief. '마음을 놓다' often means to let one's guard down or to stop worrying about something (sometimes negatively, like being careless).

It is a 'double passive' (놓다 + 이 + 어지다). While many Koreans use it, it is considered redundant and grammatically incorrect in standard Korean. Use '놓이다' instead.

Use '위치하다' for permanent geographical locations like buildings, cities, or mountain ranges. Use '놓이다' for smaller objects or infrastructure like bridges.

Only metaphorically, to describe the situation they are in (e.g., '그는 곤란한 상황에 놓였다'). You wouldn't use it to say a person is physically placed somewhere unless they are being treated like an object.

It comes from the idea of 'laying down' the structure across the river. It is the most natural collocation in Korean.

The most common opposites are '마음이 불안하다' (to feel anxious) or '걱정되다' (to be worried).

No, for software or machines, '설치되다' is the correct term.

It is a neutral verb. You can use it in any register by changing the ending (놓여, 놓여요, 놓입니다).

Usually, yes, when describing physical placement. However, in idioms like '마음이 놓이다', the location is the 'mind' itself, so no extra '-에' is needed.