A2 verb Neutral #4,500 most common 3 min read

사귀다

[ˈsa̠ɡɥida̠]
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Overview

The Korean word '사귀다' (sagwida) is a versatile verb that encapsulates the process of forming various types of relationships, ranging from platonic friendships to romantic partnerships. Its meaning is highly dependent on context, and understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate comprehension and usage.

At its most basic, '사귀다' means 'to associate with,' 'to befriend,' or 'to make friends.' In this sense, it describes the act of initiating and developing a platonic relationship with someone. For example, '새로운 친구를 사귀다' (saeroun chingu-reul sagwida) directly translates to 'to make new friends.' This usage is common in everyday conversation when people talk about expanding their social circle or getting to know new people.

Beyond simple friendship, '사귀다' frequently denotes the act of 'dating' or being in a romantic relationship. When used in this context, it implies a more intimate and committed connection between two individuals. For instance, '그들은 사귀고 있어요' (geudeureun sagwigo isseoyo) means 'They are dating' or 'They are in a relationship.' This is a very common way to describe a romantic pairing in Korean culture. It's important to note that '사귀다' in this romantic sense doesn't necessarily imply marriage or long-term commitment, but rather the initial stages of a romantic involvement.

The verb '사귀다' can also carry a slightly broader meaning of 'to keep company with' or 'to mix with,' especially when referring to social groups or types of people. For example, one might say '나쁜 사람들과 사귀지 마라' (nappeun saramdeulgwa sagwiji mara), which means 'Don't associate with bad people.' In this instance, it's less about forming individual relationships and more about the general company one keeps.

Grammatically, '사귀다' is a regular verb. It conjugates like other '-다' ending verbs. Here are some common conjugations:

  • Present Tense (informal polite): 사귀어요 (sagwieoyo) - 'I make friends / I date'
  • Present Tense (formal polite): 사귑니다 (sagwimnida) - 'I make friends / I date'
  • Past Tense (informal polite): 사귀었어요 (sagwieosseoyo) - 'I made friends / I dated'
  • Past Tense (formal polite): 사귀었습니다 (sagwieosseumnida) - 'I made friends / I dated'
  • Future Tense (informal polite): 사귈 거예요 (sagwil geoyeyo) - 'I will make friends / I will date'
  • Imperative (informal polite): 사귀세요 (sagwiseseyo) - 'Please make friends / Please date'

When using '사귀다,' the particle '와/과' (wa/gwa) or '하고' (hago) is typically used to indicate the person or people with whom the relationship is being formed. For example, '나는 톰과 사귀어요' (naneun Tom-gwa sagwieoyo) means 'I'm friends with Tom' or 'I'm dating Tom,' depending on the context.

Understanding the context is paramount when encountering '사귀다.' The surrounding words, the speaker's tone, and the general situation will all provide clues as to whether friendship or romance is being implied. For instance, if someone asks, '요즘 누구랑 사귀어요?' (yojeum nugurang sagwieoyo?), it's almost always a question about romantic relationships. However, if a parent tells their child, '학교에서 좋은 친구 많이 사귀렴' (hakgyo-eseo joeun chingu mani sagwilyeom), they are clearly encouraging the child to make good friends.

In summary, '사귀다' is a fundamental Korean verb for describing the formation and existence of interpersonal relationships. Its flexibility to encompass both platonic and romantic connections makes it a key term for anyone learning Korean, and mastering its contextual usage is essential for fluent communication.

Examples

1

그들은 고등학교 때부터 사귀었어요.

romantic relationship

They've been dating since high school.

2

새로운 친구들을 많이 사귀고 싶어요.

friendship

I want to make a lot of new friends.

3

저 남자랑 사귀는 중이니?

romantic relationship, question

Are you dating that guy?

4

낯선 사람들과 사귀는 것이 어렵지 않아요.

friendship, ability

It's not difficult for me to make friends with strangers.

5

두 사람은 비밀리에 사귀고 있었다.

romantic relationship, secret

The two were secretly dating.

Common Collocations

친구를 사귀다
연인을 사귀다
이성 친구를 사귀다
동성 친구를 사귀다

Often Confused With

사귀다 vs 아귀다

Only 1 character in the first syllable is different. '사' vs '아'

Grammar Patterns

~(으)면 사귀다 ~고 사귀다 ~어서 사귀다

How to Use It

Usage Notes

'사귀다' is a versatile verb used to describe the formation of both platonic and romantic relationships. When referring to friendships, it can be used like '친구를 사귀다' (to make a friend). In a romantic context, it implies dating or being in a relationship, often used as '남자친구/여자친구를 사귀다' (to date a boyfriend/girlfriend) or simply '사귀다' if the context is clear. The nuance between friendship and dating largely depends on the context and the people involved. It generally implies a more serious or committed interaction than casual acquaintance. It can also be used in the past tense to indicate that one *used* to date someone or *was* friends with someone. The verb is typically used with the object particle '를/을' to specify the person or type of relationship being formed. For example, '새로운 사람들을 사귀다' (to meet new people and form relationships with them) or '그녀와 사귀다' (to date her). The verb can also be used to describe non-human relationships, such as '어떤 습관을 사귀다' (to form a habit), though this usage is less common in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing '사귀다' with '만나다' (manna-da): While '만나다' can mean 'to meet' or 'to date' in a general sense, '사귀다' specifically emphasizes the establishment of a relationship, whether platonic or romantic. '만나다' can be a one-time meeting, whereas '사귀다' implies an ongoing connection. 2. Using '사귀다' for non-personal connections: '사귀다' is exclusively used for people. You wouldn't use it to describe forming a relationship with an object, a company, or a concept. 3. Incorrect politeness levels: Like many Korean verbs, '사귀다' has different politeness levels. Be sure to use the appropriate form (e.g., '사귀어요' for standard polite, '사귑니다' for formal polite, '사귀어' for informal/casual) depending on your conversational partner and context. 4. Overlooking the 'dating' nuance: While it can mean 'to make friends,' in modern Korean, '사귀다' is very often used to mean 'to date' or 'to be in a relationship.' The context usually clarifies the meaning. If someone says '저 남자랑 사귀어?' (Are you dating that guy?), it's clearly romantic. 5. Misunderstanding its transitive nature: '사귀다' is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You '사귀다' with someone (e.g., '친구를 사귀다' - to make a friend; '남자친구를 사귀다' - to date a boyfriend). The particle '와/과' (with) is often used when emphasizing the mutual aspect of forming the relationship.

Tips

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Formal vs. Informal:

'사귀다' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the politeness level will depend on the conjugation. For example, '사귀어요' (해요-style) is a common polite form, while '사귄다' (하라체) is a more casual or declarative form often used in writing or when speaking to oneself.

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Nuance of 'Dating':

While '사귀다' can mean 'to date,' especially when referring to the initial stages of a romantic relationship, it doesn't always carry the same implications as the English 'dating.' It can simply mean spending time together as friends with romantic interest, or even just becoming friends. The context is crucial to understand the intensity of the relationship implied.

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Common Usages:

* **친구를 사귀다 (chingu-reul sagwida):** To make friends. * **남자친구/여자친구를 사귀다 (namjachingu/yeojachingu-reul sagwida):** To date a boyfriend/girlfriend. * **누구와 사귀다 (nugu-wa sagwida):** To be in a relationship with someone. (e.g., '그는 그녀와 사귀고 있다.' - He is dating her.) * **새로운 사람들을 사귀다 (saeroun saramdeul-eul sagwida):** To meet new people and make friends.

Word Origin

The word '사귀다' (sagwida) in Korean has a rich and somewhat complex etymological history, with various proposed origins and semantic developments. While a definitive, single origin is difficult to pinpoint due to the age of the word and the evolutionary nature of language, several theories and historical usages shed light on its formation and meaning. One prominent theory suggests a connection to older Korean terms related to interaction, mixing, or joining. The verb '섞다' (seokda), meaning 'to mix' or 'to blend,' is often cited as a possible linguistic relative, implying an initial meaning of bringing people together or intermingling. This semantic link would naturally extend to forming relationships, whether platonic or romantic, as such relationships involve a 'mixing' or 'coming together' of individuals. Another perspective traces '사귀다' to concepts of 'crossing' or 'intertwining.' In ancient times, the act of meeting and forming bonds could be metaphorically understood as paths crossing or lives intertwining. This idea is supported by certain older forms of the word or related dialects that might have had a more literal sense of physical convergence or interaction. Historically, the usage of '사귀다' can be observed in various literary and documentary sources from different periods of Korean language development. Early records might show it in contexts describing the establishment of alliances between communities, the formation of close friendships among individuals, or even, in some cases, the interaction of different natural elements. The evolution of its meaning towards primarily interpersonal relationships reflects a broader linguistic trend where words describing general interaction often narrow to describe human social bonds. Over time, the nuances of '사귀다' became more refined. While it initially encompassed a broad spectrum of 'associating' or 'interacting,' its modern usage has largely specialized into two main categories: 'to form a friendship or romantic relationship' and 'to make friends / to date.' The specific interpretation often depends on the context and the individuals involved. For instance, '친구를 사귀다' (chingureul sagwida) explicitly means 'to make friends,' whereas '연인으로 사귀다' (yeonin-euro sagwida) implies 'to date as lovers.' The morphological structure of '사귀다' itself provides some clues. The stem '사귀-' (sagwi-) combined with the infinitive ending '-다' (-da) is a common verb construction in Korean. The internal components of the stem are less transparent in modern Korean but could potentially derive from older morphemes related to 'connection' or 'meeting.' Furthermore, the word’s resilience and continued prominence in the Korean lexicon highlight its fundamental role in describing human social behavior. It captures the essence of initiating and maintaining personal connections, a universal aspect of human experience. The versatility of '사귀다' to describe both casual friendships and deep romantic entanglements further underscores its semantic breadth, developed over centuries of linguistic evolution. In summary, while a single, definitive etymon remains elusive, '사귀다' is likely rooted in older Korean concepts of mixing, interacting, crossing paths, or forming connections. Its journey through various historical periods has seen its meaning coalesce around the vital human act of building relationships, making it a cornerstone of social vocabulary in modern Korean.

Cultural Context

The verb '사귀다' (saguida) in Korean carries significant cultural weight, reflecting the importance placed on interpersonal relationships. Unlike English, where 'to make friends' and 'to date' are distinct verbs, '사귀다' encompasses both, highlighting a fluid boundary between close platonic friendships and the initial stages of romantic relationships in Korean culture. This fluidity is often seen in how young people interact, where deep emotional connection and shared experiences can precede a formal declaration of dating. It also implies a process of getting to know someone over time, rather than a sudden initiation of a relationship. The act of '사귀다' is often accompanied by group outings, shared meals, and continuous communication, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. This verb is foundational to understanding how Koreans navigate their social and romantic lives, emphasizing gradual progression and shared experiences.

Memory Tip

The word '사귀다' (sa-gwi-da) sounds a bit like 'sagging with' a new friend, which might help you remember it means to form a friendship or romantic relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

'사귀다' (sagwida) primarily means 'to form a friendship or romantic relationship' or 'to make friends / to date.' It encompasses the idea of building a connection with someone, whether that connection is platonic (friendship) or romantic (dating). The specific nuance often depends on the context in which it's used. It suggests an active process of getting to know someone and establishing a bond.

Yes, '사귀다' is versatile and can be used for both platonic (friendship) and romantic relationships. When used in the context of friendship, it means 'to make friends' or 'to hang out with friends.' When used in a romantic context, it means 'to date' or 'to be in a relationship.' The surrounding words and the overall situation usually clarify whether the relationship being referred to is a friendship or a romantic one.

The present tense informal polite form of '사귀다' is '사귀어요' (sagwieoyo). This is formed by taking the verb stem '사귀-' and adding the '-어요' ending. It can be used in sentences like '친구를 사귀어요' (I make friends) or '남자친구를 사귀어요' (I am dating a boyfriend). This is a very common and useful conjugation for everyday conversation.

Absolutely! Some common expressions include '친구를 사귀다' (to make friends), which is a very direct and frequent usage. Another common phrase is '사귀는 사람이 있다' (to have someone you're dating/seeing), which indicates that a person is in a romantic relationship. '서로 사귀다' (to date each other) is also used when referring to two people who are mutually in a relationship. These phrases highlight the dynamic nature of forming and maintaining connections.

Test Yourself

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저는 새로운 사람들과 _____ 것을 좋아해요. (I like to make new friends.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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그들은 작년부터 _____ 있어요. (They have been dating since last year.)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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어떻게 하면 좋은 친구를 _____ 수 있을까요? (How can I make good friends?)

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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