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B1 verb #2,800 most common 7 min read

묘사하다

myosahada
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 묘사하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 묘사하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '묘사하다' is a very advanced word. Beginners usually learn '말하다' (to speak) or '그림을 그리다' (to draw a picture). However, you can think of '묘사하다' as a 'super-word' for telling someone what something looks like. If you see a red apple and say 'It is a red, shiny apple,' you are starting to do what this word means. You won't need to use this word yourself yet, but you might see it in simple instructions like 'Describe your friend.'
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At the A2 level, you start learning more adjectives to describe people and places. '묘사하다' appears in textbooks when asking you to 'describe the picture' (그림을 묘사하세요). You should understand that this word asks you to provide more than just one word. It wants you to use sentences like 'The man is wearing a blue hat' or 'The weather is sunny.' It is the formal way to say 'tell me what you see.'
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '묘사하다' actively. This is the level where you move beyond simple facts and start using adverbs like 'vividly' (생생하게) or 'simply' (간단하게). You might use it to describe a character in a movie or a beautiful sunset you saw. You understand that '묘사하다' is different from '설명하다' (explain) because it focuses on the appearance and feeling rather than the reason.
At the B2 level, you use '묘사하다' in more complex contexts, such as literature or news reports. You can discuss how an author '묘사하다' (depicts) the social problems of a country. You also start using the passive form '묘사되다' (to be depicted). For example, 'In this book, the main character is depicted as a very brave person.' You use this word to analyze media and art.
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At the C1 level, you recognize the subtle nuances between '묘사하다', '서술하다', and '기술하다'. You use '묘사하다' to describe intricate psychological states or abstract concepts in academic essays. You can critique the '묘사력' (descriptive power) of a writer. You use the word to discuss the fine details of artistic expression and the sensory impact of language.
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At the C2 level, '묘사하다' is a tool for deep philosophical or literary analysis. You might discuss the '세밀한 묘사' (minute description) in a classic novel and how it contributes to the overall theme. You use the word fluently in professional settings, such as art curation, legal testimony, or high-level journalism, where the precision of a description is paramount.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

묘사하다 in 30 Seconds

  • 묘사하다 means 'to describe' or 'to depict' with a focus on vivid, sensory details.
  • It is derived from Hanja (描 - draw, 寫 - copy), implying 'sketching a copy' of reality.
  • Commonly used in literature, art, and formal reports to provide detailed imagery.
  • Differs from '설명하다' (explain) which focuses on logic rather than visual/sensory detail.

The Korean verb 묘사하다 (myosahada) is a sophisticated and essential term used to describe the act of portraying, depicting, or representing something in vivid detail. Rooted in Hanja, the word combines 描 (to draw/sketch) and 寫 (to copy/write), effectively meaning 'to draw or write a copy of reality.' Unlike simple explanation (설명), 묘사하다 implies a sensory or artistic depth, aiming to create a mental image for the audience. It is the difference between saying 'The house is big' and 'The sprawling Victorian estate stood tall against the crimson sunset, its windows reflecting the dying light like jagged diamonds.'

Visual Depiction
Using words to paint a picture of a physical object, person, or scene.
Psychological Portrayal
Describing internal states, emotions, or character traits in a nuanced way.
Artistic Representation
How a painter or sculptor captures a subject on canvas or in stone.

In literary contexts, 묘사하다 is the engine of 'Show, Don't Tell.' Authors use it to immerse readers in a world. In everyday life, you might use it when telling a friend about a strange person you saw or describing a beautiful vacation spot. It requires the speaker to observe closely and select specific adjectives and adverbs that evoke the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

작가는 주인공의 심리를 아주 섬세하게 묘사했다. (The author described the protagonist's psychology very delicately.)

Furthermore, the term is frequently used in technical and academic settings. For instance, in a police report, a witness might be asked to 묘사하다 the suspect's appearance. In an art history class, students 묘사하다 the brushwork of a famous painting. It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between objective observation and subjective expression. It is not just about facts; it is about the texture of those facts.

경찰은 목격자에게 범인의 인상착의를 묘사해 달라고 요청했다. (The police asked the witness to describe the suspect's physical appearance.)

Hanja Breakdown
描 (묘): To draw, sketch, or touch upon. Found in words like 묘화 (drawing).
Hanja Breakdown
寫 (사): To copy, transcribe, or photograph. Found in words like 사진 (photo) and 복사 (copy).

When you 묘사하다, you are essentially 'sketching' the 'copy' of what you see or feel. This word is a staple in the TOPIK II exam and is a hallmark of B1-B2 level proficiency, as it allows learners to move beyond basic sentences into more descriptive and evocative Korean prose.

그의 연설은 당시의 비참한 상황을 생생하게 묘사하고 있다. (His speech vividly depicts the miserable situation of that time.)

Using 묘사하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the types of objects it typically takes. As a transitive verb, it requires an object marked by the particle 을/를. The thing being described can be a person (사람), a place (장소), an object (사물), or even an abstract feeling (감정) or situation (상황).

Common Adverbs
생생하게 (vividly), 섬세하게 (delicately), 사실적으로 (realistically), 자세하게 (in detail).
Subject Types
Authors, artists, witnesses, speakers, or even texts/paintings themselves.

In a sentence, you will often see it paired with adverbs that qualify how the description is being done. Because 묘사하다 is about detail, it feels incomplete without an adverb like '자세히' (in detail) or '정확하게' (accurately). For example, '그는 풍경을 묘사했다' is grammatically correct, but '그는 풍경을 아름답게 묘사했다' (He described the scenery beautifully) is more natural and common.

이 소설은 19세기 서울의 모습을 아주 사실적으로 묘사하고 있습니다. (This novel depicts the appearance of 19th-century Seoul very realistically.)

One important nuance is the difference between 묘사하다 and 그리다 (to draw). While 그리다 literally means to draw with a pencil or brush, it can also be used metaphorically to mean 'to depict.' However, 묘사하다 is more formal and specifically refers to the act of detailing features. If you are writing an essay or a report, 묘사하다 is the preferred academic term.

You can also use the passive-adjacent form 묘사되다 (to be described/depicted). This is useful when the focus is on the subject being described rather than the person doing the describing. For instance, '그는 영웅으로 묘사되었다' (He was depicted as a hero). This is common in media analysis and history books.

영화 속에서 그 도시는 범죄의 소굴로 묘사됩니다. (In the movie, that city is depicted as a den of crime.)

You will encounter 묘사하다 in various professional and creative environments. It is not a word typically used in very casual, slang-heavy conversations among teenagers, but it is a staple of 'standard' adult Korean. Here are the primary contexts:

Literature and Art Criticism
Reviewers use it to discuss how an author handles character development or how a painter captures light.
News and Journalism
Reporters use it to provide details of a scene or the appearance of a person of interest.
Academic Writing
In psychology or sociology, researchers 묘사하다 certain behaviors or societal trends.

If you watch Korean news, you might hear a reporter say, '목격자들은 사고 당시의 상황을 다음과 같이 묘사했습니다' (Witnesses described the situation at the time of the accident as follows). This sets the stage for a detailed recount of events. In a classroom setting, a teacher might ask, '이 시에서 시인이 봄을 어떻게 묘사하고 있나요?' (How is the poet describing spring in this poem?).

비평가는 그 배우의 연기를 '영혼을 울리는 울림'이라고 묘사했다. (The critic described the actor's performance as a 'resonance that shakes the soul.')

The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 묘사하다 with 설명하다 (to explain). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 설명하다 is about logic, reasons, and making someone understand why or how something works. 묘사하다 is about appearance, feeling, and making someone see or feel what something is like.

Mistake: Using it for logic
Don't say '수학 문제를 묘사해 주세요' (Please describe the math problem) if you want an explanation of how to solve it. Use '설명해 주세요'.
Mistake: Overusing it in casual talk
In casual settings, Koreans often use '말하다' (say/tell) or '그리다' (draw/picture). Using '묘사하다' while grabbing coffee might sound a bit too formal or dramatic.

Another mistake is forgetting the object particle. Since it's a transitive verb, you must specify what you are describing. Also, be careful with the Hanja; sometimes learners confuse 묘사 (description) with 미소 (smile) or 묘소 (graveyard) because they sound slightly similar to a beginner's ear, though the context usually clears this up.

❌ 그는 이유를 묘사했다. (He described the reason - Sounds awkward if he's explaining logic.)
✅ 그는 이유를 설명했다. (He explained the reason.)

Understanding the synonyms of 묘사하다 helps in choosing the right word for the right level of formality and specific context. Here are the primary alternatives:

서술하다 (Narrate/Describe)
Focuses more on the orderly, written account of events or facts. More objective than 묘사하다.
표현하다 (Express)
A broader term meaning to show a feeling, thought, or fact through words, art, or behavior.
그리다 (Draw/Portray)
Literally to draw, but often used figuratively to mean 'to depict' in a more poetic or visual sense.
기술하다 (Describe/Record)
Very formal, used for recording technical details or historical facts accurately.

For example, if you are writing a diary entry about your feelings, you might use 표현하다. If you are a witness giving a statement to a lawyer, you might 기술하다 the events. If you are a novelist trying to make the reader feel the cold wind, you 묘사하다 the weather.

이 책은 전쟁의 참상을 생생하게 그려내고 있다. (This book portrays/draws out the horrors of war vividly.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

-는 것 (Nounizing)

-게 (Adverbializer)

-ㄹ 수 있다 (Ability)

-아/어 보다 (Trying)

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Examples by Level

1

친구를 묘사해 보세요.

Try to describe your friend.

Object + -를 + 묘사하다

2

그림을 묘사해요.

I describe the picture.

Present tense

3

방을 묘사하세요.

Please describe the room.

Imperative -세요

4

사과를 묘사해요.

Describe the apple.

Simple object

5

엄마를 묘사해요.

I describe my mom.

Family member as object

6

학교를 묘사해요.

Describe the school.

Place as object

7

날씨를 묘사해요.

Describe the weather.

Nature as object

8

옷을 묘사해요.

Describe the clothes.

Clothing as object

1

가족의 외모를 묘사해 보세요.

Try describing your family's appearance.

Compound noun: 외모 (appearance)

2

그는 키가 큰 남자로 묘사했어요.

He described him as a tall man.

Past tense

3

이 사진을 자세히 묘사해 주세요.

Please describe this photo in detail.

Adverb: 자세히 (in detail)

4

좋아하는 가수를 묘사할 수 있어요?

Can you describe your favorite singer?

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can)

5

어제 본 영화를 묘사해 봐.

Try describing the movie you saw yesterday.

Informal -해 봐

6

선생님은 교실을 묘사하셨어요.

The teacher described the classroom.

Honorific -시-

7

우리는 풍경을 묘사하고 있어요.

We are describing the scenery.

Progressive -고 있다

8

색깔을 사용해서 묘사하세요.

Describe it using colors.

Using 'using' (사용해서)

1

작가는 주인공의 성격을 생생하게 묘사했다.

The author vividly described the protagonist's personality.

Adverb: 생생하게 (vividly)

2

그 사건을 어떻게 묘사해야 할까요?

How should I describe that incident?

-해야 하다 (should)

3

이 책은 시골 마을을 아름답게 묘사하고 있다.

This book is describing a rural village beautifully.

Describing a book's content

4

범인의 얼굴을 정확하게 묘사하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to accurately describe the criminal's face.

-는 것이 중요하다 (it is important to...)

5

그녀는 자신의 감정을 묘사하기 힘들어했다.

She found it difficult to describe her emotions.

-기 힘들어하다 (find it hard to...)

6

풍경을 묘사하는 문장이 아주 멋져요.

The sentences describing the scenery are very cool.

Noun modifying clause -는

7

여행지에서 본 바다를 묘사해 보았습니다.

I tried describing the sea I saw at the travel destination.

Attempting -어 보다

8

상황을 너무 과장해서 묘사하지 마세요.

Don't describe the situation too exaggeratedly.

Prohibitive -지 마세요

1

그 소설가는 시대적 배경을 사실적으로 묘사하기로 유명하다.

That novelist is famous for realistically depicting the historical background.

-기로 유명하다 (famous for...)

2

언론은 그를 영웅으로 묘사하고 있지만, 진실은 다를 수 있다.

The media is depicting him as a hero, but the truth might be different.

Contrast -지만

3

심리학자는 환자의 상태를 세밀하게 묘사했다.

The psychologist described the patient's condition in detail.

Adverb: 세밀하게 (minutely)

4

이 그림은 인간의 고통을 묘사한 작품입니다.

This painting is a work that depicts human suffering.

Past participle -ㄴ

5

기사는 사고 현장을 끔찍하게 묘사하고 있었다.

The article was describing the accident scene horribly.

Past progressive

6

우리는 데이터를 그래프로 묘사할 수 있습니다.

We can represent data as a graph.

Representing abstract data

7

감독은 영화에서 고독을 묘사하려고 노력했다.

The director tried to depict loneliness in the movie.

-려고 노력하다 (try to...)

8

그녀의 목소리는 '은쟁반에 옥구슬 굴러가는 소리'로 묘사되곤 한다.

Her voice is often described as 'the sound of jade beads rolling on a silver tray.'

Passive -되다 + habit -곤 하다

1

작가는 인간 내면의 모순을 치밀하게 묘사함으로써 독자의 공감을 샀다.

By meticulously depicting the contradictions within humans, the author gained the readers' empathy.

-함으로써 (by doing...)

2

이 논문은 현대 사회의 양극화 현상을 통계적으로 묘사하고 있다.

This paper statistically describes the polarization phenomenon of modern society.

Adverb: 통계적으로 (statistically)

3

그의 문체는 사물을 묘사하는 데 있어 매우 독창적이다.

His writing style is very original in describing things.

-는 데 있어 (in terms of...)

4

비평가는 그 시를 '절망 속의 희망'을 묘사한 걸작이라고 평했다.

The critic evaluated the poem as a masterpiece depicting 'hope in despair.'

Quotation -라고 평하다

5

역사가는 과거의 사건을 객관적으로 묘사해야 할 의무가 있다.

Historians have an obligation to objectively describe past events.

Noun: 의무 (obligation)

6

그 영화는 도시의 어두운 이면을 가감 없이 묘사했다.

The movie depicted the dark side of the city without any addition or subtraction (honestly).

Idiom: 가감 없이 (without exaggeration)

7

추상적인 개념을 구체적인 이미지로 묘사하는 것은 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy to describe abstract concepts with concrete images.

Abstract to concrete

8

정치인은 자신의 정책을 장밋빛 미래로 묘사하곤 한다.

Politicians often describe their policies as a rosy future.

Metaphor: 장밋빛 (rosy)

1

프루스트는 잃어버린 시간을 묘사하기 위해 방대한 분량의 소설을 집필했다.

Proust wrote a massive novel to describe lost time.

Literary reference

2

본 연구는 언어적 표현이 실재를 어떻게 묘사하고 규정하는지 고찰한다.

This study examines how linguistic expressions describe and define reality.

Academic verb: 고찰하다 (examine)

3

그 화가는 빛의 굴절을 묘사하는 데 있어 타의 추종을 불허한다.

That painter is unrivaled in depicting the refraction of light.

Idiom: 타의 추종을 불허하다 (unrivaled)

4

신화는 우주의 기원을 상징적인 언어로 묘사하는 인류의 오래된 방식이다.

Mythology is humanity's old way of describing the origin of the universe in symbolic language.

Philosophical context

5

포스트모더니즘 문학은 현실을 파편화된 형태로 묘사하는 경향이 있다.

Postmodern literature tends to depict reality in a fragmented form.

Literary theory

6

법정에서 증인은 피고인의 행동을 극도로 부정적으로 묘사했다.

In court, the witness described the defendant's actions extremely negatively.

Legal context

7

건축가는 공간의 흐름을 '시각적 교향곡'으로 묘사하며 설계안을 발표했다.

The architect presented the design plan, describing the flow of space as a 'visual symphony.'

Professional metaphor

8

이 다큐멘터리는 기후 위기를 인류 최후의 경고로 묘사하고 있다.

This documentary depicts the climate crisis as humanity's final warning.

Social commentary

Common Collocations

생생하게 묘사하다
섬세하게 묘사하다
사실적으로 묘사하다
자세히 묘사하다
심리를 묘사하다
풍경을 묘사하다
외모를 묘사하다
상황을 묘사하다
정확하게 묘사하다
비유적으로 묘사하다

Common Phrases

눈에 선하게 묘사하다
있는 그대로 묘사하다
세밀한 묘사
심리 묘사
인물 묘사
풍경 묘사
묘사력이 뛰어나다
묘사할 수 없는
그림 그리듯 묘사하다
사실적 묘사

Often Confused With

묘사하다 vs 설명하다

Focuses on 'why' and logic, while 묘사하다 focuses on 'how it looks/feels'.

묘사하다 vs 표현하다

A general term for expressing thoughts; 묘사하다 is specifically about detailed portrayal.

묘사하다 vs 그리다

Can mean literal drawing; 묘사하다 is the formal term for detailed description.

Idioms & Expressions

"붓 끝으로 묘사하다 (To describe with the tip of a brush/pen)"
"눈에 보이듯 묘사하다 (To describe as if it's visible to the eye)"
"손에 잡힐 듯 묘사하다 (To describe so vividly it feels touchable)"
"입에 침이 마르도록 묘사하다 (To describe something repeatedly/enthusiastically)"
"뼈대만 묘사하다 (To describe only the skeleton/outline)"
"살을 붙여 묘사하다 (To add 'flesh' to a description/elaborate)"
"색깔을 입혀 묘사하다 (To describe colorfully/with bias)"
"있는 사실 그대로 묘사하다 (To describe exactly as the facts are)"
"머릿속에 그림을 그리듯 묘사하다 (To describe as if drawing a picture in the head)"
"현장을 생중계하듯 묘사하다 (To describe like a live broadcast)"

Easily Confused

묘사하다 vs

묘사하다 vs

묘사하다 vs

묘사하다 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuance

묘사하다 implies an artistic or detailed effort, unlike 설명하다 which is purely functional.

formality

It is a 'written-style' (문어체) word but frequently used in formal speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 묘사하다 for solving math problems.
  • Forgetting the object particle 을/를.
  • Confusing it with '설명하다' in casual conversation.
  • Using it without any descriptive details (it needs content).
  • Mispronouncing the '묘' as '모'.

Tips

Pair with Adverbs

Always try to use an adverb like '자세히' or '생생하게' with this verb to sound more natural.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'The man was angry,' 묘사하다 his red face and clenched fists.

Use for People

When describing a celebrity, use 묘사하다 to sound more educated than just using '말하다'.

Identify Genre

If you see a lot of 묘사하다, you are likely reading a novel or a descriptive essay.

Passive Form

Remember '묘사되다' for when you want to say 'is depicted as'.

Mimicry

The word '성대모사' (vocal mimicry) uses the same '묘사' root.

TOPIK Writing

Use this word in Question 53 or 54 to boost your vocabulary score.

News Context

Listen for this word when witnesses are being interviewed.

Art Criticism

This is the primary verb used to talk about a painter's technique.

Home Decor

You can 묘사하다 your dream house to an interior designer.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'M-YO' (Me) 'SA' (Saw) something and 'HADA' (Did) a drawing of it. Me-Saw-Did = Myosahada.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Traditional Korean ink wash paintings (수묵화) focus on '여백의 미' (beauty of empty space) rather than full 묘사.

Koreans often use '묘사' when gossiping about someone's funny behavior (성대모사 - vocal mimicry).

Korean realism (리얼리즘) in the early 20th century focused heavily on '사실적 묘사' (realistic depiction) of poverty.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"가장 좋아하는 장소를 묘사해 주실래요?"

"어제 본 영화의 주인공을 어떻게 묘사하시겠어요?"

"당신의 고향을 한 문장으로 묘사한다면요?"

"첫사랑의 느낌을 묘사할 수 있나요?"

"오늘 기분을 색깔로 묘사해 보세요."

Journal Prompts

오늘 아침에 본 풍경을 아주 자세하게 묘사해 보세요.

가장 존경하는 사람의 외모와 성격을 묘사해 보세요.

꿈속에서 본 장소를 묘사하는 글을 써 보세요.

자신의 미래 모습을 10년 후의 관점에서 묘사해 보세요.

가장 좋아하는 음식을 맛과 냄새를 중심으로 묘사해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common to describe internal emotions (심리 묘사).

No, you can use it when speaking, especially in formal or storytelling contexts.

묘사 is like a picture; 서술 is like a list of events.

Yes, it frequently appears in the reading and writing sections of TOPIK II.

Yes, it means to describe what is in the painting.

In casual talk, people just say '말하다' or '설명하다'.

No, it is neutral, but you can describe something negatively.

You say '생생한 묘사'.

Yes, AI can generate descriptions (묘사) of images.

Yes, the '사' (寫) in both words means 'to copy/represent'.

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