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다루다

B1 verb #1,500 most common 5 min read

다루다

darooda Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 다루다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 다루다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '다루다' is a bit advanced, but you might see it in very simple contexts related to 'using' or 'handling' things. Think of it as a step up from '쓰다' (to use). For example, 'How do I handle this?' or 'Be careful with this.' At this stage, just remember it means 'to handle' or 'to use' a tool or object. It's often used with '조심해서' (carefully). You don't need to worry about the abstract meanings like 'covering a topic' yet. Focus on the physical action of touching and using something with your hands.

At the A2 level, you start to see '다루다' in more common daily situations. You might hear it when someone talks about their skills, like 'I can handle a computer' or 'I can play (handle) the piano.' It's also used in simple instructions. You'll begin to notice it in sentences about how to treat people, like 'Treat others kindly.' At this level, you should be able to use it in the basic [Object] + 을/를 다루다 pattern. It helps you sound more natural than just using '하다' for everything.

At the B1 level (Intermediate), '다루다' becomes very important for discussing topics, news, and media. This is the level where you use it to say 'This movie deals with...' or 'The news covered the accident.' You should understand the difference between '다루다' (to handle/deal with) and '처리하다' (to process/finish). You will also encounter the passive form '다루어지다' (to be dealt with) in reading passages. You are expected to use it to describe your professional skills or the content of a book or presentation.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances of '다루다' in professional and academic settings. You can use it to describe how a specific research paper 'treats' a variable or how a company 'deals in' certain products. You'll recognize it in more complex grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions. You should also be able to distinguish it from synonyms like '취급하다' or '거론하다' based on the level of formality and the specific context (business vs. academic).

At the C1 level, you use '다루다' to discuss abstract concepts and sophisticated social management. You might talk about how a politician 'handles' a crisis or how a philosopher 'deals with' the concept of existence. You understand the subtle implications of using '다루다' for people—how it can imply a clinical or managerial perspective. You can use the word in high-level writing to structure your arguments, such as 'In the following section, we will deal with the implications of...' with perfect naturalness.

At the C2 level, '다루다' is used with complete mastery across all registers. You can appreciate its use in classical literature or complex legal documents. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other verbs of management and control. You can use it to describe the most delicate 'handling' of diplomatic relations or the 'treatment' of complex data sets in advanced scientific research. The word becomes a precise tool in your vocabulary for describing any form of interaction between an agent and an object/subject.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

다루다 in 30 Seconds

다루다 means to handle, manage, or deal with objects, people, or topics.
It is used for physical tools (handling a camera) and abstract subjects (dealing with poverty).
It can describe how you treat people (handling subordinates) or trade goods (dealing in wine).
In academic/news contexts, it means to cover or discuss a specific issue.

The Korean verb 다루다 is a versatile and essential term that bridges the gap between physical action and abstract conceptualization. At its core, it signifies the act of managing, handling, or dealing with something. Whether you are physically touching a delicate instrument, managing a complex social situation, or discussing a specific topic in a research paper, 다루다 is the go-to verb. It implies a level of control, care, or systematic approach to the object or subject in question.

Physical Handling: This refers to the manual operation or usage of tools, machines, or materials. For example, a musician 'handles' an instrument, or a technician 'operates' a machine. It suggests a certain level of skill or necessary caution.

이 기계는 아주 예민해서 조심스럽게 다루어야 합니다. (This machine is very sensitive, so you must handle it carefully.)

Subject Matter: In academic or journalistic contexts, it means to cover, discuss, or treat a topic. If a documentary 'deals with' climate change, 다루다 is used to show the scope of the content.

오늘 수업에서는 한국의 근대사를 다룰 예정입니다. (In today's class, we plan to cover the modern history of Korea.)

Commercial Dealing: It can also mean to trade or deal in certain goods. A shop that 'deals in' antiques would use this verb to describe their inventory focus.

저 가게는 주로 수입 가구를 다룹니다. (That shop mainly deals in imported furniture.)

아이들을 다루는 것은 쉬운 일이 아닙니다. (Handling/Managing children is not an easy task.)

Using 다루다 correctly requires understanding its object-verb relationship. It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes an object marked by the particles -을/를. The context determines whether you are talking about physical manipulation, intellectual coverage, or interpersonal management.

Grammar Pattern: [Noun]을/를 다루다. This is the standard form. When used with adverbs like '잘' (well) or '서툴게' (clumsily), it describes the quality of the handling.

컴퓨터를 능숙하게 다룰 줄 아세요? (Do you know how to handle/operate a computer skillfully?)

Passive vs. Active: While '다루다' is active, the passive form '다루어지다' (to be handled/treated) is frequently used in news reports or academic writing to describe how a topic is being addressed by the public or the media.

그 문제는 뉴스에서 비중 있게 다루어졌다. (That issue was handled/covered significantly in the news.)

Social Contexts: When dealing with people, '다루다' can sometimes sound cold or objective, as if the person is an object to be managed. Use '대하다' (to treat/face) for more emotional or personal warmth.

그는 부하 직원들을 함부로 다루는 경향이 있다. (He tends to handle/treat his subordinates carelessly.)

You will encounter 다루다 in a variety of environments, from the workshop to the university lecture hall. Its multi-faceted nature makes it a staple of both daily and professional Korean speech.

In the Media: News anchors often use this word when introducing a segment. '오늘 뉴스에서는 청년 실업 문제를 다루겠습니다' (In today's news, we will cover the issue of youth unemployment).

이번 다큐멘터리는 환경 오염의 심각성을 다루고 있습니다. (This documentary is dealing with the seriousness of environmental pollution.)

In the Workplace: When discussing job requirements or skills. A job posting might ask if you can 'handle' specific software or machinery.

포토샵을 어느 정도 다룰 수 있나요? (To what extent can you handle/use Photoshop?)

In Literature/Art: Critics use it to describe the themes of a book or movie. '이 소설은 인간의 고독을 깊이 있게 다룬다' (This novel deals with human loneliness in depth).

While 다루다 is versatile, learners often confuse it with other verbs that have overlapping meanings in English, such as 'treat', 'use', or 'solve'.

다루다 vs. 대하다: Both can mean 'to treat people'. However, '대하다' is about the attitude and emotion you show toward someone (e.g., treating someone kindly). '다루다' is more about managing or controlling them (e.g., a teacher managing a class).

[Wrong] 친구를 기계처럼 대하세요. (Treat your friend like a machine - implies attitude).
[Right] 친구를 기계처럼 다루지 마세요. (Don't handle/manage your friend like a machine.)

다루다 vs. 처리하다: '처리하다' means to process or dispose of something to finish a task. '다루다' is the ongoing process of handling or discussing. You '다루다' a topic in a meeting, but you '처리하다' the paperwork afterward.

Understanding the synonyms of 다루다 helps in choosing the most precise word for your context.

취급하다 (To handle/trade): Very similar to '다루다' in commercial contexts (dealing in goods) and physical handling (fragile items). It sounds slightly more formal and business-oriented.

조작하다 (To operate/manipulate): Specifically used for operating machinery or equipment via controls. It can also have a negative nuance of 'manipulating' data or evidence.

논하다 (To discuss/debate): Used when '다루다' means to cover a topic intellectually. '논하다' focuses specifically on the verbal or written discussion/argumentation aspect.

이 책은 경제 위기를 심도 있게 논하고 있다. (This book is discussing the economic crisis in depth.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

이것을 조심해서 다루세요.

Handle this carefully.

-으세요 (polite command)

컴퓨터를 다룰 줄 알아요?

Do you know how to use a computer?

-ㄹ 줄 알다 (know how to)

기계를 다루는 것은 어려워요.

Handling machines is difficult.

-는 것 (nominalization)

칼을 다룰 때는 조심해야 해요.

You must be careful when handling a knife.

-을 때 (when)

그는 강아지를 잘 다뤄요.

He handles the puppy well.

잘 (well) + 다루다

이 물건은 어떻게 다뤄요?

How do I handle this object?

어떻게 (how)

불을 다룰 때는 항상 조심하세요.

Always be careful when handling fire.

항상 (always)

장난감을 험하게 다루지 마세요.

Don't handle the toys roughly.

-지 마세요 (don't)

피아노를 다루는 솜씨가 좋네요.

Your skill in playing (handling) the piano is good.

솜씨 (skill)

아이들을 다루는 법을 배워야 해요.

You need to learn how to handle children.

-는 법 (way/method)

이 가게는 중고차를 다룹니다.

This shop deals in used cars.

Formal ending -ㅂ니다

사람을 다루는 일은 정말 힘들어요.

Dealing with people is really hard work.

사람을 다루다 (managing people)

그는 도구를 아주 능숙하게 다뤄요.

He handles tools very skillfully.

능숙하게 (skillfully)

동물을 다룰 때는 인내심이 필요해요.

Patience is needed when handling animals.

인내심 (patience)

새로운 소프트웨어를 다루기 시작했어요.

I started to handle/use new software.

-기 시작하다 (start to)

부모님은 우리를 엄격하게 다루셨어요.

My parents handled (raised/treated) us strictly.

Honorific -시-

이 책은 한국의 문화를 다루고 있어요.

This book is dealing with Korean culture.

-고 있다 (progressive)

오늘 회의에서는 예산 문제를 다룰 겁니다.

In today's meeting, we will deal with the budget issue.

-ㄹ 겁니다 (future)

뉴스는 그 사건을 비중 있게 다뤘다.

The news handled the incident with importance.

비중 있게 (significantly)

환경 문제를 다루는 다큐멘터리를 봤어요.

I watched a documentary dealing with environmental issues.

Noun-modifying form -는

그 작가는 사회의 어두운 면을 다룹니다.

That author deals with the dark side of society.

Present tense

문제를 다루는 방식이 아주 독특해요.

The way of handling the problem is very unique.

방식 (method/way)

우리는 이 주제를 깊이 있게 다뤄야 합니다.

We must deal with this topic in depth.

깊이 있게 (in depth)

이 영화는 전쟁의 비극을 다루고 있다.

This movie deals with the tragedy of war.

Subject-Object-Verb order

보고서에서 이 부분을 더 자세히 다뤄 주세요.

Please deal with this part more specifically in the report.

-아/어 주세요 (request)

그 회사는 반도체 부품을 주로 다룹니다.

That company mainly deals in semiconductor parts.

주로 (mainly)

갈등을 다루는 기술이 부족한 것 같아요.

I think I lack the skills to handle conflict.

-ㄴ 것 같다 (seems like)

이 논문은 언어 습득 과정을 다루고 있다.

This thesis deals with the process of language acquisition.

Academic context

위기 상황을 어떻게 다루느냐가 중요합니다.

How you handle a crisis situation is important.

-느냐가 (indirect question as subject)

정보를 다룰 때는 보안에 신경 써야 해요.

When handling information, you must pay attention to security.

신경 쓰다 (pay attention)

그는 복잡한 기계도 척척 다뤄냅니다.

He handles even complex machines with ease.

-어 내다 (successfully do)

이 문제는 법적으로 다루어질 것입니다.

This issue will be handled legally.

Passive -어지다

현대 철학은 존재의 의미를 심도 있게 다룬다.

Modern philosophy deals with the meaning of existence in depth.

심도 있게 (profoundly)

정부는 민감한 외교 현안을 신중히 다루고 있다.

The government is carefully handling sensitive diplomatic issues.

신중히 (cautiously)

이 소설은 인간 내면의 모순을 날카롭게 다룬다.

This novel sharply deals with the contradictions of the human inner self.

날카롭게 (sharply)

데이터를 다루는 윤리적 기준이 마련되어야 한다.

Ethical standards for handling data must be established.

-아/어야 한다 (must)

그 감독은 금기시되는 소재를 과감하게 다룬다.

That director boldly deals with taboo subjects.

과감하게 (boldly)

역사적 사실을 다룰 때는 객관성을 유지해야 한다.

When dealing with historical facts, objectivity must be maintained.

객관성 (objectivity)

언론이 이 문제를 어떻게 다루는지 지켜봅시다.

Let's watch how the media handles this issue.

-는지 (whether/how)

그는 권력을 다루는 데 있어 매우 노련하다.

He is very experienced in handling power.

-는 데 있어 (in the matter of)

본고는 자본주의의 구조적 모순을 다각도로 다룬다.

This paper deals with the structural contradictions of capitalism from various angles.

다각도로 (from various angles)

예술은 형언할 수 없는 감정을 다루는 매체이다.

Art is a medium that deals with inexpressible emotions.

형언할 수 없는 (inexpressible)

생명 윤리 문제는 인류가 다뤄야 할 난제이다.

Bioethical issues are a difficult problem that humanity must handle.

난제 (difficult problem)

그의 문체는 죽음이라는 무거운 주제를 담담하게 다룬다.

His writing style deals with the heavy theme of death calmly.

담담하게 (calmly/composedly)

거대 담론을 다루기에 앞서 기초 개념을 정립해야 한다.

Before dealing with grand discourses, basic concepts must be established.

-기에 앞서 (prior to)

통계 수치를 다룰 때의 오류는 치명적일 수 있다.

Errors when handling statistical figures can be fatal.

치명적 (fatal)

법전은 인간의 행위를 규율하고 다루는 기준이다.

The code of law is the standard for regulating and handling human actions.

규율하다 (regulate)

우주는 인간의 지성으로 다루기엔 너무나 광대하다.

The universe is too vast to be handled by human intelligence.

-기엔 (for doing something)

Synonyms

취급하다 처리하다 논하다 언급하다

Antonyms

방치하다 무시하다

Common Collocations

기계를 다루다

주제를 다루다

사람을 다루다

사건을 다루다

능숙하게 다루다

조심스럽게 다루다

비중 있게 다루다

문제를 다루다

도구를 다루다

악기를 다루다

Common Phrases

다루기 힘들다

다루기 쉽다

잘 다루다

함부로 다루다

소중히 다루다

깊이 있게 다루다

심도 있게 다루다

주로 다루다

다루어지다 (passive)

다룰 줄 알다

Often Confused With

다루다 vs 대하다

대하다 is about attitude/emotion; 다루다 is about management/control.

다루다 vs 처리하다

처리하다 is to finish/dispose; 다루다 is the process of handling/discussing.

다루다 vs 사용하다

사용하다 is general 'use'; 다루다 implies skill or systematic handling.

Idioms & Expressions

"손에 익게 다루다 (to handle something so it becomes familiar to the hand)"

"아이 다루듯 하다 (to treat someone like a child)"

"떡 주무르듯 다루다 (to handle someone/something as easily as kneading dough)"

"불 보듯 뻔한 일을 다루다 (to deal with something obvious)"

"뜬구름 잡는 소리를 다루다 (to deal with vague/unrealistic talk)"

"가시 돋친 말을 다루다 (to handle thorny/sharp words)"

"제 몸처럼 다루다 (to handle something as carefully as one's own body)"

"물건 다루듯 하다 (to treat a person like an object)"

"귀하게 다루다 (to treat/handle something as precious)"

"어렵게 다루다 (to handle with difficulty)"

Easily Confused

다루다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

It implies a process or a method of management, not just a one-time use.

caution

Be careful when using it for people; '대하다' is usually warmer.

Common Mistakes

Using '다루다' instead of '대하다' for emotional treatment of friends.
Forgetting the object particle -을/를.
Using it for simple daily tasks like 'using a fork'.
Confusing it with '처리하다' when the task is finished.
Misconjugating the past tense as '다루었다' (though correct, '다뤘다' is more common).

Tips

Object Marker

Always use -을/를 with the object you are handling.

Academic Use

Use it to describe the scope of your essay or presentation.

Skill Expression

Use '다룰 줄 알다' to say you know how to operate something.

People Management

Be careful when using it for people; it can sound like you are managing them like objects.

Formal Reports

The passive '다루어지다' is great for objective reporting.

News Keywords

It's a key word for identifying the main subject of a news story.

Tools vs. Materials

It works for both tools (hammer) and materials (wood).

Job Interviews

Use it to list technical skills: '엑셀을 능숙하게 다룹니다'.

Visual Association

Visualize a conductor 'handling' an orchestra.

Natural Flow

The 'ㄹ' sound should be light, like a soft 'r'.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Native Korean word.

Cultural Context

In a resume, '다루다' shows technical competency.

Using '다루다' for subordinates is common, but using it for superiors is rare and can be rude.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"어떤 악기를 다룰 줄 아세요?"

"요즘 뉴스에서 가장 많이 다루는 주제가 뭐예요?"

"사람을 다루는 게 가장 힘들지 않나요?"

"이 소프트웨어 다루는 법 좀 가르쳐 주실래요?"

"이 영화가 다루는 주제가 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 가장 능숙하게 다룰 수 있는 도구에 대해 써보세요.

최근에 읽은 책이 어떤 주제를 다루고 있었나요?

스트레스를 다루는 나만의 방법은 무엇인가요?

아이들을 다루는 것이 왜 어렵다고 생각하나요?

우리 사회가 더 비중 있게 다뤄야 할 문제는 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it means you have the skill to handle/play it. '피아노를 다루다' is correct.

It is neutral to formal. It's very common in professional and academic settings.

They are very similar. '취급하다' is slightly more formal and often used in business/trade contexts.

Yes, '상황을 다루다' is perfectly natural.

You can say '조심해서 다루세요' or '취급 주의' (in writing).

Yes, '이 가게는 와인을 다룹니다' means the shop deals in/sells wine.

No, '치료하다' or '진료하다' is used for medical treatment.

It is the passive form, meaning 'to be handled' or 'to be covered' (as a topic).

You can, but '쓰다' or '사용하다' is more common unless you mean 'operating' it skillfully.

Not inherently, but '함부로 다루다' (handle carelessly) is negative.