This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
드러나다

B2 verb 8 min read

드러나다

deureonada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 드러나다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 드러나다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '드러나다' (deureonada) simply as 'to show' or 'to be seen.' Imagine you have a toy hidden under a blanket. If you take the blanket away, the toy is now '드러나다.' In very simple Korean, we use this word when something was hidden and now we can see it with our eyes. You might use it to talk about the sun coming out from behind a cloud or a smile appearing on a friend's face. Even though this word is a bit more advanced (B2), A1 learners can understand it as a way to say 'I can see it now!' Just remember that the thing you see is the subject of the sentence. For example: 'The sun (해) + is revealed (드러나요).' It is a useful word for describing simple changes in what you can see around you.

For A2 learners, '드러나다' is a great word to describe physical changes and simple feelings. At this level, you are learning to describe people and places in more detail. You can use '드러나다' when you notice someone's feelings. For example, if your friend is happy, their happiness '드러나요' (shows) on their face. You can also use it for nature, like when the snow melts and the ground '드러나요.' A key thing to remember at this level is the grammar: the thing that is showing must have the particle '-이' or '-가' after it. This word is different from '나타나다' (to appear). Use '드러나다' when something was already there but just covered up by something else, like clouds or a mask.

As a B1 learner, you can start using '드러나다' in more abstract ways, such as discussing secrets or the results of a test. It is frequently used in stories or news reports to say that a secret 'came out.' For example, if a mystery is solved in a drama, the truth '드러나요.' You should also notice how it is used with adverbs like '드디어' (finally) or '분명하게' (clearly). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between the intransitive '드러나다' (to be revealed) and the transitive '드러내다' (to reveal). If the truth just comes out, use '드러나다.' If a person reveals the truth, use '드러내다.' This distinction will make your Korean sound much more professional and accurate.

At the B2 level, '드러나다' is a core vocabulary word for expressing complex ideas in journalism, literature, and formal discussions. You should use it to describe the emergence of patterns, the exposure of corruption, or the manifestation of a person's true character over time. It is often used in the structure '~음이 드러나다' or '~것이 드러나다' to say that 'the fact that... was revealed.' For instance, '그가 거짓말을 했음이 드러났다' (It was revealed that he lied). You should also be comfortable using it to describe subtle things, like a person's intentions showing through their choice of words. It is a vital verb for analyzing situations and providing evidence-based descriptions in both writing and speaking.

For C1 learners, '드러나다' is a tool for nuanced social and philosophical analysis. You can use it to discuss how systemic issues '드러나다' during a crisis, or how a writer's underlying ideology '드러나다' in their choice of metaphors. At this level, you should explore the word's synonyms like '표출되다' (to be expressed/manifested) or '발현되다' (to be manifested/developed) and know exactly why '드러나다' might be a better, more visceral choice in certain contexts. You will encounter this word in academic papers and high-level editorials where the 'revelation' is not just a simple fact, but a complex truth that has profound implications for society. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's ability to bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen.

At the C2 level, you should master '드러나다' in its most sophisticated forms, using it to describe the ontological manifestation of truth and the phenomenological appearance of reality. You can use it in literary criticism to discuss how a character's '본질' (essence) is '드러나다' through a series of tragic events. In political discourse, you might use it to describe how the '모순' (contradictions) of a system '드러나다' through historical shifts. Your mastery should include an instinctive grasp of its rhythmic role in complex sentences and its ability to carry heavy semantic weight without needing excessive explanation. You are not just using the word to say something was found; you are using it to describe the process of reality becoming known to the human consciousness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

드러나다 in 30 Seconds

드러나다 means to be revealed or become visible, moving from a hidden state to an open one, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts.
It is an intransitive verb, meaning the thing being revealed is the subject (using particles -이/가) and does not take a direct object.
Commonly used in news for scandals, in nature for clearing fog, and in psychology for showing true emotions or character traits.
Distinct from '나타나다' (to appear) because '드러나다' specifically implies that the thing was already there but was previously covered or obscured.

The Korean verb 드러나다 is a multifaceted word that primarily translates to "to be revealed," "to become visible," or "to come to light." It describes a transition from a state of being hidden, obscured, or unknown to a state of being clear, perceptible, or public. Unlike words that imply a sudden appearance out of nowhere, 드러나다 often suggests that the subject was already there but was simply not seen or known until a certain moment or condition was met. This makes it an essential verb for discussing everything from physical landscapes emerging from the fog to deep-seated secrets being exposed by an investigation.

Physical Visibility: When the clouds part and a mountain peak becomes visible, or when the tide goes out and the sea floor is exposed, Koreans use 드러나다. It emphasizes the removal of an obstacle to sight.
Abstract Revelation: In social or psychological contexts, it refers to the disclosure of facts, intentions, or feelings. If someone's true character is shown through their actions, or if a political scandal is uncovered, this verb is the standard choice.

안개가 걷히자 산의 모습이 드러났다.

As the fog cleared, the shape of the mountain was revealed.

The nuance of 드러나다 is often passive in meaning but active in grammatical form (it is an intransitive verb). It focuses on the state of the subject changing. For example, when a secret "comes out," the focus is on the secret itself becoming known to the world. This word is frequently used in journalism, literature, and daily conversations about people's personalities. It carries a sense of inevitability in many contexts, as if the truth was bound to be seen eventually.

Emotional Expression: If someone is trying to hide their sadness but it shows on their face, you would say their feelings 드러나다. It suggests that the internal state has manifested externally.

그의 얼굴에 실망한 기색이 드러났다.

Signs of disappointment were revealed on his face.

In academic or formal writing, 드러나다 is used to describe the results of research or data analysis. When a pattern emerges from statistics, or when a historical truth is uncovered through documents, this verb provides a sophisticated way to describe that discovery. It avoids the implication of human intervention that the transitive version, 드러내다 (to reveal something), would suggest.

조사 결과 새로운 사실이 드러났다.

As a result of the investigation, new facts came to light.

Using 드러나다 correctly requires understanding its status as an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object (the thing being revealed is the subject of the sentence, marked with -이/가). If you want to say someone revealed a secret, you would use the transitive counterpart 드러내다. However, to say the secret was revealed, 드러나다 is the correct choice. This distinction is vital for mastering intermediate and advanced Korean grammar.

Common Subject Particles: Always use 이/가 with the noun that is becoming visible. Example: 진실이 드러나다 (The truth is revealed). Using 을/를 here is a common grammatical error for learners.

범인의 정체가 드디어 드러났다.

The culprit's identity was finally revealed.

The verb can be used in various tenses and moods. In the past tense, 드러났다, it often conveys a sense of shock or resolution. In the future tense or when combined with -ㄹ 것이다, it suggests an expectation that something hidden will eventually be found out. For example, 거짓말은 언젠가 드러나게 마련이다 (Lies are bound to be revealed someday). This idiomatic use of -게 마련이다 highlights the natural law of truth emerging.

Location Marking: Use the particle -에 to indicate where the subject is being revealed. Example: 표면에 드러나다 (To be revealed on the surface).

그녀의 재능이 이번 대회에서 드러났다.

Her talent was revealed during this competition.

In more complex sentence structures, 드러나다 often pairs with adverbs like 분명히 (clearly), 서서히 (gradually), or 적나라하게 (starkly/nakedly). These adverbs help define the manner in which the revelation occurs. Whether it is a slow dawning of realization or a sudden, brutal exposure, the verb remains the core of the expression.

문제점이 명확하게 드러나기 시작했다.

The problems began to be clearly revealed.

You will encounter 드러나다 in a wide variety of contexts in modern Korea, ranging from high-stakes news broadcasts to the subtle dialogue of K-dramas. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its register and frequency. In the media, it is perhaps most common in investigative journalism. When a reporter says "The truth has finally been revealed," they are almost certainly using 드러나다. It lends a sense of gravity and factual discovery to the reporting.

News & Media: Headlines often use the form '~로 드러나' (Revealed to be...). For example, "The cause of the accident was revealed to be a mechanical failure" (사고 원인은 기계 결함으로 드러나).

조사 과정에서 비리가 드러났습니다.

Corruption was revealed during the investigation process.

In Korean literature and webtoons, this verb is used to heighten tension. A character's secret past might 드러나다 at a climactic moment, or their true feelings for another character might 드러나다 through a slip of the tongue. It is a word of exposure and vulnerability. It also appears in descriptive passages, such as when the moon 드러나다 from behind the clouds, creating a romantic or eerie atmosphere.

Daily Conversation: In casual talk, you might hear it when discussing people's personalities. "He seemed nice at first, but his true self revealed itself later" (나중에 본색이 드러났어).

그의 본심이 말 한마디에 드러났어.

His true intention was revealed in a single word.

Finally, in the workplace, 드러나다 is used when discussing project results or identifying bottlenecks. If a strategy isn't working, the flaws 드러나다 in the quarterly reports. It is a neutral, professional way to describe the emergence of information, making it a safe and effective word for business Korean.

Learners of Korean often struggle with 드러나다 due to its similarity with other verbs and its specific grammatical requirements. The most frequent error is confusing it with its transitive twin, 드러내다. While 드러나다 means "to be revealed" (intransitive), 드러내다 means "to reveal [something]" (transitive). If you say 진실을 드러나다, it is grammatically incorrect because the intransitive verb cannot take an object.

Confusion with 나타나다: Many students use 나타나다 (to appear) when they should use 드러나다. Use 나타나다 for someone showing up at a party. Use 드러나다 for a truth that was hidden behind lies.

❌ 비밀을 드러났다.
✅ 비밀이 드러났다.

Correction: Use the subject particle -이 with the intransitive verb.

Another mistake involves the passive voice. Because 드러나다 already has a passive meaning ("to be revealed"), learners sometimes try to force it into a passive construction like 드러나게 되다. While 드러나게 되다 is possible and emphasizes the process of becoming, simply using 드러나다 is usually more natural and concise. Overcomplicating the verb form is a sign of intermediate plateauing.

Particle Errors: Mistaking -에게 for -에. You reveal something to someone (드러내다), but it is revealed in/on a place or through a medium (드러나다).

그의 정체가 세상에 드러났다.

His identity was revealed TO the world (using 'to' as a destination of exposure).

Lastly, don't use 드러나다 for physical objects that are just 'there' or 'visible' without the context of having been hidden. If you can see a chair in a room, use 보이다. If you find a chair that was hidden under a tarp, 드러나다 is appropriate. The "hidden-to-revealed" transition is the key semantic component that must not be ignored.

To truly master 드러나다, you must understand how it relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'appearing' and 'being revealed,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality. The most common alternative is 밝혀지다, which specifically implies that the truth was discovered through some effort or investigation, whereas 드러나다 can happen naturally.

드러나다 vs. 밝혀지다: 드러나다 is broader; it can be physical or abstract. 밝혀지다 is almost always abstract (truth, facts, secrets) and implies a 'lighting up' of the dark through investigation.
드러나다 vs. 나타나다: 나타나다 is used when something appears on the scene (a person arriving). 드러나다 is used when something was already there but was covered (a hidden truth).

비밀이 밝혀졌다 vs 비밀이 드러났다.

The first implies someone solved it; the second implies it just became known.

Another formal alternative is 노출되다 (to be exposed). This is often used in technical or negative contexts, such as being exposed to radiation or a secret being exposed in a scandalous way. 드러나다 is more neutral. In poetic or literary contexts, you might see 현출되다 (to manifest), though this is rare in daily speech and usually reserved for high-level philosophical or artistic discussions.

드러나다 vs. 판명되다: 판명되다 means to be proved or identified as something specific after a judgment. While 드러나다 is about visibility, 판명되다 is about categorization.

그것은 가짜로 판명되었다.

It was identified/proved to be a fake.

By learning these distinctions, you can choose the word that most accurately reflects the situation. Whether you are describing a mountain peak emerging from the mist (드러나다), a criminal being caught (밝혀지다), or a ghost appearing (나타나다), your Korean will sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '들-' in '드러나다' is the same root found in '들이다' (to let in) and '들다' (to lift). It gives the word a sense of movement from one space (hidden) to another (visible).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɯ.ɾʌ.na.da/

US /dɯ.ɾʌ.na.da/

The stress is even across all syllables, as is typical for Korean, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '드'.

Rhymes With

일어나다 (ireonada - to wake up/happen) 태어나다 (taeonada - to be born) 깨어나다 (kkaeonada - to wake up) 벗어나다 (beoseonada - to escape) 떠나다 (tteonada - to leave) 나타나다 (natanada - to appear) 모자라다 (mojarada - to be insufficient) 살아나다 (saranada - to revive)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '드' like 'doo' (should be 'deu').
Pronouncing '러' like 'row' (should be 'reo').
Making the 'r' sound too strong like an English 'R'.
Failing to distinguish '드러나다' from '드러내다' in speech.
Applying English-style word stress on the penultimate syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, requires understanding of nuance.

Writing 4/5

Must remember it's intransitive and use correct particles.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for describing people and situations once learned.

Listening 3/5

Recognizable in various contexts but sounds like other 'nada' verbs.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

나다 (to come out) 보이다 (to be seen) 비밀 (secret) 진실 (truth) 얼굴 (face)

Learn Next

드러내다 (to reveal something) 밝혀지다 (to be discovered) 나타나다 (to appear) 노출되다 (to be exposed)

Advanced

표출하다 (to express) 발현 (manifestation) 탄로나다 (to be found out) 폭로하다 (to disclose/expose)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verbs and -이/가

비밀이 드러나다 (The secret is revealed). Never use -을/를 with 드러나다.

-게 마련이다 (Bound to happen)

진실은 드러나게 마련이다 (Truth is bound to be revealed).

-음이 드러나다 (Fact-nominalization)

그가 범인임이 드러났다 (That he is the culprit was revealed).

Connective -어 (들다 + 어 + 나다)

This is a typical compound verb structure in Korean.

-고 말다 (Ended up...)

결국 정체가 드러나고 말았다 (In the end, the identity ended up being revealed).

Examples by Level

해가 구름 사이로 드러났어요.

The sun appeared between the clouds.

드러났어요 is the past polite form.

산의 꼭대기가 드러나요.

The top of the mountain is showing.

드러나요 is the present polite form.

미소가 얼굴에 드러나요.

A smile shows on the face.

얼굴에 (on the face) indicates the location.

꽃이 눈 밑에서 드러났어요.

The flower was revealed from under the snow.

눈 밑에서 (from under the snow) indicates the source.

길이 드러났어요.

The road was revealed.

길이 is the subject with the particle -이.

색깔이 드러나요.

The color is showing.

드러나요 is used for physical visibility.

바다가 드러났어요.

The sea was revealed.

드러났다 means it was hidden before.

집이 나무 사이로 드러나요.

The house is revealed through the trees.

나무 사이로 (through the trees) indicates the path.

그의 기쁜 마음이 얼굴에 드러났다.

His happy heart was revealed on his face.

마음이 (heart/feeling) is the subject.

안개가 사라지자 마을이 드러났다.

As the fog disappeared, the village was revealed.

사라지자 (as/when... disappeared) sets the condition.

슬픈 표정이 조금 드러났어요.

A sad expression showed a little.

조금 (a little) is an adverb modifying the verb.

바닷물이 빠지자 갯벌이 드러났다.

As the seawater receded, the mudflat was revealed.

바닷물이 빠지다 is the standard phrase for the tide going out.

그녀의 재능이 학교에서 드러났어요.

Her talent was revealed at school.

재능 (talent) is often used with 드러나다.

비밀이 친구들 사이에서 드러났다.

The secret was revealed among friends.

친구들 사이에서 (among friends) indicates the social context.

어깨가 드러나는 옷을 입었어요.

I wore clothes that reveal the shoulders.

드러나는 is the adjective form modifying 옷.

건물의 윤곽이 드러나기 시작했다.

The outline of the building began to be revealed.

윤곽 (outline/contour) is a common collocation.

조사를 통해 진실이 드러났다.

The truth was revealed through an investigation.

조사를 통해 (through an investigation) shows the method.

그의 본색이 드디어 드러났다.

His true colors were finally revealed.

본색 (true colors/true nature) is a very common subject.

문제가 표면으로 드러나기 시작했다.

The problem began to come to the surface.

표면으로 드러나다 is a common idiomatic expression.

뉴스에서 사건의 전말이 드러났다.

The full story of the incident was revealed on the news.

사건의 전말 means 'the whole story of the incident.'

그의 실력이 이번 시합에서 드러났다.

His skills were revealed in this match.

실력 (skill/ability) is often used here.

말실수 때문에 비밀이 드러났다.

The secret was revealed because of a slip of the tongue.

말실수 (slip of the tongue) is the cause.

거짓말이 곧 드러날 거예요.

The lie will be revealed soon.

드러날 거예요 is the future tense.

차이점이 분명하게 드러납니다.

The differences are clearly revealed.

분명하게 (clearly) is a frequent adverbial partner.

그의 행동에서 이기적인 성격이 드러났다.

His selfish personality was revealed in his actions.

행동에서 (in/from actions) is the context of revelation.

연구 결과가 발표되자 문제점이 드러났다.

When the research results were announced, the problems were revealed.

발표되자 (as soon as it was announced) indicates timing.

범인의 정체가 경찰의 수사로 드러났다.

The culprit's identity was revealed by the police investigation.

수사로 (by investigation) shows the means.

두 사람의 관계가 세상에 드러났다.

The relationship between the two was revealed to the world.

세상에 드러나다 is a common phrase for public exposure.

그가 범인임이 명확히 드러났다.

It was clearly revealed that he was the culprit.

범인임이 uses the nominalized form of the verb 'to be'.

전쟁의 참혹함이 사진을 통해 드러났다.

The cruelty of war was revealed through photographs.

참혹함 (cruelty/ghastliness) is an abstract noun.

본심을 숨기려 했지만 결국 드러나고 말았다.

He tried to hide his true intentions, but they eventually ended up being revealed.

-고 말았다 expresses an unintended or regrettable outcome.

그의 작품에는 고뇌가 잘 드러나 있다.

Agony is well revealed in his work.

드러나 있다 describes a continuing state of being revealed.

사회적 모순이 이번 사태를 통해 적나라하게 드러났다.

Social contradictions were starkly revealed through this incident.

적나라하게 means 'starkly' or 'nakedly'.

저자의 의도가 문장 곳곳에서 드러나고 있다.

The author's intention is being revealed throughout the sentences.

곳곳에서 (everywhere/in various places) shows distribution.

조직의 부패가 내부 고발자에 의해 드러났다.

The corruption of the organization was revealed by a whistleblower.

내부 고발자 (whistleblower) is a high-level term.

그의 철학적 사유가 강연 중에 드러났다.

His philosophical thoughts were revealed during the lecture.

사유 (thought/speculation) is an academic term.

통계 자료를 분석하자 새로운 경향이 드러났다.

Analyzing the statistical data revealed a new trend.

경향 (trend/tendency) is common in business/academic Korean.

인간의 본성이 극한 상황에서 드러나기 마련이다.

Human nature is bound to be revealed in extreme situations.

-기 마련이다 expresses an inevitable natural law.

정부의 무능함이 이번 재난으로 여실히 드러났다.

The government's incompetence was clearly revealed by this disaster.

여실히 (clearly/vividly) is a formal adverb.

그의 야심이 권력을 잡자마자 드러났다.

His ambition was revealed as soon as he seized power.

야심 (ambition) often has a negative nuance here.

현대 문명의 한계가 기후 위기로 인해 극명하게 드러나고 있다.

The limits of modern civilization are being starkly revealed due to the climate crisis.

극명하게 (extremely clearly) is a very high-level adverb.

그의 시에는 삶에 대한 깊은 통찰이 드러나 있다.

Deep insight into life is revealed in his poetry.

통찰 (insight) is a sophisticated noun.

자본주의의 구조적 결함이 경제 공황 속에서 드러났다.

The structural flaws of capitalism were revealed during the economic depression.

구조적 결함 (structural flaw) is a technical socio-economic term.

인간 소외의 문제가 기술의 발전과 함께 드러나기 시작했다.

The problem of human alienation began to be revealed alongside technological advancement.

인간 소외 (human alienation) is a philosophical concept.

예술가의 내면적 갈등이 붓 터치 하나하나에 드러나 있다.

The artist's internal conflict is revealed in every single brushstroke.

내면적 갈등 (internal conflict) is common in art criticism.

역사의 진실은 시간이 흐를수록 선명하게 드러나는 법이다.

The truth of history is bound to be revealed more clearly as time passes.

-는 법이다 expresses a general principle or law.

권력의 속성이 위기 상황에서 여과 없이 드러났다.

The nature of power was revealed without filtration in the crisis.

여과 없이 (without filtration/unfiltered) is an idiomatic expression.

언어의 한계가 번역 과정에서 여실히 드러나곤 한다.

The limits of language often reveal themselves vividly during the translation process.

-곤 한다 indicates a frequent or habitual action.

Common Collocations

진실이 드러나다

정체가 드러나다

본색이 드러나다

윤곽이 드러나다

표면에 드러나다

명확히 드러나다

적나라하게 드러나다

세상에 드러나다

얼굴에 드러나다

모습이 드러나다

Common Phrases

드러나 보이다

— To look visible or to appear to be shown. It emphasizes the visual aspect.

뼈가 드러나 보일 정도로 말랐다.

드러나게 마련이다

— Bound to be revealed. Expresses that something cannot stay hidden forever.

거짓말은 언젠가 드러나게 마련이다.

드러나지 않게

— Inconspicuously or secretly. Literally 'so as not to be revealed.'

드러나지 않게 뒤에서 도와주었다.

드러난 사실

— A revealed fact or a known fact.

지금까지 드러난 사실만으로도 충분하다.

드러나다 보니

— As it turned out or as it was revealed. Used when explaining a subsequent situation.

비밀이 드러나다 보니 상황이 복잡해졌다.

드러나기 시작하다

— To begin to be revealed.

문제점이 드러나기 시작했다.

드러날까 봐

— For fear that it might be revealed.

비밀이 드러날까 봐 걱정했다.

드러나는 차이

— A visible or evident difference.

두 제품 사이에는 드러나는 차이가 없다.

드러나지 않은

— Unrevealed or hidden.

드러나지 않은 재능이 많다.

드러나 버리다

— To end up being revealed (often unintentionally).

실수가 모두에게 드러나 버렸다.

Often Confused With

드러나다 vs 나타나다

나타나다 is for general appearance (showing up); 드러나다 is for revealing what was hidden.

드러나다 vs 드러내다

드러내다 is transitive (to reveal something); 드러나다 is intransitive (to be revealed).

드러나다 vs 밝혀지다

밝혀지다 implies an investigation or effort was involved in the revelation.

Idioms & Expressions

"본색이 드러나다"

— To show one's true colors. Usually used when someone who seemed nice reveals a bad personality.

돈 앞에서 그의 본색이 드러났다.

Neutral

"꼬리가 드러나다"

— Literally 'the tail is revealed.' It means a hidden fault or secret is being caught or exposed.

계속 거짓말을 하더니 결국 꼬리가 드러났다.

Informal

"속내가 드러나다"

— To have one's inner thoughts or true intentions exposed.

그의 뻔한 속내가 드러났다.

Neutral

"민낯이 드러나다"

— Literally 'the bare face is revealed.' Used metaphorically to mean the ugly truth of a situation is exposed.

전쟁으로 사회의 민낯이 드러났다.

Neutral/Modern

"정체가 탄로나다"

— To have one's identity or secret mission revealed (similar to 드러나다 but more negative).

스파이의 정체가 탄로났다.

Neutral

"실체가 드러나다"

— To have the actual substance or true nature of something revealed.

유령 회사의 실체가 드러났다.

Formal

"바닥이 드러나다"

— To reach the bottom or to have the limit of one's resources/patience revealed.

비축해둔 식량이 바닥이 드러났다.

Neutral

"허점이 드러나다"

— To have a loophole or weakness revealed.

그의 논리에서 허점이 드러났다.

Neutral

"윤곽이 잡히다/드러나다"

— To take shape or for the outline of a plan to become clear.

프로젝트의 윤곽이 드러나고 있다.

Neutral

"백일하에 드러나다"

— To be revealed clearly under the broad daylight (to everyone).

그의 범죄가 백일하에 드러났다.

Formal/Literary

Easily Confused

드러나다 vs 나타나다

Both mean 'to appear'.

나타나다 is like a person appearing at a door. 드러나다 is like a secret being exposed or land appearing after a flood.

친구가 나타났다 (Friend appeared) vs 진실이 드러났다 (Truth was revealed).

드러나다 vs 드러내다

They look and sound very similar.

드러내다 takes an object (을/를). 드러나다 takes a subject (이/가).

그는 비밀을 드러냈다 vs 비밀이 드러났다.

드러나다 vs 보이다

Both involve visibility.

보이다 is simply 'to be seen'. 드러나다 implies it was previously unseen or hidden.

산이 보인다 (I see the mountain) vs 산이 드러났다 (The mountain was revealed after the fog).

드러나다 vs 생기다

Both can describe something becoming present.

생기다 is 'to be created' or 'to happen'. 드러나다 is 'to be revealed'.

문제가 생겼다 (A problem occurred) vs 문제가 드러났다 (A problem was revealed).

드러나다 vs 발생하다

Both are used for events or facts.

발생하다 is formal for 'to occur'. 드러나다 is for 'to be disclosed'.

사고가 발생했다 vs 사건의 전말이 드러났다.

Sentence Patterns

N-이/가 드러나다

비밀이 드러났어요.

N-에 N-이/가 드러나다

얼굴에 기쁨이 드러나요.

N-을/를 통해 드러나다

뉴스를 통해 진실이 드러났다.

V-음이 드러나다

그가 거짓말을 했음이 드러났다.

N-으로 드러나다

사고는 실수로 드러났다.

N-이/가 여실히 드러나다

차이가 여실히 드러난다.

N-이/가 적나라하게 드러나다

현실이 적나라하게 드러났다.

N-의 속성이 드러나다

권력의 속성이 드러났다.

Word Family

Nouns

드러남 (deureonam - the act of being revealed)

드러내기 (deureonaegi - the act of revealing)

Verbs

드러내다 (deureonaeda - to reveal/expose [Transitive])

내비치다 (naebichida - to hint/show slightly)

나다 (nada - to come out/happen)

들다 (deulda - to enter/lift)

들춰내다 (deulchwonaeda - to uncover/expose)

밝히다 (balghida - to reveal/light up)

보이다 (boida - to be seen)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in journalism, literature, and intermediate conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using -을/를 with 드러나다 → 비밀이 드러났다 (O) / 비밀을 드러났다 (X)
드러나다 is an intransitive verb. It describes a state change of the subject, so it cannot have a direct object.
Confusing 드러나다 with 나타나다 for people → 친구가 나타났다 (O) / 친구가 드러났다 (X)
Unless the friend was literally hiding behind a wall, '나타나다' is the correct verb for someone arriving or appearing.
Saying 드러나지다 → 드러나다
Learners often try to add the passive suffix '-지다' to verbs, but '드러나다' already implies a passive revelation.
Using 드러나다 for 'to show someone something' → 사진을 보여주다 (O) / 사진을 드러나다 (X)
If you are showing an object to someone, use '보여주다'. '드러나다' is for things becoming known/visible.
Confusing 드러나다 with 밝히다 → 진실을 밝혔다 (O) / 진실을 드러났다 (X)
밝히다 is 'to reveal/clarify' (transitive). 드러나다 is 'to be revealed' (intransitive). Check the particles!

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always check your particles. Use '-이/가' for the thing being revealed. If you find yourself wanting to use '-을/를', switch to the verb '드러내다'.

The 'Hidden' Context

Only use '드러나다' if there was some barrier before. If you see a bird in the sky, it's just '보이다'. If the bird was behind a cloud and then you saw it, it's '드러나다'.

Common Collocations

Memorize '진실이 드러나다' and '본색이 드러나다'. These two phrases cover 50% of the abstract usage of this word.

Emotional Exposure

Use it to talk about people's faces. '얼굴에 다 드러나' is a great way to tell someone that their feelings are obvious.

Journalistic Tone

In news articles, look for '...것으로 드러났다'. This is the standard way to end a sentence when reporting a new discovery.

Root Meaning

Think of '들다' (lift) and '나다' (come out). It’s like something is being lifted out of a box for everyone to see.

드러나다 vs 나타나다

Use '나타나다' for people arriving. Use '드러나다' for secrets or physical things emerging from cover.

Daily Observation

Look at the weather. When the sun comes out, say '해가 드러났어요'. It's an easy way to practice the physical usage.

Avoid Over-Passivizing

Don't say '드러나지다'. The verb '드러나다' is already passive in its meaning. Adding more passive endings makes it awkward.

Abstract Patterns

Use it for data. '통계에서 경향이 드러나다' (A trend was revealed in the statistics) sounds very professional.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Deu-reo' as 'Door' and 'Na-da' as 'Out'. When you open the DOOR, the truth comes OUT (드러나다).

Visual Association

Imagine a thick fog lifting to reveal a beautiful hidden castle. The castle is '드러나다.'

Word Web

진실 (Truth) 비밀 (Secret) 모습 (Appearance) 얼굴 (Face) 본색 (True colors) 정체 (Identity) 결과 (Result) 문제 (Problem)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about the weather, one about a secret, and one about a person's feelings using '드러나다'.

Word Origin

A compound verb formed from '들-' (from '들다', meaning to lift or enter) and '어' (connective) and '나다' (to come out). It literally describes something 'lifting out' or 'coming out into the open.'

Original meaning: To come out into the light or to be lifted into view.

Koreanic (Native Korean word)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it to describe someone's physical body. Saying someone's skin or body part '드러나다' can sound like you are commenting on their modesty.

English speakers might use 'come to light' or 'be exposed' in similar contexts, but '드러나다' is much more common in daily Korean than those formal English idioms.

Korean news headlines: '비리가 드러나' (Corruption revealed). K-Drama tropes: The 'birth secret' finally 드러나다. Poetry: '구름 뒤에 숨은 달이 드러나듯' (Like the moon hidden behind clouds being revealed).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather and Nature

해가 드러나다
산이 드러나다
달이 드러나다
땅이 드러나다

Crime and Investigation

범인이 드러나다
비리가 드러나다
증거가 드러나다
전말이 드러나다

Human Emotions

슬픔이 드러나다
기쁨이 드러나다
본심이 드러나다
성격이 드러나다

Business and Planning

윤곽이 드러나다
문제점이 드러나다
차이가 드러나다
실력이 드러나다

Social Situations

비밀이 드러나다
관계가 드러나다
정체가 드러나다
민낯이 드러나다

Conversation Starters

"드디어 범인의 정체가 드러났대요. 뉴스 보셨어요? (They say the culprit's identity was finally revealed. Did you see the news?)"

"그 사람, 이번에 본색이 완전히 드러난 것 같아요. (I think his true colors were completely revealed this time.)"

"안개가 걷히면 멋진 풍경이 드러날 거예요. (When the fog clears, a wonderful landscape will be revealed.)"

"말 한마디에 그 사람의 생각이 다 드러나더라고요. (His thoughts were all revealed in just one word.)"

"이 프로젝트의 윤곽이 언제쯤 드러날까요? (About when will the outline of this project be revealed?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내 감정이 다른 사람들에게 드러났던 순간이 있었나요? (Was there a moment today when my emotions were revealed to others?)

오랫동안 숨겨왔던 진실이 드러난다면 어떤 기분일까요? (How would you feel if a truth you've hidden for a long time was revealed?)

최근 뉴스에서 가장 놀랍게 드러난 사실은 무엇인가요? (What is the most surprisingly revealed fact in the news recently?)

사람의 본색은 어떤 상황에서 가장 잘 드러난다고 생각하시나요? (In what situations do you think a person's true colors are best revealed?)

나의 숨겨진 재능이 드러났던 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about an experience where your hidden talent was revealed.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would be '나타나다'. '드러나다' is used when something hidden becomes visible. If a person was hiding behind a curtain and then showed themselves, you could use '드러나다' for their appearance, but not for simply arriving at a party.

Not at all! While it's often used for secrets and corruption, it's also used for positive things like '재능이 드러나다' (talent being revealed) or '아름다움이 드러나다' (beauty being revealed). It is a neutral verb of revelation.

Usually, the revelation happens 'to the world' (세상에) or 'to people' (사람들에게). However, if someone specifically discovered it, you would often use '드러나다' with an adverb like '조사를 통해' (through investigation) rather than a direct recipient particle.

You should use '드러내다'. For example, '비밀을 드러내다' (to reveal a secret). Remember to change the particle to '을/를'.

Yes, it is common to describe clothes that '드러내다' (reveal) skin, or skin that '드러나다' (is revealed) because of a certain outfit. For example, '어깨가 드러나는 옷' (clothes that reveal the shoulders).

Yes, adding '-게 되다' emphasizes that the truth 'came to be revealed' due to external circumstances. It is very natural and common in spoken Korean.

They are very similar. '밝혀지다' (to be lit up/clarified) implies more effort, like a detective solving a case. '드러나다' is broader and can happen naturally, like the sun coming out.

It's not common. Usually, you would use '뜨다' (to float/pop up) or '나타나다' for digital elements appearing. '드러나다' feels more like uncovering something physical or abstractly hidden.

Yes, it is very common in academic papers and news reports. It is considered a B2-C1 level word that adds precision to your writing.

The present is 드러나십니다 (rarely used for things) and the past is 드러나셨습니다. However, since the subject is usually an object or fact, we mostly use 드러납니다 or 드러났습니다.