상하다 in 30 Seconds

  • The Korean verb '상하다' means food has gone bad or spoiled.
  • It's used when food is no longer edible due to decay or spoilage.
  • Common in daily conversations about groceries, cooking, and food safety.
  • Past tense '상했다' is frequently used to describe food that has already spoiled.

The Korean verb '상하다' (sanghada) is primarily used to describe food that has gone bad or spoiled. Imagine milk left out too long, fruit that's started to rot, or leftovers that have been stored improperly – these are all instances where '상하다' would be the appropriate word.

It signifies a state of deterioration where the food is no longer fresh, safe, or pleasant to eat. This can happen due to various reasons like bacterial growth, exposure to heat, or simply the passage of time.

Usage Context
You'll hear this word frequently in everyday conversations related to groceries, cooking, and dining. For instance, if you open a carton of milk and it smells off, you would say the milk has '상하다'. Similarly, if you find a piece of fruit that has mold on it, it has '상하다'.

이 우유가 상하다.

This milk has gone bad.

Beyond just food, '상하다' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something that has been damaged or harmed, though its primary and most common meaning relates to spoilage. However, for learners, focusing on the food context is key.

Key Idea
Think of '상하다' as the point where food transitions from edible to inedible due to decay or spoilage.

빵이 상하다.

The bread has gone bad.

It's a very practical word for anyone living in or interacting with Korean culture, especially when dealing with kitchens, markets, or refrigerators.

과일이 상했어요.

The fruit has spoiled.

Understanding this word will help you navigate situations like grocery shopping, where you might need to check the freshness of items, or when discussing food safety at home.

Common Scenarios
You might hear a parent telling a child not to eat something because it '상하다', or a shopkeeper assuring a customer that the produce has not '상하다'.

냉장고에 있던 음식이 상했어.

The food that was in the refrigerator has spoiled.

The word is quite direct and doesn't carry complex connotations beyond the literal meaning of spoilage.

In summary, '상하다' is your go-to verb for anything that has gone off and is no longer good to eat.

Using '상하다' is straightforward, as it typically follows the subject it describes, usually food items. The verb conjugates like any other Korean verb. The base form is '상하다', and common conjugations include '상해요' (polite informal), '상했습니다' (formal polite), and '상했어' (informal). The past tense, indicating that the food *has* spoiled, is frequently used.

Let's look at various sentence structures:

Basic Structure
Subject (Food Item) + Topic Marker + 상하다 (conjugated).

이 빵이 상했어요.

This bread has spoiled.
With Time References
You can specify when something spoiled or the duration it has been spoiled.

어제 산 딸기가 벌써 상했어.

The strawberries I bought yesterday have already spoiled.
Negation (Not Spoiled)
To say something has not spoiled, you use the negative form.

이 우유는 아직 안 상했어요.

This milk has not spoiled yet.
Connecting with Other Clauses
You can connect this to other parts of a sentence, for example, to explain why you can't eat something.

이 과일은 상해서 못 먹어요.

This fruit has spoiled, so I can't eat it.
Describing a Situation
Using the past tense '상했다' is very common to report the state of food.

냉장고에 있던 김치가 상했어.

The kimchi that was in the refrigerator has spoiled.

Remember that '상하다' is mainly for food. While it can sometimes imply damage, its core meaning is spoilage. For instance, you wouldn't say a car has '상하다' if it broke down; you'd use a different verb for that.

남은 음식이 상했는지 확인해 보세요.

Check if the leftover food has spoiled.

Practice forming sentences by thinking about different food items and whether they might have spoiled.

You'll encounter '상하다' in a variety of everyday situations, primarily revolving around food and its preservation. It's a word that’s deeply embedded in discussions about daily life, especially in kitchens and grocery stores.

At Home
This is perhaps the most common place to hear '상하다'. When family members are preparing meals, storing leftovers, or checking the refrigerator, they might say:

"이거 상했나 봐. 버리자."

"This looks like it's spoiled. Let's throw it away."

Or when discussing meal plans:

"냉장고에 있던 생선이 상했어."

"The fish in the fridge has spoiled."
At the Grocery Store
Customers might ask about the freshness of produce, and store employees would use '상하다' to reassure them or explain a situation.

"이 과일은 아직 안 상했어요. 신선해요."

"These fruits haven't spoiled yet. They are fresh."

Or, less ideally, if there's an issue:

"죄송합니다, 이 상품이 좀 상했네요."

"I'm sorry, this product has spoiled a bit."
Restaurants and Food Service
While less common for customers to say directly to staff (to avoid being impolite), chefs and kitchen staff might use it internally when discussing ingredients.

"이 채소가 상하기 시작했어요. 빨리 사용해야 해요."

"These vegetables are starting to spoil. We need to use them quickly."
Media and Public Announcements
News reports about food safety issues or public health advisories might use the term.

"유통기한이 지난 제품은 상했을 수 있으니 주의하십시오."

"Products past their expiration date may have spoiled, so please be cautious."

It's a very practical word that you'll find yourself using once you start paying attention to the condition of food around you.

While '상하다' is generally straightforward, learners might make a few common errors, mostly related to its scope of usage and grammatical nuances.

Mistake 1: Using '상하다' for non-food items.
'상하다' is overwhelmingly used for food spoilage. While it can sometimes metaphorically mean 'to be damaged' or 'to be hurt,' this is less common and can be confusing. For physical damage to objects, other verbs are more appropriate.

Incorrect: 이 책이 상했어요. (This book has spoiled.)

Correct: 이 책이 낡았어요. (This book is worn out.) or 이 책이 망가졌어요. (This book is broken/damaged.)

Mistake 2: Confusing with similar-sounding words or concepts.
While not a direct synonym, learners might confuse the idea of 'going bad' with other negative states. For example, '망가지다' (to break down, to be ruined) is for objects, and '아프다' (to be sick) is for living beings.

Incorrect: 내 배가 상했어요. (My stomach has spoiled.) - This sounds very strange.

Correct: 배가 아파요. (My stomach hurts.) or 음식이 상해서 배가 아파요. (My stomach hurts because the food spoiled.)

Mistake 3: Incorrect conjugation or tense.
As with any verb, using the wrong tense or conjugation can lead to misunderstanding. Since spoilage is often a past event by the time it's noticed, the past tense ('상했다') is very common.

Incorrect: 이 우유는 상하다. (This milk spoils.) - Sounds like a general statement or future event, not a current state.

Correct: 이 우유는 상했어요. (This milk has spoiled.)

Mistake 4: Overuse in negative sentences.
While saying something has 'not spoiled' is important, focusing too much on the negative might obscure the primary meaning. The positive statement that something *has* spoiled is the core usage.

Less common emphasis: 이 과일은 상하지 않았어요. (These fruits have not spoiled.)

More common emphasis: 이 과일은 상했어요. (These fruits have spoiled.)

Focus on mastering the core meaning and its common conjugations in the context of food.

While '상하다' is the most common and direct term for food spoilage, there are other words and phrases that might be used in related contexts or to describe specific types of deterioration. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the most precise word.

부패하다 (bupaehada)
Meaning: To rot, to decay. This is a more formal and scientific term for decomposition. It implies a more advanced stage of spoilage than '상하다'.

Comparison: '상하다' is general spoilage, while '부패하다' is specifically about rotting.

Example: 음식이 부패하여 악취가 났다. (The food rotted and smelled bad.)

쉬다 (swida)
Meaning: To ferment, to go sour. This is often used for dairy products like milk or for certain fermented foods that have gone beyond their intended fermentation stage.

Comparison: '쉬다' specifically refers to becoming sour, often due to fermentation. '상하다' is a broader term that can include sourness but also other forms of spoilage.

Example: 우유가 쉬었어요. (The milk has gone sour.)

변질되다 (byeonjildoeda)
Meaning: To deteriorate, to change quality (for the worse). This is a more general term for a decline in quality, which can include spoilage but also other forms of degradation.

Comparison: '변질되다' is a broader concept. Food '상하다' is a specific type of '변질되다'.

Example: 이 약은 오래되면 변질될 수 있습니다. (This medicine can deteriorate if kept for too long.)

망가지다 (manggajida)
Meaning: To break down, to be ruined, to be damaged. This verb is typically used for machines, objects, or plans, not for food spoilage.

Comparison: '망가지다' is for mechanical or functional failure, whereas '상하다' is for biological decay of food.

Example: 세탁기가 망가졌어요. (The washing machine broke down.)

못 쓰게 되다 (mot sseuge doeda)
Meaning: To become unusable. This is a descriptive phrase that can be used for anything that is no longer fit for use, including spoiled food.

Comparison: This is a more general consequence. Food '상하다' leads to it becoming '못 쓰게 되다'.

Example: 이 과일은 못 쓰게 되었어요. (These fruits have become unusable.)

'상하다' is the most common, everyday term for food that has gone bad. The alternatives often carry more specific meanings or are more formal.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While '상하다' is most commonly associated with food, it can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something that has been emotionally hurt or psychologically damaged, though this usage is less frequent and can be ambiguous without context.

Pronunciation Guide

UK sɑːˈhɑːda
US sɑːˈhɑːdə
The stress falls on the second syllable, '하' (ha).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is easy to understand in context. Difficulty arises when it's part of more complex sentence structures or idiomatic expressions.

Writing 2/5
Speaking 2/5
Listening 2/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

음식 (food) 우유 (milk) 빵 (bread) 과일 (fruit) 채소 (vegetables) 냉장고 (refrigerator) 시간 (time) 먹다 (to eat) 하다 (to do) 있다 (to exist/be)

Learn Next

부패하다 (to rot) 쉬다 (to go sour) 변질되다 (to deteriorate) 유통기한 (expiration date) 신선하다 (fresh) 싱싱하다 (fresh, lively) 식중독 (food poisoning) 보관하다 (to store)

Advanced

부패 과정 (process of decay) 미생물학 (microbiology) 식품 보존학 (food preservation science) 품질 관리 (quality control) 위생 (hygiene)

Grammar to Know

Past Tense Conjugation: Verbs ending in '하' often conjugate to '-했어요' or '-했습니다' in the polite past tense.

상하다 -> 상했어요 (has spoiled)

Connecting Clauses with '-(으)서': Used to show a cause-and-effect relationship or sequential actions.

음식이 상해서 못 먹어요. (The food has spoiled, so I can't eat it.)

Using '-는지' for Indirect Questions: Used to embed a question within a sentence.

음식이 상했는지 확인해 보세요. (Please check if the food has spoiled.)

Negation with '안' or '-지 않다': Used to form negative statements.

이 우유는 안 상했어요. (This milk has not spoiled.)

Expressing Likelihood with '-ㄹ/을 것 같다': Used to indicate that something is likely to happen or appear a certain way.

날씨가 더워서 금방 상할 것 같아요. (The weather is hot, so it looks like it will spoil soon.)

Examples by Level

1

우유가 상했어요.

The milk has spoiled.

Simple past tense conjugation of 상하다.

2

빵이 상했어.

The bread is spoiled.

Informal past tense conjugation.

3

과일이 상했어요.

The fruit has spoiled.

Plural subject with polite conjugation.

4

이거 상했어?

Is this spoiled?

Question form in informal past tense.

5

음식이 상했어.

The food has spoiled.

General term 'food' with informal past tense.

6

물 상했어?

Has the water spoiled?

Asking about water spoilage (less common, but possible if stored improperly).

7

채소 상했어요.

The vegetables have spoiled.

Plural 'vegetables' with polite past tense.

8

안 상했어요.

It hasn't spoiled.

Negative past tense.

1

냉장고에 있던 음식이 상했어.

The food that was in the refrigerator has spoiled.

Using a descriptive clause before the subject.

2

이 빵은 어제 샀는데 벌써 상했어.

I bought this bread yesterday, but it's already spoiled.

Connecting clauses with 'but'.

3

유통기한이 지났는데 안 상했네요.

The expiration date has passed, but it hasn't spoiled.

Using '지나다' (to pass) and a polite negative past tense.

4

이거 상했는지 확인해 봐야겠어요.

I should check if this has spoiled.

Using '-는지 확인하다' (to check if).

5

상한 음식은 절대 먹으면 안 돼요.

You absolutely must not eat spoiled food.

Using '절대' (absolutely) and '-면 안 되다' (must not).

6

김치가 너무 셔서 상한 줄 알았어요.

The kimchi was so sour that I thought it had spoiled.

Using '-어서' (because/so) to indicate reason.

7

이 과일은 아직 싱싱해서 안 상했어요.

These fruits are still fresh, so they haven't spoiled.

Using '싱싱하다' (fresh) and '-아서' (so).

8

더운 날씨 때문에 음식이 빨리 상하는 것 같아요.

Because of the hot weather, the food seems to spoil quickly.

Using '-는 것 같다' (seems like).

1

계속 실온에 두었더니 우유가 상해 버렸습니다.

I left the milk at room temperature continuously, and it ended up spoiling.

Using '-어 버리다' to emphasize completion or an undesirable outcome.

2

유통기한이 몇 주 지났지만 다행히 상하지 않았더군요.

The expiration date passed by a few weeks, but fortunately, it hadn't spoiled.

Using '-었지만' (but) and '-더군요' (expression of realization/discovery).

3

이 빵은 곰팡이가 피어서 상한 것으로 간주해야 합니다.

This bread has developed mold, so we must consider it spoiled.

Using '곰팡이가 피다' (to get mold) and '-는 것으로 간주하다' (to consider as).

4

상한 음식을 먹고 배탈이 났다는 친구의 이야기를 들었습니다.

I heard my friend's story about getting an upset stomach after eating spoiled food.

Using '-다는 이야기' (story that...).

5

음식이 상하는 것을 방지하기 위해 냉장 보관하는 것이 중요합니다.

To prevent food from spoiling, it is important to store it refrigerated.

Using '-는 것을 방지하다' (to prevent...) and '-는 것이 중요합니다' (it is important to...).

6

그 식당의 재료 관리가 제대로 안 되어 상한 음식을 내놓는다는 소문이 있습니다.

There are rumors that the restaurant's ingredient management is not done properly, leading them to serve spoiled food.

Using '-ㄴ다는 소문이 있다' (there are rumors that...).

7

여름철에는 음식이 쉽게 상하므로 더욱 주의해야 합니다.

In the summer, food spoils easily, so you must be more careful.

Using '-므로' (therefore/because) and '-아야/어야 하다' (must).

8

이것 봐, 이 복숭아는 멍들어서 곧 상할 것 같아.

Look at this, this peach is bruised, so it looks like it will spoil soon.

Using '멍들다' (to get bruised) and '-ㄹ 것 같다' (looks like it will).

1

신선도를 유지하지 못하면 농산물이 쉽게 상하게 마련입니다.

If freshness cannot be maintained, agricultural products are bound to spoil easily.

Using '-게 마련이다' (to be bound to, to be natural).

2

음식이 상하는 주된 원인은 미생물의 번식과 효소 작용입니다.

The main causes of food spoilage are microbial growth and enzymatic activity.

Using '주된 원인' (main cause) and '-는 것입니다' (is...).

3

그는 상한 우유를 마신 후 심각한 복통을 겪었다고 토로했다.

He confessed that he experienced severe stomach pain after drinking spoiled milk.

Using '토로하다' (to confess/reveal) and '-았/었다고' (reported speech).

4

식품 저장 기술의 발달로 음식이 상하는 것을 상당 부분 예방할 수 있게 되었다.

With the development of food preservation technology, it has become possible to prevent food spoilage to a considerable extent.

Using '상당 부분' (considerable extent) and '-게 되었다' (it became possible).

5

소비자들은 유통기한뿐만 아니라 식품의 상태를 직접 확인하여 상한 것을 걸러내야 한다.

Consumers must not only check the expiration date but also personally inspect the condition of the food to filter out spoiled items.

Using '-뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also) and '-어/아야 한다' (must).

6

장기간 보관된 통조림이라도 캔이 찌그러지거나 부풀어 오르면 상한 것으로 간주해야 한다.

Even for long-term stored canned goods, if the can is dented or bulging, it should be considered spoiled.

Using '-라도' (even if) and '-거나' (or).

7

기온이 급격히 상승하면서 식자재가 상하는 속도가 빨라지고 있다.

As the temperature rapidly rises, the speed at which food ingredients spoil is increasing.

Using '급격히' (rapidly) and '-고 있다' (is currently happening).

8

그는 상한 음식을 먹고 발생한 식중독으로 인해 예정된 일정을 취소할 수밖에 없었다.

Due to food poisoning caused by eating spoiled food, he had no choice but to cancel the scheduled event.

Using '식중독' (food poisoning) and '-ㄹ 수밖에 없었다' (had no choice but to).

1

식품의 부패는 단순히 미각의 불쾌감을 넘어 건강에 치명적인 해를 끼칠 수 있는 병원균의 증식을 동반한다.

Food spoilage, beyond simply an unpleasant taste, is accompanied by the proliferation of pathogens that can cause fatal harm to health.

Using '단순히 ~을 넘어' (beyond simply...), '치명적인 해' (fatal harm), and '동반하다' (to accompany).

2

과학 기술의 발전에도 불구하고, 특정 식품의 신선도를 장기간 보존하는 것은 여전히 어려운 과제로 남아 있으며, 상하는 것을 완전히 차단하기란 쉽지 않다.

Despite the advancements in science and technology, preserving the freshness of certain foods for extended periods remains a difficult challenge, and completely preventing spoilage is not easy.

Using '에도 불구하고' (despite), '여전히' (still), '어려운 과제' (difficult challenge), and '-기란 쉽지 않다' (it is not easy to...).

3

그는 상한 재료를 사용했다는 의혹을 받으며 식당 운영에 큰 타격을 입었다.

He suffered a significant blow to his restaurant's operations after facing suspicions of using spoiled ingredients.

Using '의혹을 받다' (to receive suspicion), '큰 타격을 입다' (to suffer a big blow).

4

식품 안전 관리 시스템은 잠재적으로 상할 수 있는 모든 경로를 철저히 차단하는 것을 목표로 한다.

Food safety management systems aim to thoroughly block all potential pathways through which food can spoil.

Using '잠재적으로' (potentially), '경로' (pathway), '철저히' (thoroughly), '차단하다' (to block), and '-는 것을 목표로 하다' (to aim to do...).

5

환경 오염으로 인해 식자재의 품질 저하 및 상하는 속도가 가속화될 수 있다는 우려가 제기되고 있다.

Concerns are being raised that environmental pollution could accelerate the deterioration and spoilage rate of food ingredients.

Using '품질 저하' (quality deterioration), '가속화되다' (to accelerate), and '-ㄹ 수 있다는 우려가 제기되다' (concerns are being raised that...).

6

그는 자신이 개발한 보존 기술 덕분에 식품이 상하는 것을 획기적으로 줄일 수 있었다고 주장했다.

He claimed that thanks to the preservation technology he developed, he was able to drastically reduce food spoilage.

Using '덕분에' (thanks to), '획기적으로' (drastically/remarkably), and '-ㄹ 수 있었다고 주장했다' (claimed that he could...).

7

상한 음식을 섭취함으로써 발생하는 식중독은 개인의 건강뿐만 아니라 공중 보건에도 심각한 위협이 될 수 있다.

Food poisoning, which occurs from consuming spoiled food, can pose a serious threat not only to individual health but also to public health.

Using '섭취하다' (to consume), '발생하다' (to occur), '-뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also), and '공중 보건' (public health).

8

소비자의 알 권리를 충족시키기 위해, 식품 제조업체는 잠재적인 상함의 위험성에 대한 정보를 명확하게 고지해야 할 의무가 있다.

To satisfy consumers' right to know, food manufacturers have an obligation to clearly disclose information about the potential risks of spoilage.

Using '알 권리' (right to know), '충족시키다' (to satisfy), '잠재적인 위험성' (potential risk), '명확하게 고지하다' (to clearly disclose), and '-ㄹ 의무가 있다' (have an obligation to...).

1

그의 작품 속에서 음식의 부패는 삶의 유한성과 존재의 허무함을 상징하는 강력한 은유로 작용한다.

In his works, the decay of food functions as a powerful metaphor symbolizing the finitude of life and the vanity of existence.

Using '부패' (decay), '유한성' (finitude), '허무함' (vanity/emptiness), '상징하다' (to symbolize), and '은유로 작용하다' (to function as a metaphor).

2

현대 사회의 소비 지향 문화는 일회용품 사용을 부추기고, 이는 필연적으로 식자재의 상함과 폐기물 증가로 이어진다.

The consumerist culture of modern society encourages the use of disposable items, which inevitably leads to food spoilage and an increase in waste.

Using '소비 지향 문화' (consumer-oriented culture), '일회용품' (disposable items), '부추기다' (to encourage/instigate), '필연적으로' (inevitably), and '-로 이어진다' (leads to...).

3

상한 음식을 섭취하여 발생하는 식중독 사고는 단순한 건강 문제를 넘어 사회적, 경제적 파장을 일으킬 수 있는 복합적인 사안이다.

Food poisoning incidents resulting from the consumption of spoiled food are complex issues that can cause social and economic repercussions beyond simple health problems.

Using '사고' (incident), '넘어' (beyond), '사회적, 경제적 파장' (social and economic repercussions), and '복합적인 사안' (complex issue).

4

고도로 발달된 냉동 및 포장 기술은 식품이 상하는 것을 억제하는 데 지대한 공헌을 했지만, 여전히 완벽한 해결책은 아니다.

Highly developed freezing and packaging technologies have made a significant contribution to inhibiting food spoilage, but they are still not a perfect solution.

Using '고도로 발달된' (highly developed), '억제하다' (to inhibit), '지대한 공헌을 하다' (to make a significant contribution), and '완벽한 해결책' (perfect solution).

5

그는 자신이 겪었던 상한 음식으로 인한 극심한 고통을 회상하며, 식품 위생의 중요성을 역설했다.

Recalling the extreme suffering he experienced due to spoiled food, he emphasized the importance of food hygiene.

Using '극심한 고통' (extreme suffering), '회상하다' (to recall), and '역설하다' (to emphasize/advocate).

6

음식물 쓰레기의 증가는 단순히 위생 문제를 야기하는 것을 넘어, 환경 오염과 자원 낭비라는 거시적이고 복합적인 사회 문제와 직결된다.

The increase in food waste, beyond simply causing hygiene issues, is directly linked to macro and complex social problems of environmental pollution and resource wastage.

Using '음식물 쓰레기' (food waste), '야기하다' (to cause), '거시적이고 복합적인' (macro and complex), and '직결되다' (to be directly linked to).

7

상한 식품을 섭취함으로써 발생하는 병원균은 인체의 면역 체계를 교란시키고, 때로는 치명적인 질병으로 이어질 수 있는 잠재력을 지닌다.

Pathogens generated by consuming spoiled food can disrupt the human immune system and possess the potential to lead to fatal diseases at times.

Using '병원균' (pathogen), '면역 체계' (immune system), '교란시키다' (to disrupt), and '잠재력을 지니다' (to possess potential).

8

그는 상한 음식으로 인한 개인적인 경험을 바탕으로, 식품 안전 규제의 강화와 소비자 교육의 필요성을 강력히 주장하는 논지를 전개했다.

Based on his personal experience with spoiled food, he developed an argument strongly advocating for the strengthening of food safety regulations and the necessity of consumer education.

Using '개인적인 경험을 바탕으로' (based on personal experience), '식품 안전 규제' (food safety regulations), '강화' (strengthening), '소비자 교육' (consumer education), '필요성' (necessity), and '논지를 전개하다' (to develop an argument).

Common Collocations

음식이 상하다
우유가 상하다
과일이 상하다
빵이 상하다
채소가 상하다
음식이 상했는지 확인하다
상한 음식을 먹다
상하는 것을 방지하다
쉽게 상하다
곧 상하다

Common Phrases

음식이 상했어요.

— The food has spoiled.

냉장고에 있던 음식이 상했어요. (The food that was in the refrigerator has spoiled.)

이거 상했어?

— Is this spoiled?

이 우유 상했어? 냄새가 이상해. (Is this milk spoiled? It smells weird.)

안 상했어요.

— It hasn't spoiled.

걱정 마세요, 이 과일은 아직 안 상했어요. (Don't worry, these fruits haven't spoiled yet.)

상한 음식을 먹다

— To eat spoiled food

상한 음식을 먹고 배탈이 났어요. (I got an upset stomach after eating spoiled food.)

상하는 것을 방지하다

— To prevent spoilage

음식이 상하는 것을 방지하기 위해 냉장 보관해야 합니다. (You must refrigerate food to prevent spoilage.)

쉽게 상하다

— To spoil easily

여름에는 음식이 쉽게 상해요. (Food spoils easily in the summer.)

곧 상하다

— To spoil soon

이 빵은 유통기한이 얼마 안 남아서 곧 상할 것 같아요. (This bread has a short expiration date left, so it looks like it will spoil soon.)

상한 줄 알았다

— Thought it had spoiled

너무 시큼해서 상한 줄 알았어요. (It was so sour that I thought it had spoiled.)

상해 버리다

— To end up spoiling (undesirably)

여행 가는 동안 음식이 다 상해 버렸어요. (All the food spoiled while I was traveling.)

상한 것 같다

— Seems like it has spoiled

이 우유 상한 것 같아요. (This milk seems like it has spoiled.)

Often Confused With

상하다 vs 쉬다

'쉬다' specifically means to go sour, usually referring to milk or dairy products. '상하다' is a broader term for spoilage that can include sourness but also other forms of decay.

상하다 vs 부패하다

'부패하다' means to rot or decay and is a more formal and scientific term, often implying a more advanced stage of decomposition than the general term '상하다'.

상하다 vs 망가지다

'망가지다' means to break down or be ruined and is used for objects, machines, or plans, not for food spoilage.

Easily Confused

상하다 vs 쉬다

Both refer to food going bad, and milk can both sour ('쉬다') and spoil ('상하다').

'쉬다' specifically refers to the souring process, often due to fermentation, especially in dairy. '상하다' is a more general term for spoilage, which can include souring but also rotting or decay from other causes. You would say '우유가 쉬었다' (milk went sour) or '우유가 상했다' (milk spoiled).

이 우유는 <strong>쉬었어요</strong>. (This milk has gone sour.) vs. 이 빵은 <strong>상했어요</strong>. (This bread has spoiled.)

상하다 vs 부패하다

Both describe food deterioration.

'부패하다' is a more formal and scientific term for rotting and decomposition. '상하다' is the common, everyday word for food going bad. '부패하다' often implies a more advanced or severe stage of decay.

음식이 <strong>부패하면</strong> 악취가 납니다. (When food rots, it emits a bad odor.) vs. 음식이 <strong>상했어요</strong>. (The food has spoiled.)

상하다 vs 변질되다

Both indicate a decline in quality.

'변질되다' is a broader term meaning to deteriorate or change quality for the worse. Food spoilage ('상하다') is a specific type of '변질되다'. For example, medicine can '변질되다' over time, but it doesn't '상하다'.

이 약은 오래되면 <strong>변질될</strong> 수 있습니다. (This medicine can deteriorate if kept for a long time.) vs. 이 과일은 <strong>상했어요</strong>. (This fruit has spoiled.)

상하다 vs 망가지다

Both describe something becoming unusable or ruined.

'망가지다' is primarily used for mechanical objects, appliances, or plans that break down or are ruined. It is not used for food spoilage. If a refrigerator breaks, it '망가졌어요'. If the food inside spoils, it '상했어요'.

냉장고가 <strong>망가졌어요</strong>. (The refrigerator broke down.) vs. 냉장고 안의 음식이 <strong>상했어요</strong>. (The food inside the refrigerator has spoiled.)

상하다 vs 썩다

Both mean to rot.

'썩다' means to rot, similar to '부패하다', and is often used for organic matter that is decaying. '상하다' is the more general term for food going bad. While rotten food has '상했어요', '썩다' focuses more on the process of decay itself.

쓰레기가 <strong>썩어서</strong> 냄새가 나요. (The trash has rotted and smells.) vs. 이 과일은 <strong>상해서</strong> 먹을 수 없어요. (This fruit has spoiled, so I can't eat it.)

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + 가/이 + 상하다 (conjugated)

우유가 <strong>상했어요</strong>.

A2

Subject + 가/이 + 안 + 상하다 (conjugated)

이 빵은 <strong>안 상했어요</strong>.

A2

Descriptive Clause + Subject + 가/이 + 상하다 (conjugated)

냉장고에 있던 음식이 <strong>상했어요</strong>.

B1

Subject + 가/이 + -어서/아서 + Verb

과일이 <strong>상해서</strong> 먹을 수 없어요.

B1

Subject + 가/이 + -었/았 + -는지 + 확인하다

이 음식이 <strong>상했는지</strong> 확인해 보세요.

B2

Subject + 가/이 + -ㄹ/을 것 같다

이 채소는 금방 <strong>상할 것 같아요</strong>.

B2

Subject + 가/이 + -게 마련이다

날씨가 더우면 음식이 <strong>상하기</strong> 마련입니다.

C1

Subject + 가/이 + -는 것을 방지하다

음식이 <strong>상하는 것을 방지하기 위해</strong> 냉장 보관하세요.

Word Family

Nouns

상함 Spoilage, deterioration

Verbs

상하다 To go bad, to spoil

Related

부패하다 To rot, to decay (more formal/scientific)
쉬다 To go sour (especially milk)
변질되다 To deteriorate, to change quality
신선하다 Fresh (antonym)
싱싱하다 Fresh, lively (often for produce) (antonym)

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '상하다' for objects. Use '망가지다' or other appropriate verbs for objects.

    '상하다' is primarily for food spoilage. Saying '이 책이 상했어요' (This book has spoiled) is incorrect. You should say '이 책이 낡았어요' (This book is worn out) or '이 책이 망가졌어요' (This book is damaged).

  • Confusing '상하다' with '쉬다'. '쉬다' is for souring (milk), '상하다' is general spoilage.

    '쉬다' specifically means to go sour, like milk. '상하다' is a broader term for food going bad, which can include souring but also other forms of decay. You'd say '우유가 쉬었어요' (milk went sour) but '빵이 상했어요' (bread spoiled).

  • Using present tense '상해요' when past tense '상했어요' is more natural. Use '상했어요' to describe food that has already spoiled.

    Typically, you discover that food has spoiled after it has already happened. Therefore, the past tense '상했어요' (it has spoiled) is much more common than the present tense '상해요' (it spoils/is spoiling) in this context.

  • Using '상하다' for emotional hurt without context. Use '마음이 상하다' or other specific phrases for emotional hurt.

    While '상하다' can metaphorically mean 'to be hurt' (e.g., '마음이 상하다' - to be hurt emotionally), using it alone for emotional states can be ambiguous. It's best to stick to the food context unless you are sure of the idiomatic usage.

  • Incorrectly negating '상하다'. Use '안 상했어요' or '상하지 않았어요'.

    When saying food has not spoiled, the correct negation is '안 상했어요' or the slightly more formal '상하지 않았어요'. Avoid other incorrect negations.

Tips

Focus on Food Context

Always remember that '상하다' is primarily used for food spoilage. While it can have metaphorical uses, mastering its core meaning related to food is the priority for learners.

Past Tense is Key

The past tense conjugation '상했어요' (or '상했어' in informal speech) is extremely common because we usually discover that food has spoiled after the fact. Practice forming sentences using this past tense.

Stress the Middle

The stress in '상하다' falls on the second syllable, '하' (ha). Practice saying it naturally: sa-HA-da.

Check Before Eating

Use the phrase '이거 상했어?' (Is this spoiled?) when you're unsure about the freshness of food. It's a practical phrase for daily life.

Associate with 'Sang'

Create a mnemonic by associating the sound 'sang' with something negative, like a sad song ('sang') that makes food sound bad or spoiled.

Listen in Daily Life

Pay attention to conversations about groceries, cooking, or leftovers. You'll hear '상하다' frequently in these contexts, which helps solidify its meaning and usage.

Know Your Synonyms

While '상하다' is general, be aware of '쉬다' (sour) for dairy and '부패하다' (rot) for more formal contexts. Knowing these helps you be more precise.

Sentence Building

Practice creating sentences by describing different food items and whether they are fresh ('안 상했어요') or spoiled ('상했어요').

Connecting Ideas

Learn to connect '상하다' with other clauses using '-어서/아서' to explain the consequence, like '상해서 못 먹어요' (It spoiled, so I can't eat it).

Value Freshness

In Korean culture, food freshness is highly valued. Understanding '상하다' helps you participate in discussions about food quality and avoid waste.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'sang' (song) playing backwards, making the food sound 'bad' or 'spoiled'. Or, think of a 'sang-ria' (sangria) that has been left out too long and has gone bad.

Visual Association

Picture a piece of fruit with a sad face, or a milk carton crying because it has spoiled. You can also visualize a clock with its hands spinning wildly, indicating the food has gone past its freshness.

Word Web

Food Spoiled Rotten Bad Dairy Fruit Vegetables Freshness Decay Expiration Date

Challenge

Think of five different food items and describe whether they are currently fresh or if they have '상하다'. Use the past tense '상했어요' or the negative '안 상했어요'.

Word Origin

The word '상하다' originates from Old Korean. Its root is related to the concept of being damaged, worn out, or deteriorating.

Original meaning: The original meaning likely encompassed a broader sense of damage or wear, which later specialized to describe the spoilage of food.

Koreanic languages

Cultural Context

When discussing spoiled food, it's important to be polite and avoid causing offense, especially in a restaurant setting. However, in a domestic setting, directly stating that food has '상하다' is common and accepted.

In English, we have many words for food going bad: 'go bad', 'spoil', 'rot', 'turn sour', 'rancid', etc. '상하다' is a versatile Korean term that covers many of these.

Korean dramas often feature scenes where characters discover spoiled food in their refrigerators, leading to humorous or dramatic moments. Cooking shows and food vlogs frequently mention checking for spoilage using terms like '상하다'. In traditional Korean households, resourcefulness was key, so understanding the signs of spoilage was a vital skill passed down through generations.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Checking food freshness at home

  • 이거 상했어?
  • 안 상했어요.
  • 상한 것 같아요.
  • 버려야겠어요.

Grocery shopping

  • 이거 신선해요?
  • 안 상했어요.
  • 유통기한이 언제까지예요?
  • 조금 상했어요.

Discussing a meal

  • 음식이 상했나 봐요.
  • 상한 음식은 먹으면 안 돼요.
  • 다행히 안 상했어요.
  • 어떻게 상했는지 알아?

Food safety warnings

  • 상한 음식을 먹으면 위험해요.
  • 상하는 것을 방지해야 해요.
  • 상한 음식은 폐기하세요.
  • 상할 수 있으니 주의하세요.

Describing past experiences

  • 상한 음식을 먹고 배탈 났어요.
  • 여행 중에 음식이 다 상해 버렸어요.
  • 그때 상한 줄 몰랐어요.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever accidentally eaten spoiled food? What happened?"

"What are the signs that food has gone bad?"

"How do you usually store your food to prevent it from spoiling?"

"What's the strangest thing you've ever seen spoil?"

"If you found spoiled food in your fridge, would you throw it away immediately or check it closely?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you discovered food had spoiled. What was it, and what did you do?

Imagine you are a food inspector. What are the key things you look for to determine if food has spoiled?

Write a short story about a character who has to deal with a large amount of spoiled food.

What are your strategies for minimizing food waste and preventing food from spoiling in your own kitchen?

Reflect on the importance of food freshness. How does spoiled food affect your mood or your day?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common meaning of '상하다' is for food to go bad or spoil, becoming inedible. For example, '이 우유가 상했어요.' (This milk has spoiled.)

Yes, but it's less common. Metaphorically, it can sometimes mean to be hurt emotionally or psychologically, like '마음이 상하다' (to have one's feelings hurt). However, for learners, it's best to focus on the primary meaning of food spoilage.

'쉬다' specifically means to go sour, often due to fermentation, like milk. '상하다' is a broader term for spoilage that can include souring but also other forms of decay or deterioration. So, milk can '쉬다' (go sour) and also '상하다' (spoil).

You can say '신선하다' or '싱싱하다' for fresh. To say something has not spoiled, you use the negative form: '안 상했어요' or '상하지 않았어요'.

Yes, the past tense '상했어요' (or '상했어' informally) is very commonly used because you usually discover that food has spoiled after it has already happened. The present tense '상해요' might be used to describe a general tendency or a process currently happening.

If you find spoiled food, you should discard it. You might say, '이거 상했어. 버려야겠어.' (This is spoiled. I have to throw it away.)

A common mistake is using it for non-food items, like saying a book has '상했어요'. It's also important to use the correct tense, as '상했어요' (past tense) is very frequent.

You don't use '상하다' directly with expiration dates. Instead, you might say '유통기한이 지났어요' (the expiration date has passed), and then follow up with '이거 상했어요?' (Has this spoiled?) or '안 상했어요.' (It hasn't spoiled.)

The noun form is '상함' (spoilage, deterioration). For example, '음식의 상함을 막기 위해 노력합니다.' (We strive to prevent food spoilage.)

A chef might use it internally when discussing ingredients, like '이 채소가 상하기 시작했어요. 빨리 사용해야 해요.' (These vegetables are starting to spoil. We need to use them quickly.)

Test Yourself 10 questions

writing A2

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking A2

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening A2

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 10 correct

Perfect score!

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