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A1 verb #1,500 most common 9 min read

믿다

mitda Top 1,500

At the A1 level, '믿다' is primarily used to express simple trust in people or belief in basic facts. Learners should focus on the present and past tense forms like '믿어요' and '믿었어요'. The most common sentence pattern is 'Subject-Object-Verb', such as '저는 친구를 믿어요' (I trust my friend). It is important to learn that '믿다' takes the object marker 을/를. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex nuances; simply use it when you want to say you believe what someone said or you trust someone close to you. Practice with everyday nouns like '말' (words), '이야기' (story), and '사람' (person). Understanding that '믿다' is a regular verb is also a key goal for A1 students to avoid conjugation mistakes.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '믿다' in more varied sentence structures, including the future tense '믿을 거예요' and the negative form '안 믿어요' or '믿지 않아요'. You might also start using it with the connective '-고' to link actions, like '친구를 믿고 기다렸어요' (I trusted my friend and waited). A2 learners should also be able to use '믿다' with simple quoted clauses using '-다고', such as '그가 정직하다고 믿어요' (I believe that he is honest). This level also introduces the concept of self-trust, '자신을 믿다'. You should be comfortable hearing this word in common K-drama phrases and basic news headlines about public trust.

Intermediate B1 learners use '믿다' to express more nuanced opinions and social concepts. You will encounter the noun form '믿음' (belief/faith) and use it in sentences like '믿음이 가요' (I feel trust/I can trust this). You should also be able to distinguish '믿다' from more formal synonyms like '신뢰하다' in specific contexts. B1 learners often use '믿다' with complex grammar like '-아/어 보이다' (to look like) or '-을 수밖에 없다' (cannot help but). For example, '그의 말을 믿을 수밖에 없었어요' (I had no choice but to believe his words). This level also involves understanding '믿다' in religious or philosophical contexts more deeply, beyond just simple vocabulary.

At the B2 level, '믿다' is used in sophisticated discussions about ethics, society, and psychology. You will understand idiomatic expressions and use the verb in the causative or passive sense where applicable (though '믿다' itself is rarely used in a direct passive form, related words like '믿겨지다' appear in colloquial speech). B2 learners can analyze the role of 'trust' in social contracts and use '믿다' to debate complex topics. You should be able to use the structure '믿고 맡기다' (to entrust) fluently in professional settings. Your understanding of the word should include its use in literature to describe a character's internal conflict regarding faith or betrayal.

C1 learners possess a deep, intuitive grasp of '믿다' and its derivatives. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts like 'existential belief' or 'systemic trust'. You are familiar with historical and cultural contexts where '믿음' has played a significant role in Korean society. At this level, you can use '믿다' in highly formal writing, such as academic essays or legal documents, often opting for its Hanja-based synonyms like '신용' (credit/trust) or '확신' (conviction) when appropriate. You can also pick up on subtle sarcasm or irony when '믿다' is used in social commentary or satirical media.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '믿다' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can appreciate the word's use in classical poetry and high-level philosophical discourse. You understand the etymological roots and how the concept of 'belief' has evolved in the Korean language. You can use '믿다' to express the most delicate shades of meaning, such as the difference between blind faith and reasoned trust. You are also capable of using the word in creative writing to evoke specific emotional responses, manipulating its connotations to suit the tone of your work. Your command of the word extends to all its registers, from the most casual slang to the most archaic formalisms.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

믿다 in 30 Seconds

Core verb meaning 'to believe' or 'to trust'.
Used for both facts and interpersonal reliance.
Regular ㄷ verb conjugation (믿어요, 믿습니다).
Essential for expressing faith, surprise, and loyalty.

The Korean verb 믿다 (mit-da) is a foundational pillar of the Korean language, encompassing the broad concepts of belief, trust, and reliance. At its core, it describes the mental state of accepting something as true or placing confidence in a person's character or abilities. Unlike English, which often distinguishes sharply between 'believing a fact' and 'trusting a person,' Korean uses 믿다 for both, though the nuance shifts based on the particles used. When you say you believe in a religion, trust a friend, or believe a news report, 믿다 is your primary tool.

Core Concept: The act of holding a conviction or placing one's psychological safety in the hands of another entity or fact.

나는 친구의 말을 믿다 (I believe my friend's words).

In a linguistic sense, 믿다 is a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires an object. This object is what you are placing your trust in. It is essential to understand that in Korean culture, 'trust' is often viewed through the lens of interpersonal relationships and social harmony. Therefore, 믿다 carries a heavy emotional weight; to 'believe' someone is to form a bond with them. This section explores the semantic range of the word, from the simple acceptance of information to the profound spiritual faith found in religious contexts.

Semantic Nuance: It covers both intellectual assent (believing a fact) and emotional reliance (trusting a person).

종교를 믿다 (To believe in a religion).

Furthermore, the word is often used in the passive or causative forms in more advanced literature, but at the A1 level, focusing on the active voice is key. The psychological depth of 믿다 also extends to self-confidence. The phrase '자신을 믿다' (to believe in oneself) is a common motivational expression in Korea, reflecting the internal application of this verb. As you progress, you will see how this word forms the basis for complex nouns like '신뢰' (trust) and '신념' (belief/conviction), which are used in more formal or academic settings.

Grammatical Role: Primarily functions as a transitive verb taking the object marker ~을/를.

그의 정직함을 믿다 (To believe in his honesty).

거짓말을 믿다 (To believe a lie).

기적을 믿다 (To believe in miracles).

Using 믿다 correctly requires an understanding of Korean conjugation and particle usage. As a regular verb ending in a consonant (ㄷ), it follows standard conjugation patterns. For example, in the polite present tense, it becomes 믿어요 (mideo-yo). In the formal polite tense, it becomes 믿습니다 (mit-seumnida). Understanding these variations is crucial for A1 learners to communicate effectively in different social settings.

Basic Conjugation: Present: 믿어요 / Past: 믿었어요 / Future: 믿을 거예요.

저는 당신을 믿어요 (I believe you/I trust you).

One of the most common structures is [Noun] + 을/를 믿다. This is used for direct objects like people, facts, or stories. However, when you want to say 'I believe that [Sentence],' you use the quoted form: [Verb/Adjective] + 다고 믿다. For example, '그가 올 거라고 믿어요' (I believe that he will come). This allows for more complex expression of thoughts and expectations. Learners should practice transitioning from simple objects to these clausal structures to increase their fluency.

Particle Usage: Use 을/를 for the object of belief. Use ~다고 for the content of belief.

내 말을 믿어 주세요 (Please believe my words).

In negative sentences, you can use '안 믿다' (don't believe) or '믿지 않다' (do not believe). The choice depends on the level of formality and the desired emphasis. For instance, '안 믿어요' is common in casual conversation, while '믿지 않습니다' is found in formal speeches or writing. Another important aspect is the honorific form. If you are talking about an esteemed person believing something, you would use 믿으시다. This demonstrates respect, which is a vital component of Korean linguistic etiquette.

Negative Forms: 안 믿어요 (Short neg) / 믿지 않아요 (Long neg).

아무도 그 소문을 믿지 않아요 (Nobody believes that rumor).

끝까지 믿을게요 (I will believe/trust you until the end).

선생님을 믿고 공부해요 (I study while trusting the teacher).

The verb 믿다 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, media, and literature. You will encounter it frequently in K-dramas, where themes of betrayal and unwavering trust are central to the plot. Characters often say '나를 믿어줘' (Please trust me) during high-stakes emotional scenes. In the news, 믿다 is used when reporting on public opinion or the credibility of government statements. Understanding its context in these various media helps learners grasp the emotional weight the word carries.

Media Context: Dramas, news reports, and pop songs (K-pop) frequently use this word to express loyalty and faith.

'너만 믿고 갈게' (I'll go forward trusting only you) - Common song lyric.

In everyday social interactions, 믿다 is used to confirm information. If a friend tells you something surprising, you might ask '진짜? 못 믿겠어!' (Really? I can't believe it!). It is also used in professional settings when a manager expresses confidence in an employee's work: '김 대리님을 믿습니다' (I trust/believe in Mr. Kim). This versatility makes it one of the first 500 words any serious student of Korean should master. It bridges the gap between basic survival Korean and meaningful emotional expression.

Daily Conversation: Used to verify facts, express surprise, or show support for someone's decisions.

'그 소식을 어떻게 믿어?' (How can you believe that news?).

Furthermore, in religious contexts, 믿다 is the standard verb for 'to have faith.' Whether in a church, temple, or during a discussion about spirituality, you will hear phrases like '하나님을 믿다' (to believe in God) or '부처님의 가르침을 믿다' (to believe in Buddha's teachings). This usage highlights the word's ability to transition from the mundane to the sacred. By paying attention to these contexts, learners can begin to see the 'soul' of the Korean language through this single, powerful verb.

Spiritual Usage: Used for religious faith and adherence to philosophical doctrines.

자신을 믿는 것이 중요해요 (It is important to believe in yourself).

우리는 서로를 믿어야 합니다 (We must believe/trust each other).

눈으로 본 것만 믿으세요 (Believe only what you see with your eyes).

For English speakers, a common mistake is overusing 믿다 where 'think' or 'suppose' would be more appropriate. While in English we might say 'I believe it will rain,' in Korean, '믿다' is too strong for a weather prediction. Instead, one should use '~ 것 같다' (it seems like) or '생각하다' (to think). 믿다 implies a level of certainty or personal conviction that is absent in casual suppositions. Misusing it can make you sound overly dramatic or strangely certain about trivial matters.

Mistake 1: Over-intensity: Using '믿다' for casual guesses instead of '생각하다' or '~것 같다'.

Incorrect: 내일 비가 올 거라고 믿어요 (Too strong for weather).

Another frequent error involves the particle '~에'. Learners often try to translate 'believe in' literally, resulting in '신에 믿다.' However, the correct form is '신을 믿다' (to believe [in] God). The object of belief takes the object marker 을/를. Using the wrong particle can lead to confusion or mark you as a beginner. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 믿다 with 신뢰하다. While they are similar, 신뢰하다 is more formal and often used in business or legal contexts, whereas 믿다 is the go-to word for personal relationships and general belief.

Mistake 2: Particle Confusion: Using ~에 instead of ~을/를 for the object of trust.

Correct: 친구를 믿어요 (I trust my friend).

Lastly, learners often forget the 'ㄷ' irregular conjugation rules, although 믿다 is actually a regular verb (unlike '듣다' or '걷다'). Some students mistakenly change the 'ㄷ' to 'ㄹ' when adding a vowel (e.g., '미러요' instead of '믿어요'). It is important to memorize that 믿다 is regular to avoid these spelling and pronunciation errors. Consistency in practice and listening to native speakers will help solidify the correct patterns in your mind.

Mistake 3: False Irregularity: Treating '믿다' as a ㄷ-irregular verb. It is regular!

Correct: 믿어서 (Because I believe) - NOT 밀어서.

잘못된 정보를 믿지 마세요 (Don't believe wrong information).

그의 능력을 믿어 봅시다 (Let's try believing in his ability).

While 믿다 is the most common word for belief, Korean has several synonyms that offer more specific nuances. Understanding these can elevate your Korean from basic to intermediate. The most prominent synonym is 신뢰하다 (silloe-hada). While 믿다 is broad and emotional, 신뢰하다 is more formal and often refers to the reliability or credibility of a person or institution. You might '믿다' your mother, but you '신뢰하다' a brand or a professional colleague.

믿다 vs 신뢰하다: 믿다 is general/personal; 신뢰하다 is formal/professional reliability.

우리는 그 회사를 신뢰합니다 (We trust that company).

Another related word is 의지하다 (uiji-hada), which means 'to rely on' or 'to lean on.' While 믿다 is about the mental state of belief, 의지하다 is about the action of seeking support. For example, '부모님께 의지하다' means you rely on your parents for help. Often, 믿다 and 의지하다 go hand-in-hand: you rely on someone because you believe in them. Similarly, 확신하다 (hwaksin-hada) means 'to be certain' or 'to be convinced.' This is used when your belief is based on strong evidence or firm conviction.

의지하다 vs 믿다: 의지하다 focuses on dependence; 믿다 focuses on the internal conviction.

친구에게 의지해요 (I rely on my friend).

Lastly, 신앙하다 (sinang-hada) is a very specific verb used only for religious faith. While you can '믿다' a religion, '신앙하다' is the more formal, theological term for practicing a faith. For A1 learners, sticking with 믿다 is perfectly fine, but being aware of these alternatives will help you understand more complex texts. By comparing these words, you can see how Korean provides specific tools for different social and psychological contexts, enriching your overall communication skills.

확신하다 vs 믿다: 확신하다 implies 100% certainty; 믿다 can include an element of faith or hope.

성공을 확신해요 (I am certain of success).

서로를 신뢰하는 사회 (A society that trusts each other).

그는 종교를 신앙합니다 (He practices a religion).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

저는 엄마를 믿어요.

I trust my mom.

Present tense polite form '믿어요'.

내 말을 믿으세요?

Do you believe my words?

Honorific question form '믿으세요?'.

친구를 믿고 싶어요.

I want to trust my friend.

-고 싶다 (want to) attached to the stem.

그 이야기는 안 믿어요.

I don't believe that story.

Short negation '안' before the verb.

선생님을 믿습니다.

I trust the teacher.

Formal polite form '믿습니다'.

자신을 믿으세요.

Believe in yourself.

Imperative honorific form '-(으)세요'.

우리는 서로 믿어요.

We trust each other.

Adverb '서로' (each other) used with the verb.

그 소식을 믿었어요.

I believed that news.

Past tense polite form '믿었어요'.

그가 올 거라고 믿어요.

I believe that he will come.

Quoted clause with -(으)ㄹ 거라고.

거짓말을 믿지 마세요.

Don't believe lies.

Negative imperative -지 마세요.

끝까지 믿을게요.

I will believe you until the end.

Future intention -(으)ㄹ게요.

그의 정직함을 믿어요.

I believe in his honesty.

Noun '정직함' (honesty) as an object.

아무도 그를 안 믿어요.

Nobody believes him.

Pronoun '아무도' (nobody) with negative verb.

믿고 기다려 주세요.

Please trust me and wait.

Connective -고 (and) connecting two actions.

이 사실을 믿기 힘들어요.

It's hard to believe this fact.

-기 힘들다 (hard to do).

그는 종교를 믿고 있어요.

He is believing in a religion (has faith).

Progressive form -고 있다.

그의 말에는 믿음이 가요.

I feel like I can trust his words.

Noun '믿음' (trust) with the verb '가다' (to go/to be felt).

서로 믿는 마음이 중요해요.

A heart that trusts each other is important.

Noun-modifying form '믿는'.

그를 믿을 수밖에 없었어요.

I had no choice but to believe him.

-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to).

믿었던 친구에게 배신당했어요.

I was betrayed by a friend I trusted.

Past noun-modifying form '믿었던'.

과학적인 근거를 믿으세요.

Believe in scientific evidence.

Adjective '과학적인' (scientific) modifying the object.

눈으로 보고도 못 믿겠어요.

I can't believe it even after seeing it with my eyes.

Potential negative '못' and conjecture '-겠-'.

그의 능력을 믿고 맡겼어요.

I trusted his ability and entrusted the task.

Compound expression '믿고 맡기다'.

우리는 기적이 일어날 거라고 믿어요.

We believe that a miracle will happen.

Future quoted clause.

정부는 국민의 신뢰를 얻으려 노력합니다.

The government tries to gain the people's trust.

Formal noun '신뢰' (trust) as an object.

그의 주장은 믿을 만한 가치가 있다.

His claim is worth believing.

-(으)ㄹ 만하다 (worth doing).

맹목적으로 믿는 것은 위험해요.

Believing blindly is dangerous.

Adverb '맹목적으로' (blindly).

그 소문이 사실이라고 믿어 의심치 않아요.

I do not doubt that the rumor is true.

Idiomatic expression '믿어 의심치 않다'.

자신을 믿는 힘이 성공의 열쇠입니다.

The power of believing in oneself is the key to success.

Complex noun phrase as a subject.

그는 끝내 자신의 신념을 믿고 나아갔다.

He eventually moved forward believing in his convictions.

Noun '신념' (conviction/belief).

사람들은 눈에 보이는 것만 믿으려 한다.

People tend to believe only what they can see.

-(으)려 하다 (tend to/intend to).

그의 진심을 믿어 주기로 했어요.

I decided to believe in his sincerity.

-기로 하다 (decide to).

현대 사회에서 타인을 믿는다는 것은 쉽지 않다.

Believing in others in modern society is not easy.

Quoted subject form '-는다는 것'.

그의 철학은 인간의 선함을 믿는 데 기초한다.

His philosophy is based on believing in human goodness.

Noun-modifying form with '데' (place/aspect).

우리는 민주주의의 가치를 굳게 믿고 있습니다.

We firmly believe in the values of democracy.

Adverb '굳게' (firmly).

그의 변명은 도저히 믿어지지 않았다.

His excuse was simply unbelievable.

Passive-like potential form '믿어지다'.

신앙은 보이지 않는 것을 믿는 행위이다.

Faith is the act of believing in what is not seen.

Formal definition structure.

언론의 중립성을 믿는 국민이 줄어들고 있다.

The number of citizens who believe in the neutrality of the media is decreasing.

Complex relative clause.

그는 자신의 직관을 믿고 과감한 투자를 했다.

He trusted his intuition and made a bold investment.

Noun '직관' (intuition).

진실은 언젠가 밝혀질 것이라고 믿습니다.

I believe that the truth will be revealed someday.

Formal quoted future clause.

존재의 본질을 믿는 것은 형이상학적 탐구의 시작이다.

Believing in the essence of existence is the beginning of metaphysical inquiry.

Academic terminology and structure.

그의 문학 세계는 구원을 믿는 인간의 고뇌를 담고 있다.

His literary world contains the agony of humans believing in salvation.

Literary analysis register.

사회적 자본의 핵심은 구성원 간의 믿음과 신뢰이다.

The core of social capital is belief and trust among members.

Sociological terminology.

역사적 사실을 어떻게 믿고 해석하느냐가 중요하다.

How one believes and interprets historical facts is important.

Interrogative clause as a subject.

그는 과학의 전능함을 믿는 과학지상주의자였다.

He was a scientism-believer who believed in the omnipotence of science.

Specific ideological terminology.

인간은 때로 믿고 싶은 것만 믿는 확증 편향에 빠진다.

Humans sometimes fall into confirmation bias, believing only what they want to believe.

Psychological terminology '확증 편향'.

그의 침묵은 오히려 그의 결백을 믿게 만들었다.

His silence, on the contrary, made people believe in his innocence.

Causative structure '-게 만들다'.

절대적 진리를 믿는 시대는 이미 지나갔을지도 모른다.

The era of believing in absolute truth may have already passed.

Philosophical conjecture.

Common Collocations

말을 믿다 (believe words)

사람을 믿다 (trust a person)

종교를 믿다 (believe in a religion)

자신을 믿다 (believe in oneself)

눈을 믿다 (believe one's eyes)

사실을 믿다 (believe a fact)

약속을 믿다 (believe a promise)

능력을 믿다 (believe in ability)

직관을 믿다 (trust intuition)

기적을 믿다 (believe in miracles)

Common Phrases

믿을 수 없다 (unbelievable)

믿고 맡기다 (trust and entrust)

믿어 의심치 않다 (do not doubt)

믿음이 가다 (to feel trust)

못 믿겠다 (can't believe it)

믿는 구석이 있다 (to have something to fall back on)

믿거나 말거나 (believe it or not)

믿고 보는 (guaranteed to be good)

믿음직한 사람 (reliable person)

나만 믿어 (just trust me)

Often Confused With

믿다 vs 생각하다 (to think - '믿다' is much stronger)

믿다 vs 알다 (to know - '믿다' implies faith, not just knowledge)

믿다 vs 신뢰하다 (to trust - '신뢰하다' is more formal)

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

믿다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

regularity

Unlike '듣다' (to hear), '믿다' is a regular verb. The 'ㄷ' does not change to 'ㄹ'.

emotional weight

In Korean, '믿다' often implies a deeper emotional commitment than the English 'believe'.

Common Mistakes

Using ~에 instead of ~을/를 for the object.
Conjugating it as an irregular verb (e.g., '미러요').
Using it for casual guesses like the weather.
Confusing it with '신뢰하다' in very formal writing.
Forgetting to use the quoted form ~다고 when believing a whole sentence.

Tips

Regularity

Always remember '믿다' is regular. This is a common trap for students who just learned about ㄷ-irregular verbs like '듣다'.

Object Marker

Always use 을/를 with '믿다'. Using ~에 (like 'in' in English) is a common mistake for beginners.

Emotional Depth

When a Korean says '믿어줘' (trust me), it's a very strong emotional plea. Use it sparingly and with sincerity.

Noun Form

Learn '믿음' alongside '믿다'. It's used in many common expressions like '믿음이 가다' (to be trustworthy).

Surprise

Use '진짜? 못 믿겠어!' to sound more natural when a friend tells you something shocking.

Formal Contexts

In essays, try using '신뢰' or '확신' to sound more academic than just using '믿다'.

Drama Phrases

Listen for '나 못 믿어?' in dramas. It's a classic line during arguments between couples.

The 'T' sound

The 't' in 'mit-da' is like the 't' in 'trust'. This can help you remember the meaning.

Self-Trust

'자신을 믿다' is a very positive phrase in Korea. Use it to encourage your Korean friends!

Daily Practice

Try to find one thing every day that you 'believe' and say it in Korean: '오늘도 좋은 일이 생길 거라고 믿어요'.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Native Korean word.

Cultural Context

Trust is essential for maintaining 'Chemyeon' (face) and social harmony.

Koreans use 'trust' metaphors frequently in daily speech to emphasize loyalty.

The word is central to both Christian and Buddhist practices in Korea.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"당신은 기적을 믿나요? (Do you believe in miracles?)"

"친구를 잘 믿는 편이에요? (Do you tend to trust friends easily?)"

"자신을 믿는 것이 왜 중요할까요? (Why is it important to believe in yourself?)"

"그 소문을 믿으세요? (Do you believe that rumor?)"

"누구를 가장 믿나요? (Who do you trust the most?)"

Journal Prompts

내가 가장 믿는 사람은 누구인가? (Who is the person I trust the most?)

믿었던 사람에게 실망한 적이 있는가? (Have I ever been disappointed by someone I trusted?)

나의 꿈을 믿는 힘에 대해 써보자. (Write about the power of believing in my dreams.)

믿음이란 무엇이라고 생각하는가? (What do I think belief/trust is?)

오늘 내가 믿기로 선택한 것은 무엇인가? (What did I choose to believe today?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '믿다' is a regular verb. Even though it ends in 'ㄷ', it does not change to 'ㄹ' when followed by a vowel. For example, it is '믿어요', not '미러요'.

It is better to use '생각하다' or '~것 같다' for weather. '믿다' is too strong and implies a personal conviction or faith.

'믿다' is a general, everyday word for trust and belief. '신뢰하다' is more formal and is used in business, legal, or official contexts to mean 'to have confidence in reliability'.

You say '신을 믿어요' or '하나님을 믿어요'. In Korean, you use the object marker 을/를 instead of a preposition like 'in'.

'믿음' is the noun form of '믿다', meaning 'belief', 'faith', or 'trust'.

You can say '믿을 수 없어요' (literally: can't believe) or '말도 안 돼요' (literally: doesn't even make sense).

Yes, you can say '...라고 믿고 생각해요' to emphasize that your thought is based on a firm belief.

Yes, it can be, but '의지하다' is more specific for physical or emotional reliance. '믿다' is the mental foundation for that reliance.

It's a famous Korean proverb meaning you were betrayed by someone you trusted. It literally means getting your foot chopped by the axe you trusted.

The past tense is '믿었어요' (polite) or '믿었습니다' (formal).