When you wash your clothes, they get wet. To make them dry, you hang them outside or in a sunny room. In Korean, we use the verb 널다 to describe this action. So, when you put your wet laundry on a clothesline, you are 널다. It's a very common everyday activity.
When you have laundry to dry, you’ll need to 널다, which means ‘to hang (clothes) out to dry.’ This verb is specifically used for hanging things like clothes, blankets, or even food items like persimmons to air dry, usually outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Think of it as setting things out in the sun or wind to remove moisture.
You might say things like 빨래를 널다 (to hang out the laundry) or 이불을 널다 (to hang out the blanket).
So next time you do laundry, remember to 널다 your clothes!
When you wash your laundry, you need a way to dry your clothes. In Korean, the verb for hanging clothes out to dry is 널다. This word is specifically used for hanging things like laundry, blankets, or even food items like persimmons to dry in the sun or open air.
You might use it in a sentence like: 옷을 널다 (to hang out clothes) or 이불을 널다 (to hang out a blanket). So, if you've just finished doing your laundry, you would 널다 your clothes to get them nice and dry!
널다 in 30 Seconds
- Use '널다' for hanging clothes to dry.
- It implies exposure to air for drying.
- Commonly used in daily chores.
§ What '널다' means and how people use it
The Korean verb '널다' (neolda) directly translates to 'to hang out' or 'to spread out,' primarily used when referring to hanging clothes, bedding, or laundry to dry. Think of it as the action of taking wet items and placing them on a line, rack, or any surface to allow them to air dry.
It's a very common everyday verb in Korea, especially since many people hang their laundry to dry, whether indoors or outdoors. You'll hear it often in conversations about housework, chores, or even when discussing weather conditions.
- DEFINITION
- To hang clothes out to dry.
Here are some common scenarios where '널다' is used:
Drying laundry: This is the most frequent use. After washing clothes, you '널다' them on a 빨래줄 (ppallaetjul - clothesline) or 빨래 건조대 (ppallae geonjodae - drying rack).
Drying bedding: Especially on sunny days, Koreans often '널다' blankets (이불 - ibul) or duvets to air them out and dry them.
Drying other items: While less common, you might also use '널다' for things like mats or specific household items that need to be air-dried.
Understanding '널다' is key to talking about everyday chores in Korean. It's a fundamental verb for anyone living in or visiting Korea, or even just discussing daily life.
§ Examples of '널다' in use
Let's look at some practical examples to see how '널다' fits into sentences.
빨래를 널었어요.
This means: I hung out the laundry.
이불을 햇볕에 널고 싶어요.
This means: I want to hang the blanket out in the sun.
비가 와서 빨래를 못 널었어요.
This means: It rained, so I couldn't hang out the laundry.
Alright, let's learn about 널다 (neolda). This is a super practical verb you'll hear and use a lot in everyday Korean life. It simply means 'to hang clothes out to dry'. It's one of those words that perfectly describes a common household chore, so it's essential for anyone living in or visiting Korea.
You might be thinking, 'Why is this so important?' Well, unlike many Western countries where tumble dryers are common, air-drying laundry is very prevalent in Korea. Because of this, you'll hear and use 널다 constantly when talking about laundry.
§ Basic Meaning and Usage
- DEFINITION
- To hang clothes out to dry.
The verb 널다 is used specifically for spreading or hanging things out, usually clothes, to dry. Think of it like hanging laundry on a clothesline or a drying rack. It's not generally used for hanging pictures on a wall or hanging a coat in a closet – there are other verbs for those actions.
빨래를 널었어요.
Translation hint: I hung out the laundry (to dry).
이불을 마당에 널었어요.
Translation hint: I hung out the blanket in the yard (to dry).
§ Where you actually hear this word
You'll encounter 널다 frequently in everyday conversations, especially when people are discussing household chores or daily life. It's not a word you're likely to hear in a formal business meeting or a news broadcast, unless the news is specifically about, say, a severe drought affecting laundry drying.
- At Home: This is by far the most common place. You'll hear family members, roommates, or friends talking about doing laundry.
- In Casual Conversations: When chatting with friends about their weekend plans or what they did today, someone might mention 널다 their laundry.
- In K-Dramas/Movies: Watch any slice-of-life K-drama, and you're bound to see a character hanging laundry to dry and using this verb.
Here are some common scenarios where 널다 comes up:
Scenario 1: Talking about doing laundry
엄마, 빨래 널었어요?
Translation hint: Mom, did you hang out the laundry?
비 오기 전에 빨리 널어야 해요.
Translation hint: I need to hang it out quickly before it rains.
Scenario 2: Discussing the weather and laundry
Since air-drying is so common, the weather plays a big role. You'll often hear Koreans discussing whether it's a good day to 널다 laundry.
오늘은 날씨가 좋아서 빨래 널기 좋겠어요.
Translation hint: The weather is good today, so it would be good for hanging out laundry.
비가 와서 빨래를 못 널었어요.
Translation hint: It rained, so I couldn't hang out the laundry.
§ Related Vocabulary
- 빨래 (ppallae): Laundry. This is almost always used with 널다.
- 건조대 (geonjodae): Drying rack. This is what you'd use to 널다 your 빨래 indoors.
- 빨랫줄 (ppallaetjul): Clothesline. For outdoor drying.
- 걷다 (geotda): To take in (laundry). The opposite action of 널다. Once your clothes are dry, you '걷다' them.
Mastering 널다 is a small but significant step towards sounding natural in Korean. It's a word deeply embedded in the daily rhythm of Korean households. So, next time you do your laundry, think about this verb!
How Formal Is It?
"빨래를 널겠습니다. (I will hang out the laundry.)"
"빨래를 널고 있어요. (I am hanging out the laundry.)"
"빨래 널어. (Hang out the laundry.)"
"엄마, 빨래 널자! (Mom, let's hang out the laundry!)"
Examples by Level
비 오는 날에는 빨래를 밖에 널 수 없어요.
On rainy days, I can't hang the laundry outside to dry.
Verb + -(으)면: if, when. Verb + -ㄹ 수 없다: cannot.
엄마가 이불을 마당에 널어 놓으셨어요.
Mom hung the blankets out in the yard to dry.
Verb + -아/어 놓다: to do something and leave it in that state.
옷을 널 때 구김이 가지 않도록 잘 펴야 해요.
When hanging clothes, you need to spread them out well so they don't get wrinkled.
Verb + -(으)ㄹ 때: when. Verb + -도록: so that, in order to. Verb + -아/어야 하다: must, have to.
햇볕에 빨래를 널면 소독 효과도 있어요.
If you hang laundry in the sun, it also has a disinfecting effect.
Noun + 에: at, in, on. Verb + -(으)면: if, when. Noun + 도: also, too.
바람이 잘 통하는 곳에 빨래를 널어야 빨리 말라요.
You should hang laundry in a well-ventilated place so it dries quickly.
Verb + -(으)ㄴ/는 곳: a place where... Verb + -아/어야 하다: must, have to. Verb + -아/어야: only if, on condition that.
겨울에는 실내에 빨래를 널어야 해요.
In winter, you have to hang laundry indoors.
Noun + 에: at, in, on. Verb + -아/어야 하다: must, have to.
널다 보면 어느새 다 말라 있을 거예요.
If you hang it, it will all be dry before you know it.
Verb + -(으)면: if, when. Verb + -다 보면: if one keeps doing something. Verb + -아/어 있다: to be in a state of.
다 널고 나니 허리가 좀 아파요.
After I finished hanging everything, my back hurts a bit.
Verb + -고 나다: after completing an action. Verb + -으니/으니까: because, so.
비 온 뒤 맑게 갠 하늘 아래 빨래를 널었어요.
I hung out the laundry under the clear sky after the rain.
어머니는 젖은 옷을 옥상에 널어놓으셨습니다.
Mother hung the wet clothes on the rooftop.
날씨가 좋아서 이불을 널기 딱 좋은 날이에요.
The weather is good, so it's a perfect day to hang out the blankets.
빨래를 널 공간이 부족해서 건조기를 사용해요.
I use a dryer because there isn't enough space to hang out the laundry.
그녀는 세탁물을 널기 위해 베란다로 나갔어요.
She went out to the veranda to hang out the laundry.
바람이 잘 통해 옷이 금방 마르도록 널어두었습니다.
I hung the clothes so they would dry quickly with the good breeze.
햇볕에 널어놓은 옷에서 좋은 냄새가 나요.
The clothes hung in the sun smell good.
장마철이라 빨래를 널어도 잘 마르지 않아요.
It's the rainy season, so even if I hang out the laundry, it doesn't dry well.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
빨래를 널어야 해요.
I need to hang out the laundry.
밖에 빨래를 널었어요.
I hung the laundry outside.
햇볕이 좋아서 빨래 널기 좋아요.
The sun is good, so it's good for hanging out laundry.
바람에 옷이 잘 널려요.
The clothes hang well in the wind.
이불을 널어서 말렸어요.
I hung out the blanket to dry.
비가 올 것 같아서 빨래를 못 널었어요.
It looks like it will rain, so I couldn't hang out the laundry.
널어 놓은 빨래 좀 걷어줄래요?
Could you please take in the laundry I hung out?
건조대에 수건을 널었어요.
I hung towels on the drying rack.
엄마가 옷을 널고 있어요.
Mom is hanging out clothes.
빨래를 널 자리가 없어요.
There's no place to hang out the laundry.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
Clothes (옷을) + '널다' (to hang)
엄마는 옷을 널어요. (Mom hangs out the clothes.)
Subject + Object + Verb
저는 빨래를 널 거예요. (I will hang out the laundry.)
Place +에 + Object +을/를 + 널다
마당에 이불을 널어요. (I hang the blanket in the yard.)
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Noodle' (sounds like 'neol') that you 'da' (sounds like '다')-ngle out to dry.
Visual Association
Picture a bright sunny day with a clothesline full of colorful laundry swaying gently in the breeze. Focus on the act of *hanging* them out to dry.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe your laundry routine using '널다'. For example: '저는 주말에 빨래를 널어요.' (I hang the laundry on the weekend.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions널다 means to hang clothes out to dry, like on a clothesline.
No, 널다 is specifically for hanging clothes or laundry to dry. You wouldn't use it for hanging a picture on a wall, for example.
The informal polite present tense form of 널다 is 널어요.
In the informal polite past tense, 널다 becomes 널었어요.
Sure!
빨래를 널어요. (I hang the laundry to dry.)
빨래 is 'laundry'.
Of course!
옷을 밖에 널었어요. (I hung the clothes outside to dry.)
옷 is 'clothes', 밖에 is 'outside'.
While 널다 means 'to hang out to dry', the word for clothesline itself is 빨랫줄 (ppallaetjul). You might say 빨랫줄에 널다 (to hang on the clothesline).
널다 is specifically for hanging laundry to dry. 걸다 is a more general verb meaning 'to hang' something, like hanging a coat on a hanger or a picture on a wall.
Yes, if you do laundry, 널다 is a very common and practical verb to know!
Think of '널다' like 'drying the clothes out'. The '널' sound can remind you of 'out' or 'open' for drying.
Test Yourself 54 questions
Which word means 'to hang clothes out to dry'?
'널다' specifically refers to the act of hanging laundry to dry.
My mom ___ the laundry outside.
To complete the sentence correctly with the meaning 'hangs out', '널어요' (the polite present tense form of '널다') is the right choice.
What would you do with wet clothes?
When clothes are wet, you hang them out to dry, which is '옷을 널어요'.
You use '널다' when you put clothes in the washing machine.
'널다' means to hang clothes out to dry, not to put them in the washing machine.
After washing clothes, people often '널다' them.
It's common to hang clothes out to dry ('널다') after washing them.
'널다' can be used for hanging a picture on the wall.
'널다' specifically refers to hanging laundry to dry. Other verbs are used for hanging pictures.
I hung out the clothes.
To hang out the laundry.
Let's hang out the clothes outside.
Read this aloud:
옷을 널다.
Focus: 널다
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
빨래를 널어야 해요.
Focus: 널어야 해요
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
어머니는 옷을 널고 계세요.
Focus: 널고 계세요
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The basic Korean sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb. '나는' (I) is the subject, '옷을' (clothes) is the object, and '널다' (to hang out) is the verb.
The object ('빨래를' - laundry) comes before the location ('창문 옆에' - next to the window), followed by the verb ('널어요' - hang out).
In a question, the question word ('어디에' - where) often comes before the verb ('널까요?' - shall I hang out?). '수건을' (towel) is the object.
엄마는 빨래를 마당에 ___.
'널다' means to hang clothes out to dry. The past tense formal polite form is '널었어요'.
비가 올 것 같아서 빨래를 빨리 ___.
The context implies the need to hang laundry. '널어야 해요' means 'need to hang'.
아침에 빨래를 ___ 바람에 잘 말랐어요.
'널은' is the past adjectival form of '널다', meaning 'which was hung'.
빨래가 너무 많아서 ___ 시간이 오래 걸려요.
'널다 보면' means 'if you keep hanging' or 'while hanging', indicating the action takes a long time.
햇빛이 좋아서 빨래 ___ 딱 좋은 날씨예요.
'널기' is the noun form of '널다', meaning 'for hanging'. '널기 좋다' means 'good for hanging'.
세탁한 옷을 베란다에 ___.
This sentence requires the present tense formal polite form of '널다', which is '널어요'.
This sentence means 'Hang the laundry to dry.' '빨래를 널어서' means 'hang the laundry' and '말리세요' means 'please dry it.'
This sentence means 'It looks like it's going to rain, so please take in the laundry.' '비가 올 것 같으니' means 'since it looks like it will rain,' and '빨래를 걷어주세요' means 'please take in the laundry.'
This sentence means 'If you hang the laundry in the sun, it dries well.' '햇볕에' means 'in the sun,' '빨래를 널면' means 'if you hang the laundry,' and '잘 마릅니다' means 'it dries well.'
Listen to how the act of hanging bedding changes a room's atmosphere.
Focus on the speaker's nostalgic memory while hanging laundry.
Pay attention to why the speaker quickly brought in the hung clothes.
Read this aloud:
장마철이라 빨래를 널어도 잘 마르지 않아서 걱정이에요.
Focus: 장마철이라
You said:
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Read this aloud:
볕 좋은 날 이불을 널어 말리면 밤에 잠이 더 잘 와요.
Focus: 볕 좋은 날
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
옷을 널 때 옷걸이를 사용하면 구김 없이 깔끔하게 마릅니다.
Focus: 구김 없이
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for '널다' in the context of hanging laundry.
'걸다' is a broader term for hanging, but in many contexts, especially with laundry, it can be used interchangeably with '널다' or as a near synonym. The other options are not related to hanging.
Which of the following scenarios would typically NOT involve the verb '널다'?
'널다' specifically refers to hanging things out to dry or air out, often implying a spread-out action. Hanging a painting uses '걸다'.
Which sentence uses '널다' correctly and naturally?
'널다' is used for laundry or items that need to be dried or aired out, typically in an open space like a yard or balcony. The other options use '널다' incorrectly.
It is grammatically correct to say '그는 옷을 옷걸이에 널었다' (He hung clothes on a hanger to dry) if the intention is to dry them.
While '걸다' is also possible, '널다' can be used if the primary purpose is drying, even on a hanger, implying the clothes are spread out to dry.
The verb '널다' can be used interchangeably with '펴다' (to spread out) in all contexts.
While '널다' implies spreading out, it specifically means spreading to dry or air out. '펴다' is a general term for spreading out and doesn't carry the drying connotation.
When referring to hanging something decorative, like a banner for an event, '널다' would be the most natural verb to use.
For decorative hanging, '걸다' (to hang) or '달다' (to hang up, to attach) would be more appropriate. '널다' is for items needing to dry or air out.
What is the speaker's predicament?
What is the best way to dry laundry according to the speaker?
What is the speaker concerned about?
Read this aloud:
비가 와서 널어놓은 빨래를 다시 걷어야 했어요.
Focus: 널어놓은 (neoreo-no-eun)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
햇볕에 빨래를 널면 소독 효과도 있어서 좋아요.
Focus: 햇볕에 (haet-byeot-e)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
건조기가 없어서 손빨래 후 항상 옥상에 널어요.
Focus: 옥상에 (ok-sang-e)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're writing a short story. Describe a scene where someone is hanging laundry outside on a beautiful day, using the verb '널다' naturally. Focus on sensory details.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
오랜만에 맑게 개인 하늘 아래, 엄마는 콧노래를 흥얼거리며 빨래를 널었다. 따스한 햇살이 하얀 시트에 내려앉아 눈부시게 빛났고, 산들바람이 불어와 비누 향기 가득한 옷가지들을 부드럽게 흔들었다. 그 모습은 마치 평화로운 한 폭의 그림 같았다.
Write a short email to a friend, advising them on the best way to dry clothes without a dryer, specifically mentioning how to '널다' laundry efficiently in different weather conditions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
안녕! 드라이어 없이 빨래 말리는 거 쉽지 않지? 햇볕 좋고 바람 부는 날엔 베란다에 널다 보면 금방 마를 거야. 비 오거나 습한 날엔 실내에 널 때 제습기 틀거나 선풍기 같이 틀어주면 훨씬 빨리 마르더라. 한번 해봐!
Compose a short poem (3-4 lines) about the simple act of hanging clothes to dry, incorporating the word '널다' to evoke a feeling of nostalgia or domesticity.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
마당 가득 빨래를 널다 보면, 어린 날 엄마의 모습이 떠올라. 햇살 아래 흔들리는 하얀 옷들, 삶의 소박한 행복이 여기 있네.
어머니가 빨래를 널 때 어떤 감정이었을까요?
Read this passage:
집 안은 온통 축축한 기운으로 가득했다. 장마철이라 몇 주째 해를 보지 못했기 때문이었다. 겨우 갠 하늘에 반가움을 금치 못하고 어머니는 서둘러 빨래를 널었다. 혹시라도 다시 비가 올까 싶어 마음이 급했다. 옷가지 하나하나에 햇볕이 잘 닿도록 정성껏 매달았다. 금세라도 마를 것 같은 희망에 어머니의 얼굴에는 잔잔한 미소가 피어올랐다.
어머니가 빨래를 널 때 어떤 감정이었을까요?
어머니는 겨우 갠 하늘에 반가움을 금치 못했고, 금세라도 마를 것 같은 희망에 잔잔한 미소가 피어올랐다고 묘사되어 있습니다.
어머니는 겨우 갠 하늘에 반가움을 금치 못했고, 금세라도 마를 것 같은 희망에 잔잔한 미소가 피어올랐다고 묘사되어 있습니다.
위 글의 내용으로 미루어 볼 때, 빨래를 야외에 너는 것에 대한 필자의 주장은 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
최근 한 연구에 따르면, 빨래를 야외에 널다 보면 미세먼지나 꽃가루 등이 옷에 달라붙을 수 있어 알레르기 환자에게는 좋지 않다고 한다. 그러나 살균 효과와 자연 건조로 인한 옷감 손상 방지 등의 장점도 무시할 수 없다. 중요한 것은 날씨와 개인의 건강 상태를 고려하여 현명하게 빨래를 너는 방법을 선택하는 것이다.
위 글의 내용으로 미루어 볼 때, 빨래를 야외에 너는 것에 대한 필자의 주장은 무엇입니까?
글은 야외 건조의 단점과 장점을 모두 언급하며, 날씨와 개인 건강 상태를 고려하여 현명하게 선택해야 한다고 조언하고 있습니다.
글은 야외 건조의 단점과 장점을 모두 언급하며, 날씨와 개인 건강 상태를 고려하여 현명하게 선택해야 한다고 조언하고 있습니다.
이 글에서 옛날 빨래를 너는 행위가 가졌던 의미는 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
옛날에는 대부분의 가정이 빨래를 마당이나 옥상에 널었다. 햇볕과 바람이 옷을 깨끗하고 뽀송하게 만들어주었기 때문이다. 이는 단순한 건조 방식이 아니라, 이웃과의 정을 나누는 소통의 장이 되기도 했다. 빨래를 널다 보면 자연스럽게 이웃들과 안부를 묻고 이야기를 나누곤 했다. 현대에는 건조기가 보편화되었지만, 옛 추억을 떠올리며 여전히 빨래를 널어 말리는 사람들도 많다.
이 글에서 옛날 빨래를 너는 행위가 가졌던 의미는 무엇입니까?
글에서 '이웃과의 정을 나누는 소통의 장이 되기도 했다'고 명시하고 있습니다.
글에서 '이웃과의 정을 나누는 소통의 장이 되기도 했다'고 명시하고 있습니다.
/ 54 correct
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Summary
'널다' is the Korean verb specifically for hanging laundry out to dry.
- Use '널다' for hanging clothes to dry.
- It implies exposure to air for drying.
- Commonly used in daily chores.
Example
비가 오기 전에 빨래를 널어야 해요.
Related Content
More home words
에어컨
A1Air conditioner; a system for cooling indoor air.
~와
A2And, with; connects nouns or indicates accompaniment.
아파트
A1Apartment
조립하다
A2To put together the component parts of (a machine or structure); to assemble.
집에서
A2In or at one's home; at home.
다락방
A2Attic; a space or room inside the roof of a building.
베란다
A2A roofed, open-air porch attached to the outside of a house.
발코니
A2A platform projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing.
지하실
A2Basement; the floor of a building that is partly or entirely below ground level.
바구니
A2Basket
