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A2 verb #2,500 most common 9 min read

머무르다

meomureuda
At the A1 level, '머무르다' is a basic verb used to talk about staying in a place like a hotel or a city during a trip. You might use it in simple sentences like '호텔에 머물러요' (I stay at a hotel). At this stage, you focus on the present and past tense: '머물러요' and '머물렀어요'. It's important to learn that we use the '-에' particle for the location. Think of it as the word for 'stay' when you are traveling. You can also learn the shortened form '머물다', which is very common. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you describe your vacation plans or where you are currently located as a visitor. It is one of the first '르' irregular verbs you will encounter, so it's a great way to start learning how Korean verbs change their shape.
At the A2 level, you begin to use '머무르다' with more complex grammar patterns. You might say '서울에 이틀 동안 머무를 거예요' (I will stay in Seoul for two days) using the future tense. You also start to use it with connecting particles like '-고' or '-어서'. For example, '친구 집에 머물고 싶어요' (I want to stay at my friend's house). At this level, you should be comfortable with the '르' irregular conjugation and recognize that '머물러요' is the correct form. You might also start to see it in simple stories or travel blogs. You are moving beyond just 'staying at a hotel' to 'staying for a specific time' or 'staying because of a reason'. It's a key verb for talking about your experiences and plans in a more detailed way.
At the B1 level, you use '머무르다' in more abstract and varied contexts. You might describe how a thought '머무르다' in your mind or how your eyes '머무르다' on a beautiful view. You also start to use the noun form '머무름' or see the word in more formal settings like news headlines. For example, '기온이 영하에 머무르다' (The temperature stays below zero). You can distinguish between '머무르다' and more specific verbs like '묵다' (to stay overnight). You also begin to use it with intermediate grammar like '-기로 하다' (decide to) or '-ㄴ 적이 있다' (have the experience of). This level is about expanding the word's usage from just physical travel to describing states, feelings, and more precise situations in daily life.
At the B2 level, '머무르다' appears in sophisticated writing and formal discussions. You will see it used to describe economic trends, such as '경제 성장률이 2%대에 머무르고 있다' (The economic growth rate is staying in the 2% range). You understand the nuance of stagnation or lack of progress that the word can carry in these contexts. You are also able to use the word in passive or causative-like structures in literature, describing how an atmosphere '머무르게 하다' (makes something stay). You can handle the shortened form '머물다' in poetry or lyrics and appreciate the rhythmic difference it makes. At this stage, your usage of '머무르다' is not just about communication but about expressing subtle nuances of duration, stillness, and state.
At the C1 level, you master the literary and philosophical nuances of '머무르다'. You might use it to discuss the concept of 'remaining in the moment' (현재에 머무르다) in a philosophical debate. You recognize the word in classical literature or high-level academic texts where it describes historical periods or scientific constants. You can use it to describe very subtle visual or emotional states, such as '시선이 머무는 곳' (the place where one's gaze rests). You are also fully aware of the stylistic choice between '머무르다' and '머물다' and can use them to change the tone of your writing. Your vocabulary includes related advanced terms like '정체' (stagnation) or '유류' (staying behind), and you can explain the differences between them and '머무르다' with precision.
At the C2 level, '머무르다' is a tool for professional-grade expression. You can use it in high-level policy papers, academic research, or creative writing to describe complex phenomena. For example, you might analyze how certain cultural traditions '머무르지 않고 진화한다' (do not stay still but evolve). You understand the deepest etymological roots and the historical evolution of the word. You can use it ironically or metaphorically in ways that native speakers would find impressive. Whether you are writing a critique of a film's pacing or a report on long-term demographic trends, you use '머무르다' with absolute accuracy and stylistic flair. It becomes more than a verb; it's a way to describe the very nature of time, space, and human experience in the Korean language.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

머무르다 in 30 Seconds

  • Primary meaning: To stay or remain temporarily in a location (e.g., hotel, city).
  • Secondary meaning: To linger or stop at a certain state, level, or thought.
  • Grammar: A '르' irregular verb; '머무르다' + '어' = '머물러'.
  • Short form: '머물다' is a common and standard shortened version.

The Korean verb 머무르다 (meomureuda) is a versatile term primarily used to describe the act of staying, remaining, or lingering in a specific location or state. At its core, it signifies a temporary pause in movement or a duration of time spent in a place that is not one's permanent home. While it is often translated as 'to stay,' it carries a nuance of 'stopping over' or 'remaining for a while' before moving on. This makes it distinct from '살다' (to live), which implies long-term residency. In the physical sense, it is the word you use when you are a guest at a hotel, staying at a friend's house, or even when a bird perches on a branch.

Physical Presence
Refers to being physically located in a space for a duration. Example: '호텔에 머무르다' (To stay at a hotel).
Abstract State
Refers to a situation, thought, or numerical value remaining at a certain point. Example: '기억에 머무르다' (To stay in one's memory).
Visual Lingering
Used when eyes or attention stay on something. Example: '시선이 머무르다' (One's gaze lingers).

"우리는 이번 여행 동안 제주도에 사흘간 머물렀다." (We stayed in Jeju Island for three days during this trip.)

Beyond physical location, '머무르다' is frequently used in metaphorical contexts. For instance, in literature or emotional descriptions, one might say that a feeling '머무르다' in the heart, suggesting that the emotion hasn't passed yet. In economic or social contexts, it can describe a lack of progress, such as '성장이 정체 상태에 머무르다' (Growth remains in a state of stagnation). This breadth of usage—from the literal to the highly abstract—is what makes '머무르다' a critical verb for intermediate learners to master.

"그의 시선은 한참 동안 그녀의 얼굴에 머물렀다." (His gaze lingered on her face for a long time.)

Furthermore, '머무르다' has a shortened form, 머물다. Both are considered standard Korean, and they conjugate identically in most forms (e.g., both become '머물러요'). However, '머무르다' is often perceived as slightly more formal or literary, while '머물다' is very common in daily conversation and song lyrics. Understanding this relationship helps learners recognize the word in various media, from K-pop ballads to formal news reports. Whether you are talking about a vacation, a scientific constant, or a fleeting thought, '머무르다' provides the linguistic framework to describe that specific moment of stillness.

Using 머무르다 correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and the particles it pairs with. As a verb indicating location, it most commonly takes the particle -에 to mark the place where one is staying. Unlike '있다' (to be/exist), which can be a simple statement of presence, '머무르다' emphasizes the duration and the act of remaining.

The '르' Irregularity
When the stem '머무르-' meets a suffix starting with '아' or '어', the 'ㅡ' is dropped, and an extra 'ㄹ' is added to the preceding syllable. 머무르 + 어요 = 머물러요. 머무르 + 었다 = 머물렀다.
Shortened Form: 머물다
You can use '머물다' as a synonym. Conjugation: 머물다 + 어요 = 머물러요. Note that the conjugated forms are identical.

"잠시 이곳에 머물러 가도 될까요?" (May I stay here for a moment before going?)

In terms of sentence structure, the basic pattern is [Place] + 에 + 머무르다. If you want to specify the duration, you place the time adverbial before the verb: [Place] + 에 + [Duration] + 동안 + 머무르다. For example, '런던에 일주일 동안 머물렀어요' (I stayed in London for a week). It is also important to distinguish '머무르다' from '묵다'. While both mean 'to stay,' '묵다' is specifically used for staying overnight at a lodging facility like a hotel or inn, whereas '머무르다' is broader and can apply to any length of time or type of place.

When using '머무르다' in abstract contexts, the particle '-에' still applies. For example, '생각에 머무르다' (to linger in thought) or '과거에 머무르다' (to dwell in the past). In these cases, the verb suggests a mental or temporal 'stuckness' or a deliberate focus. This is a common theme in Korean poetry and prose, where characters are often described as '머무르는 사람' (a person who stays/lingers), contrasting with those who move on quickly. Mastering these nuances allows you to describe not just physical locations, but the state of the human heart and mind.

You will encounter 머무르다 in a wide variety of contexts in Korea, ranging from travel agencies to poetic song lyrics. Its versatility makes it a staple of the Korean language. In the travel industry, it is the standard term for describing accommodations and itineraries. If you visit a tourist information center, they might ask, '얼마나 머무르실 예정입니까?' (How long do you plan to stay?).

Travel & Tourism
Used for hotel bookings, visa durations, and travel plans. '체류 기간' (period of stay) is a related formal term.
K-Pop & Ballads
Often used to describe a lover's memory lingering in one's heart or a gaze that won't move. '내 맘에 머물러줘' (Please stay in my heart).
News & Economics
Used to describe statistics that haven't changed. '물가가 높은 수준에 머무르고 있습니다' (Prices are staying at a high level).

"그 영화의 여운이 가슴속에 깊이 머물렀다." (The afterglow of that movie stayed deep in my heart.)

In daily life, you might hear it when someone is inviting you to stay longer: '조금만 더 머물다 가세요' (Please stay a little longer before you go). In literature, it is used to create a sense of atmosphere—describing how mist '머무르다' over a lake or how the scent of flowers '머무르다' in a room. This evocative quality is why the word is so beloved by writers. It suggests a moment frozen in time, a pause in the relentless flow of life.

In professional settings, particularly in reports, '머무르다' describes a lack of fluctuation. If a company's sales '제자리에 머무르다' (stay in place/stagnate), it indicates a need for change. Conversely, in scientific contexts, it can describe a substance remaining in a certain state. By paying attention to these different environments, you can see how '머무르다' shifts from a simple travel verb to a sophisticated tool for describing stability, stagnation, and emotional depth.

While 머무르다 is a common verb, learners often make specific errors regarding its conjugation and its distinction from similar verbs. The most frequent mistake is related to the '르' irregular conjugation. Because the stem ends in '르', many learners forget to double the 'ㄹ' when adding '아/어'.

Incorrect Conjugation
Saying '머무러요' instead of the correct 머물러요. Remember: 르 + 어 = ㄹ러.
Confusion with '살다'
Using '머무르다' to mean 'to live' (long-term). If you have a house and live there permanently, use '살다'. Use '머무르다' for temporary stays.
Confusion with '묵다'
Using '머무르다' exclusively for hotels. While not wrong, '묵다' is more specific for 'paying for a room overnight'.

"(X) 저는 한국에서 2년 동안 머물러요." (I stay in Korea for 2 years - sounds like a temporary visit).
"(O) 저는 한국에서 2년 동안 살고 있어요." (I have been living in Korea for 2 years).

Another common pitfall is the use of particles. Learners sometimes use the object particle '-을/를' with '머무르다', but since it is an intransitive verb (you don't 'stay a place', you 'stay *at* a place'), you must use the location particle -에. For example, '호텔을 머무르다' is incorrect; it should be '호텔에 머무르다'.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the shortened form '머물다'. It's important to know that while '머물다' exists, you cannot use it in all grammatical structures. For example, the honorific form is usually '머무르시다' rather than '머물시다'. When in doubt, using the full form '머무르다' is always safer and grammatically robust across all levels of formality.

To truly master 머무르다, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that dictates when it should be used instead of '머무르다'.

묵다 (Mukda)
Specifically means to stay overnight, usually at a commercial lodging like a hotel, pension, or inn. It emphasizes the 'sleeping' aspect of the stay.
체류하다 (Cheryuhada)
A formal, Sino-Korean word (滯留) meaning 'to sojourn' or 'to stay'. It is used in official documents, news, and immigration contexts (e.g., '체류 자격' - stay status/visa type).
지내다 (Jinaeda)
Means 'to spend time' or 'to get along'. While it can mean 'staying', it focuses more on the experience of time passing rather than the physical location.
유숙하다 (Yusukhada)
A very formal or literary term for staying overnight, often used in historical contexts or formal reporting.

"친구 집에서 하룻밤 묵기로 했다." (I decided to stay overnight at a friend's house.) vs. "친구 집에 잠시 머물렀다." (I stayed at a friend's house for a while.)

When choosing between these words, consider the formality and the specific action. If you are filling out a visa application, use '체류'. If you are telling a friend where you slept last night, use '묵다'. If you are describing a bird sitting on a fence or a feeling that won't go away, '머무르다' is your best choice. Understanding these distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

In summary, while '머무르다' is the most versatile 'stay' verb, it sits in a web of related terms. By learning '묵다' for lodging, '체류하다' for formal stays, and '지내다' for spending time, you can navigate any social or professional situation in Korea with confidence. '머무르다' remains the poetic and general-purpose heart of this group.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Informal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

저는 호텔에 머물러요.

I stay at a hotel.

Present tense: 머물러요

2

여기에 머무르세요.

Please stay here.

Imperative: -으세요

3

어디에 머물렀어요?

Where did you stay?

Past tense: 머물렀어요

4

제주도에 머물고 싶어요.

I want to stay in Jeju Island.

Want to: -고 싶다

5

집에 머물러요.

I stay at home.

Location particle: -에

6

사흘 동안 머물러요.

I stay for three days.

Duration: 동안

7

잠시 머물러요.

I stay for a moment.

Adverb: 잠시 (briefly)

8

우리는 서울에 머물러요.

We stay in Seoul.

Subject: 우리 (we)

1

친구 집에서 이틀 머무를 거예요.

I will stay at my friend's house for two days.

Future tense: -(으)ㄹ 거예요

2

비가 와서 카페에 머물렀어요.

It rained, so I stayed in the cafe.

Reason: -아서/어서

3

한국에 얼마나 머무를 거예요?

How long will you stay in Korea?

Question word: 얼마나 (how long)

4

여기에 머무르는 것이 좋아요.

It is good to stay here.

Noun clause: -는 것

5

머무를 곳을 찾고 있어요.

I am looking for a place to stay.

Future noun modifier: -(으)ㄹ

6

가족과 함께 머물렀어요.

I stayed together with my family.

With: -과 함께

7

조용한 곳에 머무르고 싶어요.

I want to stay in a quiet place.

Adjective modifier: 조용한 (quiet)

8

그는 런던에 일주일 머물렀다.

He stayed in London for a week.

Plain style: -었다

1

그의 시선이 내 얼굴에 머물렀다.

His gaze lingered on my face.

Subject: 시선 (gaze)

2

기억 속에 머무르는 노래예요.

It's a song that stays in my memory.

Present noun modifier: -는

3

물가가 작년 수준에 머물러 있다.

Prices are staying at last year's level.

State of being: -어 있다

4

잠시 머물다 가는 손님이에요.

He is a guest who stays for a bit and then leaves.

Shortened form: 머물다

5

과거에 머무르지 말고 앞을 보세요.

Don't dwell in the past; look forward.

Negative imperative: -지 말고

6

이곳에 머무르기로 결정했어요.

I decided to stay here.

Decision: -기로 결정하다

7

향기가 방 안에 머물러 있어요.

The scent is lingering in the room.

Subject: 향기 (scent)

8

그는 아직 초보 수준에 머물러 있다.

He is still staying at the beginner level.

Adverb: 아직 (still)

1

실업률이 여전히 높은 수치에 머무르고 있다.

The unemployment rate still stays at a high figure.

Adverb: 여전히 (still/as ever)

2

그녀의 생각은 항상 그날에 머물러 있었다.

Her thoughts were always stayed on that day.

Past continuous state: -어 있었다

3

성장이 정체 상태에 머무를 가능성이 크다.

There is a high possibility that growth will stay in a state of stagnation.

Possibility: -(으)ㄹ 가능성

4

구름이 산봉우리에 머물러 장관을 이뤘다.

Clouds stayed on the mountain peaks, creating a magnificent sight.

Result: -아/어 (clausal connective)

5

그는 한곳에 머무르지 못하는 성격이다.

He has a personality that cannot stay in one place.

Inability: -지 못하다

6

영혼이 육체에 머무르는 시간은 짧다.

The time the soul stays in the body is short.

Abstract subject: 영혼 (soul)

7

전통이 현대 속에 머물러 숨 쉬고 있다.

Tradition stays and breathes within modernity.

Metaphorical usage

8

시선이 머무는 곳마다 꽃이 피어 있었다.

Everywhere the gaze rested, flowers were in bloom.

Every time/place: -는 곳마다

1

학계의 논의는 여전히 가설 단계에 머무르고 있다.

Academic discussions still remain at the hypothesis stage.

Formal context: 학계 (academic circles)

2

그의 문체는 고전적인 형식에 머물러 있다.

His writing style remains within classical forms.

Subject: 문체 (writing style)

3

감정이 이성에 머무르지 못하고 폭발했다.

Emotions could not stay within reason and exploded.

Contrast: 감정 vs 이성

4

나그네는 주막에 머물며 하룻밤을 보냈다.

The traveler stayed at the inn and spent the night.

Literary word: 나그네 (traveler)

5

기술이 이론에만 머무르면 실용성이 없다.

If technology only stays in theory, it has no practicality.

Condition: -(으)면

6

그의 명성은 국내에 머무르지 않고 세계로 퍼졌다.

His fame did not stay within the country but spread to the world.

Negative contrast: -지 않고

7

침묵이 우리 사이에 무겁게 머물렀다.

Silence stayed heavily between us.

Adverbial: 무겁게 (heavily)

8

찰나의 순간에 머무르는 아름다움을 포착하다.

To capture the beauty that stays for a fleeting moment.

Advanced phrase: 찰나의 순간 (fleeting moment)

1

존재의 본질은 현상 너머에 머무르고 있다.

The essence of existence stays beyond phenomena.

Philosophical context

2

담론이 공허한 수사에 머무르는 것을 경계해야 한다.

We must be wary of discourse staying as empty rhetoric.

Formal warning: 경계해야 한다

3

그의 예술 세계는 어느 한 사조에 머무르기를 거부한다.

His artistic world refuses to stay within any one movement.

Refusal: -기를 거부하다

4

역사의 흐름은 결코 한 지점에 머무르지 않는다.

The flow of history never stays at one point.

Universal truth

5

인간의 욕망은 만족에 머무르지 못하는 속성이 있다.

Human desire has a nature of not being able to stay at satisfaction.

Attribute: -는 속성이 있다

6

법적 효력이 특정 기간에만 머무르도록 규정되었다.

The legal effect was stipulated to stay only within a specific period.

Legal context: 규정되다

7

의식의 흐름이 무의식의 경계에 머물러 있다.

The flow of consciousness stays at the boundary of the unconscious.

Psychological context

8

문명은 정체에 머무르는 순간 쇠퇴하기 마련이다.

The moment a civilization stays in stagnation, it is bound to decline.

Inevitability: -기 마련이다

Common Collocations

호텔에 머무르다 (Stay at a hotel)
기억에 머무르다 (Stay in memory)
시선이 머무르다 (Gaze lingers)
수준에 머무르다 (Stay at a level)
잠시 머무르다 (Stay briefly)
제자리에 머무르다 (Stay in place)
마음에 머무르다 (Stay in one's heart)
국내에 머무르다 (Stay within the country)
현장에 머무르다 (Stay at the scene)
과거에 머무르다 (Dwell in the past)

Common Phrases

머물다 가세요 (Please stay a while before you go)

얼마나 머무르실 거예요? (How long will you stay?)

발길이 머무르다 (One's steps stop/linger)

꿈속에 머무르다 (Stay in a dream)

제자리에 머무르다 (To stagnate/not progress)

눈길이 머무르다 (One's eyes linger)

한곳에 머무르다 (Stay in one spot)

오래 머무르다 (Stay for a long time)

함께 머무르다 (Stay together)

그곳에 머무르다 (Stay there)

Often Confused With

머무르다 vs 살다 (To live permanently)

머무르다 vs 멈추다 (To stop moving)

머무르다 vs 묵다 (To stay overnight at a lodging)

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

머무르다 vs

머무르다 vs

머무르다 vs

머무르다 vs

머무르다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

formality

'머무르다' is the full dictionary form; '머물다' is the contracted form.

distinction

Use '살다' for permanent living, '머무르다' for temporary staying, and '묵다' for staying overnight at a hotel.

Common Mistakes
  • Conjugating as '머무러요' instead of '머물러요'.
  • Using the object particle '-을/를' with the place of stay.
  • Using '머무르다' for permanent residence (should be '살다').
  • Confusing '머무르다' (to stay) with '멈추다' (to stop).
  • Forgetting that '머물다' and '머무르다' are the same word.

Tips

Master the '르'

Always remember that '머무르다' follows the '르' irregular rule. This is a common pattern in Korean (like '빠르다' -> '빨라요'). Practice these together to master the sound change.

Short vs. Long

Use '머물다' in songs or poems for a better rhythm. Use '머무르다' in formal writing or when you want to sound very clear and deliberate.

Abstract Gaze

The phrase '시선이 머무르다' is very common in Korean literature. Use it to describe someone looking at something with interest or affection.

Travel Context

When at immigration, you will hear '체류'. When talking to a hotel clerk, you can use '머무르다' or '묵다'. Knowing both makes you sound more fluent.

Inviting Others

If a friend is leaving your house, saying '좀 더 머물다 가세요' is a very kind and natural way to show you value their company.

Economic Reports

If you are writing about data, use '머무르다' to describe a plateau. It sounds professional and precise.

Song Lyrics

K-pop lyrics often use '내 맘에 머물러' (Stay in my heart). This is a great way to remember the conjugation and the emotional nuance.

Visualizing Stillness

Associate '머무르다' with a still image, like a photograph. It represents a pause in the middle of action.

Particle Choice

Always pair it with '-에'. Using '-에서' is possible if you are focusing on the activity happening *at* that place, but '-에' is the standard for the location of stay.

Temple Stay

Remember the word by thinking of a 'Temple Stay' (템플스테이). It is a 'stay' (머무름) for the soul.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'MUM' (머무) who wants you to 'RULE' (르다) the house by STAYING there.

Word Origin

Native Korean

Cultural Context

When traveling in Korea, you'll see '체류' on official forms, but '머무르다' in guidebooks.

Korean poetry frequently uses '머무르다' to describe the beauty of nature pausing for a moment.

Koreans often use '머물다 가세요' to show they enjoy someone's company.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"한국에 오시면 어디에 머무르실 거예요?"

"가장 오래 머물고 싶은 나라는 어디예요?"

"여행할 때 보통 호텔에 머무르세요, 아니면 에어비앤비에 머무르세요?"

"머릿속에 계속 머무르는 생각이 있나요?"

"이 카페에 좀 더 머물다 갈까요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 가장 오래 머물렀던 여행지에 대해 써 보세요.

누군가의 기억 속에 어떤 사람으로 머물고 싶나요?

오늘 내 시선이 가장 오래 머물렀던 것은 무엇인가요?

바쁜 일상 속에서 잠시 머물러 쉬고 싶은 곳은 어디인가요?

과거에 머무르지 않고 앞으로 나아가기 위해 필요한 것은 무엇일까요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

머물다 is simply the shortened version of 머무르다. Both are standard and mean the same thing. In speech, 머물다 is very common, while 머무르다 can feel slightly more formal or complete.

It is a '르' irregular verb, so it becomes 머물렀어요 (polite) or 머물렀습니다 (formal). The 'ㅡ' is dropped and an extra 'ㄹ' is added.

Yes, you can use it to describe a temporary stay of a year, but '살다' (to live) is more common if you are working or studying there. '머무르다' emphasizes that you are there for a duration and will eventually leave.

It is '호텔에 머무르다'. Since it is an intransitive verb, you use the location particle '-에' rather than the object particle '-을/를'.

Use '묵다' when you specifically want to say you stayed overnight at a place like a hotel, hostel, or someone's house. '머무르다' is more general and can be used for staying during the day too.

Yes, for example, '눈이 산에 머무르다' (Snow stays on the mountain) or '시선이 머무르다' (A gaze stays/lingers).

It literally means 'to stay in one's place,' but it's an idiom meaning 'to stagnate' or 'to fail to make progress'.

It is a standard verb used in all levels of formality. However, in very official documents, '체류하다' might be used instead.

You say '머무르고 싶어요' or '머물고 싶어요'.

It's less common for emotions like 'happy'. Usually, '머무르다' is for locations, levels, or specific thoughts. For 'staying happy', you'd use '계속 행복하다'.

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