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Vocabulary
수영하다

A1 verb #4,000 most common 8 min read

수영하다

suyeonghada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 수영하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 수영하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '수영하다' is one of the essential action verbs used to describe basic hobbies and daily routines. Learners at this stage focus on the present tense '수영해요' and the simple past tense '수영했어요'. You will typically use it with the particle '에서' to indicate where you are swimming, such as '수영장에서' (at the pool) or '바다에서' (at the sea). The goal at A1 is to be able to say whether you like swimming, if you can swim, and where you go to swim. It's a great verb to practice the '하다' conjugation pattern, which is the most common verb type in Korean. You might also learn '수영하러 가요' (I'm going to swim) as a way to talk about your plans. Simple sentences like '저는 수영을 좋아해요' (I like swimming) are perfect for this level. Focus on getting the pronunciation of 'suyeong' right, ensuring the 'oo' sound is clear.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of '수영하다' by adding adverbs and more complex grammar patterns. You will start to use words like '잘' (well), '못' (poorly), '자주' (often), and '가끔' (sometimes) to describe your swimming habits. For example, '저는 수영을 자주 해요' (I swim often). You also learn to express ability more formally with '수영할 수 있어요' (I can swim) and '수영할 수 없어요' (I cannot swim). At this stage, you might also start connecting '수영하다' with other actions using '-고' (and) or '-(으)면서' (while). For instance, '수영하면서 노래를 불러요' (I sing while swimming). You are also expected to use time markers like '두 시간 동안 수영했어요' (I swam for two hours). This level involves moving from simple statements to providing more details about the activity.

At the B1 level, '수영하다' is used in more descriptive contexts and to express reasons or conditions. You will use patterns like '-(으)니까' (because) or '-기 때문에' (because) to explain why you swim, such as '건강을 위해서 수영해요' (I swim for my health). You will also use the conditional '-면' (if), as in '날씨가 좋으면 수영하러 갈 거예요' (If the weather is good, I will go swimming). Learners at this level should be comfortable using '수영하다' in various polite and formal registers, depending on the situation. You might also encounter the word in the context of describing a sequence of events, using '수영한 다음에' (after swimming). This level also introduces more specific vocabulary related to swimming, like '수영복' (swimsuit) and '수영모' (swim cap), and how to use them in sentences with the verb.

At the B2 level, you use '수영하다' to discuss broader topics like health, lifestyle, and even environmental issues. You might talk about the benefits of swimming for physical therapy or compare it to other forms of exercise using complex structures like '-는 것보다' (rather than). For example, '수영하는 것이 달리는 것보다 관절에 더 좋아요' (Swimming is better for the joints than running). You will also be able to use the passive or causative forms if necessary, though '수영하다' itself is mostly used in the active voice. At this level, you can understand and participate in discussions about professional swimming, discussing world records or specific techniques like '호흡법' (breathing methods). Your ability to use '수영하다' in hypothetical or speculative sentences using '-(으)ㄹ지도 몰라요' (might) or '-(으)ㄹ 텐데' (should have) also develops.

At the C1 level, '수영하다' appears in more specialized and nuanced contexts. You might encounter it in literature or news reports where it's used metaphorically. You will be able to discuss the nuances between '수영하다' and '헤엄치다' in depth, choosing the right one for stylistic effect. You can also use advanced grammatical structures like '-느니만큼' or '-다 못해' to describe extreme situations related to swimming. For example, '그는 수영을 잘한다기보다 물 속에서 사는 것 같다' (Rather than saying he swims well, it's more like he lives in the water). At this stage, you can also handle technical discussions about the fluid mechanics of swimming or the psychological aspects of competitive sports. You can read and summarize articles about the history of swimming in Korea or the impact of 'survival swimming' education on public safety.

At the C2 level, '수영하다' is used with complete native-like fluency, including all its idiomatic and metaphorical potential. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level academic writing, poetry, or complex legal contexts (such as safety regulations). You understand the subtle cultural connotations of swimming in Korean society, from the 'early morning swim' culture to the significance of Olympic swimming stars like Park Tae-hwan. You can use '수영하다' in complex philosophical arguments about human movement or in highly technical sports science papers. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated expression. You can effortlessly switch between formal, casual, and archaic forms of the word depending on the literary context, and you can identify and correct even the most subtle misuses of the word by others.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

수영하다 in 30 Seconds

A fundamental Korean verb meaning 'to swim', formed by combining '수영' (swimming) and '하다' (to do).
Used in both casual contexts (hobbies) and formal contexts (sports/competitions).
Requires the particle '에서' to describe the location where the action of swimming takes place.
Commonly paired with ability markers like '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다' or adverbs like '잘' and '못'.

The Korean verb 수영하다 (suyeong-hada) is a fundamental action verb that every beginner learner should master early in their journey. It translates directly to 'to swim' in English and is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its roots are derived from Chinese characters. The first syllable, 수 (su), represents 'water' (水), and the second, 영 (yeong), represents 'swimming' (泳). When combined with the versatile verb 하다 (hada), which means 'to do,' it literally translates to 'doing the act of swimming in water.' This word is used in almost every context where a human or animal moves through water using their limbs, whether for sport, leisure, or survival.

General Usage: Used when talking about going to a public pool (수영장) or the ocean (바다) to exercise or have fun in the water. It is the standard way to describe the physical activity.
Sporting Context: In the context of the Olympics or school competitions, '수영하다' refers to the competitive discipline. You might hear '선수가 수영하고 있어요' (The athlete is swimming).

저는 매일 아침에 수영해요. (I swim every morning.)

In Korea, swimming is a very popular hobby, especially during the humid summer months. Because many Koreans live in urban areas, '수영하다' often implies going to a local sports center or a gym with a pool rather than a natural body of water. When people say they are 'going to swim' (수영하러 가다), they are usually referring to a scheduled exercise session. However, it is important to distinguish this from '물놀이하다,' which refers more to playing or splashing in the water without necessarily 'swimming' in a technical sense.

여름에는 바다에서 수영하는 것이 최고예요. (In summer, swimming in the sea is the best.)

When using this word, you should also be aware of the particle usage. You can say '수영을 하다' (using the object particle '을') or simply '수영하다.' Both are correct, though '수영하다' is more common in fast, natural speech. If you want to specify how well you swim, you would use the adverb '잘' (well) or '못' (poorly) before the verb, as in '수영을 잘해요' (I am good at swimming).

Survival Context: Following recent safety reforms in Korea, '생존 수영' (survival swimming) has become a mandatory part of the school curriculum. This context uses '수영하다' to describe the life-saving skill.

강아지가 물에서 수영하고 있어요. (The puppy is swimming in the water.)

Mastering '수영하다' involves understanding how it conjugates across various tenses and politeness levels. Since it ends in '-하다,' it follows the standard '하다' conjugation rules. In the present tense polite form, it becomes '수영해요.' In the past tense, '수영했어요.' In the future tense, '수영할 거예요.' These forms are the bread and butter of daily Korean conversation.

Present Tense: 수영해요 (Polite), 수영해 (Casual), 수영합니다 (Formal). Used for current actions or habitual routines.
Past Tense: 수영했어요 (Polite), 수영했어 (Casual), 수영했습니다 (Formal). Used for completed actions in the past.
Future Tense: 수영할 거예요 (Polite), 수영할 거야 (Casual), 수영하겠습니다 (Formal). Used for plans or intentions.

내일 친구랑 같이 수영할 거예요. (I will swim with my friend tomorrow.)

When you want to express the purpose of going somewhere, you use the '-(으)러' pattern. For example, '수영하러 가요' means 'I am going (somewhere) to swim.' This is one of the most common ways to use the word when discussing your weekend plans or hobbies. Additionally, if you want to express ability, you use the '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다' pattern: '수영할 수 있어요' (I can swim).

어릴 때부터 수영하는 것을 좋아했어요. (I have liked swimming since I was young.)

For more complex sentences, you can use connectors like '-고' (and) or '-지만' (but). For instance, '수영하고 샤워했어요' (I swam and then showered) or '수영하고 싶지만 시간이 없어요' (I want to swim but I don't have time). Using these connectors allows you to build much more descriptive and natural-sounding Korean sentences.

Negative Form: 수영 안 해요 (Short negation) or 수영하지 않아요 (Long negation). '수영 못 해요' implies you lack the ability to swim.

깊은 물에서 수영하지 마세요. (Please do not swim in deep water.)

'수영하다' is a word you will encounter frequently in daily life in Korea, especially if you engage in physical activities. One of the primary places you'll hear it is at local community centers, known as '주민센터' or '구민체육센터.' These centers often offer affordable swimming lessons, and you'll hear instructors shouting commands like '수영하세요!' (Swim!) or '더 빨리 수영하세요!' (Swim faster!).

Public Announcements: At beaches (해수욕장) in places like Busan or Gangneung, you will hear safety announcements: '지금은 수영할 수 없는 시간입니다' (Now is a time when you cannot swim).
Television and Media: During the Olympics, sports commentators use '수영' and '수영하다' constantly. They describe the strokes and the speed of the athletes using variations of this verb.

박태환 선수가 정말 빠르게 수영하고 있습니다! (Athlete Park Tae-hwan is swimming very fast!)

In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), '수영하다' often appears in scenes set at luxury hotels or during vacation episodes. It's a common 'hobby' for wealthy characters. You might also hear it in the context of health advice; doctors in Korea often recommend '수영하다' as a low-impact exercise for people with back or joint issues. If you visit a hospital for physical therapy, you're likely to hear the phrase '수영을 해보세요' (Try swimming).

오늘 수영하러 갈 수 있어요? (Can you go swimming today?)

Lastly, in school settings, students talk about their PE classes. Since 'survival swimming' is a mandatory subject, you will hear children talking about '수영 수업' (swimming class) and how they '수영했어요' (swam) that day. It is a word that spans all age groups and social classes, making it a truly universal part of the Korean vocabulary.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using '수영하다' is confusing it with other water-related verbs. Specifically, the difference between '수영하다' and '물놀이하다' is a major stumbling block. While '수영하다' refers to the actual physical act of swimming (moving through water), '물놀이하다' means 'to play in the water.' If you are at a water park or just splashing around, '물놀이하다' is more appropriate.

Particle Errors: Many learners use the particle '에' for location (수영장에 수영해요). This is incorrect. Because swimming is an action, you must use '에서' (수영장에서 수영해요).
Negation Confusion: Learners often confuse '수영 안 해요' (I don't swim - choice) with '수영 못 해요' (I can't swim - lack of ability). In Korean, being unable to swim is a very specific statement about skill.

Incorrect: 수영장에 수영해요.
Correct: 수영장에서 수영해요.

Another error involves the placement of adverbs. In English, we say 'I swim well.' In Korean, the adverb '잘' (well) must come *before* the '하다' part of the verb. So, '수영을 잘해요' is correct, whereas '수영해요 잘' is completely unnatural. Similarly, for 'cannot swim well,' you would say '수영을 잘 못 해요.'

저는 수영을 잘 못 해요. (I can't swim very well.)

Finally, don't forget the difference between '수영' (the noun) and '수영하다' (the verb). You can 'like swimming' (수영을 좋아해요), but you 'do swimming' (수영을 해요). Mixing these up can lead to sentences like '수영하다를 좋아해요,' which is grammatically incorrect. You must nominalize the verb or use the noun form.

While '수영하다' is the most common term, there are several other words related to moving in water that can add nuance to your Korean. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe specific situations more accurately.

헤엄치다 (He-eom-chi-da): This is the pure Korean (native) word for 'to swim.' While '수영하다' is used for people and sports, '헤엄치다' is often used for animals (like fish or dogs) or in more literary and poetic contexts. For example: '물고기가 헤엄쳐요' (The fish is swimming).
물놀이하다 (Mul-nol-i-ha-da): As mentioned before, this means 'to play in the water.' It's what you do at a water park, a shallow stream, or when you're just splashing around with friends. It doesn't imply any specific swimming stroke or skill.

아이들이 시냇가에서 물놀이하고 있어요. (The children are playing in the water at the stream.)

If you want to be more technical, you can use the names of specific swimming strokes. These are usually used with the verb '하다' or '배우다' (to learn). For example, '자유형' (freestyle), '배영' (backstroke), '평영' (breaststroke), and '접영' (butterfly). Instead of saying 'I am swimming freestyle,' you would say '저는 자유형을 해요.'

그는 어제부터 잠수했어요. (He has been off the grid since yesterday.)

In summary, choose '수영하다' for exercise and sport, '헤엄치다' for animals and nature, and '물놀이하다' for fun and splashing. By distinguishing these, you will communicate your intentions much more clearly to Korean speakers.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 泳 (yeong) contains the water radical on the left, emphasizing its connection to liquid. In ancient texts, this character specifically referred to human swimming as opposed to fish.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /su.jʌŋ.ɦa.da/

US /su.jʌŋ.hɑ.dɑ/

The stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the first syllable 'su'.

Rhymes With

경영하다 (gyeong-yeong-hada - to manage) 환영하다 (hwan-yeong-hada - to welcome) 반영하다 (ban-yeong-hada - to reflect) 상영하다 (sang-yeong-hada - to screen a movie) 운영하다 (un-yeong-hada - to operate) 촬영하다 (chwal-yeong-hada - to film) 번영하다 (beon-yeong-hada - to prosper) 찬영하다 (chan-yeong-hada - to praise)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yeong' as 'yong' (rhymes with 'song'). It should rhyme more with 'tongue' but with a clearer 'o' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada'. In fast speech, it often sounds like 'suyeong-ada'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is written in simple Hangeul and is very common in beginner texts.

Writing 2/5

The spelling of 'yeong' (영) can sometimes be confused with 'yong' (용) by beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronouncing the 'yeong' sound clearly requires some practice for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

It is a distinct-sounding word that is easy to recognize in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

물 (Water) 하다 (To do) 가다 (To go) 좋아하다 (To like) 있다 (To have/be)

Learn Next

운동하다 (To exercise) 달리다 (To run) 취미 (Hobby) 건강 (Health) 배우다 (To learn)

Advanced

자유형 (Freestyle) 호흡 (Breathing) 체력 (Stamina) 심폐지구력 (Cardiovascular endurance) 영법 (Swimming stroke)

Grammar to Know

-(으)러 가다 (Go to do something)

수영하러 가요. (I'm going to swim.)

-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (Can do something)

수영할 수 있어요. (I can swim.)

-기 전에 (Before doing something)

수영하기 전에 준비운동을 해요. (Before swimming, I warm up.)

-고 나서 (After doing something)

수영하고 나서 밥을 먹어요. (After swimming, I eat.)

-는 것 (Turning verb into noun)

수영하는 것은 재미있어요. (Swimming is fun.)

Examples by Level

저는 수영장에 가요.

I go to the swimming pool.

'수영장' is the noun for swimming pool, combined with the destination particle '에'.

오늘 수영해요?

Are you swimming today?

A simple question in the polite present tense.

수영을 좋아해요.

I like swimming.

'수영' is used here as a noun with the object particle '을'.

바다에서 수영해요.

I swim in the sea.

'에서' is used to indicate the location of an action.

어제 수영했어요.

I swam yesterday.

The past tense '했어요' is used for completed actions.

수영할 수 있어요?

Can you swim?

The '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다' pattern expresses ability.

수영은 재미있어요.

Swimming is fun.

'은' is the topic particle, making 'swimming' the subject of the description.

동생이 수영해요.

My younger sibling swims.

'이' is the subject particle.

저는 수영을 잘 못 해요.

I can't swim very well.

'잘 못' means 'not well' or 'poorly'.

매일 아침 수영하러 가요.

I go to swim every morning.

'-(으)러 가다' indicates the purpose of going somewhere.

수영하고 나서 샤워해요.

After swimming, I take a shower.

'-고 나서' means 'after doing'.

친구랑 같이 수영했어요.

I swam together with a friend.

'랑 같이' means 'together with'.

수영하는 것을 좋아하세요?

Do you like swimming?

'-는 것' turns the verb into a noun phrase.

내일은 수영하지 않을 거예요.

I will not swim tomorrow.

'-지 않다' is the long form of negation.

수영장에서 수영을 배웠어요.

I learned swimming at the pool.

'배웠어요' is the past tense of '배우다' (to learn).

수영은 건강에 아주 좋아요.

Swimming is very good for health.

'에 좋다' means 'good for'.

피곤해서 오늘은 수영 안 해요.

I'm tired, so I'm not swimming today.

'-아/어서' explains the reason.

수영할 때 안경을 써요?

Do you wear goggles when you swim?

'-(으)ㄹ 때' means 'when'.

수영을 하면 기분이 좋아져요.

When I swim, I feel better.

'-(으)면' is the conditional 'if/when'.

수영을 배우기 시작했어요.

I started learning how to swim.

'-기 시작하다' means 'to start doing'.

어떤 스타일로 수영해요?

What style do you swim?

'어떤' means 'which/what kind of'.

수영하러 가기 전에 준비운동을 해요.

I do warm-up exercises before going to swim.

'-기 전에' means 'before doing'.

비가 와도 수영할 수 있어요.

I can swim even if it rains.

'-아/어도' means 'even if'.

수영을 잘하려면 연습이 필요해요.

To swim well, practice is necessary.

'-(으)려면' means 'if you want to'.

수영하는 대신에 조깅을 했어요.

I went jogging instead of swimming.

'-는 대신에' means 'instead of'.

그는 수영 선수만큼 수영을 잘해요.

He swims as well as a professional swimmer.

'만큼' means 'as much as'.

수영을 하다가 다리를 다쳤어요.

I hurt my leg while swimming.

'-다가' indicates an action interrupted by another.

수영을 하면 스트레스가 풀려요.

Swimming relieves stress.

'스트레스가 풀리다' is a common idiom for stress relief.

어제 너무 많이 수영해서 피곤해요.

I'm tired because I swam too much yesterday.

'너무 많이' emphasizes the amount.

수영은 전신 운동이라고 들었어요.

I heard that swimming is a full-body workout.

'-라고 듣다' is used for reported speech.

수영할 수 있는 곳을 찾고 있어요.

I'm looking for a place where I can swim.

'-는 곳' means 'a place that'.

수영을 계속하면 살이 빠질 거예요.

If you keep swimming, you will lose weight.

'-면' combined with '계속' (continually).

수영을 하면 할수록 더 재미있어요.

The more I swim, the more fun it is.

'-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록' means 'the more... the more...'

그 선수는 물속에서 춤추듯이 수영해요.

That athlete swims as if dancing underwater.

'-듯이' means 'as if' or 'like'.

수영은 단순한 운동 이상의 의미가 있어요.

Swimming has a meaning beyond just exercise.

'이상의 의미' means 'meaning beyond'.

어릴 적부터 수영에 소질이 있었어요.

He has had a talent for swimming since he was young.

'소질이 있다' means 'to have talent'.

수영을 통해 인내심을 배웠습니다.

I learned patience through swimming.

'~을 통해' means 'through'.

그는 마치 물개처럼 수영을 잘해요.

He swims just like a seal.

'마치 ~처럼' is a strong simile.

수영하느라 약속 시간에 늦었어요.

I was late for the appointment because I was swimming.

'-느라' indicates a reason for a negative result.

수영을 그만둘까 생각 중이에요.

I'm thinking about quitting swimming.

'-(으)ㄹ까 생각 중이다' expresses hesitation.

수영이라는 고독한 투쟁을 즐깁니다.

I enjoy the lonely struggle called swimming.

'~이라는' defines the following noun.

수영의 역동성은 예술과도 같습니다.

The dynamism of swimming is like art.

'~과도 같다' means 'is just like'.

수영을 통해 자아를 성찰하는 시간을 갖습니다.

I take time to reflect on myself through swimming.

'자아를 성찰하다' means 'to self-reflect'.

격렬하게 수영한 뒤의 고요함을 사랑해요.

I love the silence after swimming intensely.

'격렬하게' is an advanced adverb for 'intensely'.

그의 수영 실력은 가히 독보적입니다.

His swimming skills are truly unrivaled.

'독보적' is an advanced word for 'unrivaled'.

수영은 인간의 한계에 도전하는 행위입니다.

Swimming is an act of challenging human limits.

'한계에 도전하다' means 'to challenge limits'.

수영하며 느끼는 부력은 자유를 상징합니다.

The buoyancy felt while swimming symbolizes freedom.

'부력' (buoyancy) and '상징하다' (symbolize).

수영의 매력은 끝이 없습니다.

The charm of swimming is endless.

'끝이 없다' means 'endless'.

Common Collocations

수영을 배우다

수영을 잘하다

수영을 못하다

수영하러 가다

수영장에 가다

새벽 수영

실내 수영

생존 수영

수영 실력

수영 대회

Common Phrases

수영하고 싶어요

— I want to swim. Used to express a desire.

더운 날씨라 수영하고 싶어요.

수영할 줄 알아요?

— Do you know how to swim? Asking about a learned skill.

수영할 줄 알아요? 아니요, 몰라요.

수영하기 좋아요

— It is good for swimming. Describing conditions.

오늘 물 온도가 수영하기 좋아요.

수영하러 오세요

— Come to swim. An invitation.

내일 우리 집 수영장에 수영하러 오세요.

수영은 어려워요

— Swimming is difficult. Expressing an opinion.

처음에는 수영은 어려워요.

수영이 최고예요

— Swimming is the best. Expressing preference.

여름 운동은 수영이 최고예요.

수영을 시작하다

— To start swimming. Beginning a routine.

건강을 위해 수영을 시작했어요.

수영을 그만두다

— To quit swimming. Stopping an activity.

바빠서 수영을 그만뒀어요.

수영을 계속하다

— To continue swimming. Persistence.

힘들어도 수영을 계속하세요.

수영을 즐기다

— To enjoy swimming. Leisure.

그는 주말마다 수영을 즐겨요.

Often Confused With

수영하다 vs 헤엄치다

'헤엄치다' is native Korean and more common for animals, while '수영하다' is Sino-Korean and used for humans/sports.

수영하다 vs 물놀이하다

'물놀이하다' is for playing in water, '수영하다' is for the actual act of swimming.

수영하다 vs 잠수하다

'잠수하다' specifically means going underwater, while '수영하다' is moving on or through the water.

Idioms & Expressions

"물 만난 물고기"

— Like a fish in water; being in one's element.

그는 무대 위에 서면 물 만난 물고기 같아요.

Informal

"식은 죽 먹기"

— A piece of cake; very easy (often used when describing how easy swimming is for someone).

나한테 수영은 식은 죽 먹기야.

Informal

"산 넘어 산"

— One obstacle after another (used when learning difficult strokes).

접영은 정말 산 넘어 산이에요.

Neutral

"발을 담그다"

— To dip one's toes in; to start something new.

수영에 처음 발을 담갔을 때가 생각나요.

Neutral

"눈 감고도 하다"

— To be able to do something with one's eyes closed.

그는 수영을 눈 감고도 할 수 있어요.

Informal

"허우적거리다"

— To flounder or struggle in water (or life).

물속에서 허우적거리지 말고 힘을 빼세요.

Neutral

"물거품이 되다"

— To come to nothing (like bubbles in water).

수영 대회 준비가 물거품이 되었어요.

Neutral

"물이 좋다"

— The 'water' (atmosphere/crowd) is good.

이 수영장은 물이 좋네요.

Slang

"맥주병"

— A 'beer bottle'; someone who cannot swim and sinks.

저는 수영을 못하는 맥주병이에요.

Informal

"잠수 타다"

— To go 'underwater'; to disappear or stop contacting people.

친구가 갑자기 잠수를 탔어요.

Slang

Easily Confused

수영하다 vs 수영

It's the noun form.

'수영' is 'swimming' (the noun), while '수영하다' is 'to swim' (the verb). You use '수영' with verbs like '좋아하다'.

수영을 좋아해요. (I like swimming.)

수영하다 vs 수영장

It sounds similar.

'수영장' is the place (swimming pool), not the action.

수영장에 가요. (I go to the pool.)

수영하다 vs 수영복

It sounds similar.

'수영복' is the clothing (swimsuit).

수영복을 입어요. (I wear a swimsuit.)

수영하다 vs 수영모

It sounds similar.

'수영모' is the swim cap.

수영모가 필요해요. (I need a swim cap.)

수영하다 vs 수영인

It sounds similar.

'수영인' refers to a person who swims (a swimmer).

그는 평생 수영인으로 살았어요. (He lived his life as a swimmer.)

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Place]에서 수영해요.

저는 수영장에서 수영해요.

[Time]에 수영해요.

아침에 수영해요.

수영을 [Adverb] 해요.

수영을 잘 해요.

수영할 수 [있어요/없어요].

수영할 수 있어요.

[Reason] 때문에 수영해요.

건강 때문에 수영해요.

수영하면서 [Action]해요.

수영하면서 생각해요.

수영하는 것보다 [Action]이 더 좋아요.

수영하는 것보다 걷는 것이 더 좋아요.

수영을 하면 할수록 [Result].

수영을 하면 할수록 힘이 나요.

Word Family

Nouns

수영 (Swimming)

수영장 (Swimming pool)

수영복 (Swimsuit)

수영모 (Swim cap)

수영인 (Swimmer)

Verbs

수영하다 (To swim)

헤엄치다 (To swim - native)

물놀이하다 (To play in water)

Adjectives

수영하기 좋은 (Good for swimming)

물 (Water)

바다 (Sea)

강 (River)

잠수 (Diving)

구조 (Rescue)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high, especially in discussions about hobbies, health, and summer activities.

Common Mistakes

수영장에 수영해요. → 수영장에서 수영해요.
'에' is for destination, '에서' is for the location of an action.
수영해요 잘. → 수영을 잘해요.
Adverbs like '잘' must come before the '하다' part of the verb.
물놀이해요 (when meaning lap swimming). → 수영해요.
'물놀이' is for playing; '수영' is for the actual exercise/sport.
안 수영해요. → 수영 안 해요.
In 'Noun+하다' verbs, '안' usually goes between the noun and '하다'.
수영하다를 좋아해요. → 수영하는 것을 좋아해요.
You cannot use a verb directly with '좋아하다'; it must be nominalized.

Tips

Particle Usage

Always use '에서' when describing the place where you are swimming. Using '에' is a common beginner mistake.

Specific Strokes

If you want to sound more advanced, learn the names of the strokes like '자유형' instead of just saying '수영하다'.

Public Pool Etiquette

Remember that public pools in Korea often have a 10-minute break every hour. Don't be surprised when everyone suddenly leaves the water!

The 'Yeong' Sound

Focus on the 'ng' ending. It should be a clean nasal sound. Don't let it sound like 'yon'.

Negation Placement

When using '안' (not), place it between '수영' and '해요'. '수영 안 해요' sounds more natural than '안 수영해요'.

Visual Aid

Imagine the 'ㅇ' in '영' as a swimming ring or a splash of water.

Natural Flow

Try to say '수영하러 가요' (I'm going to swim) as one fluid phrase to sound more like a native speaker.

Context Clues

If you hear '수영', look for words like '장' (place), '복' (clothes), or '하다' (action) to know exactly what is being discussed.

Compound Words

Learn compound words like '수영장' together. It's easier than learning 'pool' and 'swim' separately.

Doctor's Advice

If a doctor says '수영을 하세요', they are recommending it as a healthy, low-impact exercise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SU' as 'SUper' and 'YEONG' as 'YOUNG'. You feel 'Super Young' when you swim (수영)!

Visual Association

Imagine the letter 'S' in 'Suyeong' as a wave and the 'Y' as a person with their arms up splashing in the water.

Word Web

Water Pool Blue Health Summer Goggles Cool Beach

Challenge

Try to say '저는 매일 수영해요' five times fast without tripping over the 'yeong' sound.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters 水 (su - water) and 泳 (yeong - swim).

Original meaning: To move through water.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be aware that '맥주병' (beer bottle) is a common, slightly teasing way to call someone a non-swimmer. Use it only with friends.

In Western countries, swimming is often associated with backyard pools and casual summer parties. In Korea, it's more of a structured gym activity.

Park Tae-hwan (박태환) - Korea's first Olympic gold medalist in swimming. The movie 'No Breathing' (노브레싱) - a K-movie about competitive swimmers. Survival Swimming (생존 수영) programs in schools.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the swimming pool

수영장 어디예요? (Where is the pool?)
수영복 입어야 돼요? (Do I have to wear a swimsuit?)
수영할 수 있어요? (Can I swim?)
물 깊어요? (Is the water deep?)

Talking about hobbies

제 취미는 수영이에요. (My hobby is swimming.)
일주일에 세 번 수영해요. (I swim three times a week.)
수영은 건강에 좋아요. (Swimming is good for health.)
수영 같이 해요! (Let's swim together!)

At the beach

바다에서 수영하고 싶어요. (I want to swim in the sea.)
파도가 세서 수영 못 해요. (I can't swim because the waves are strong.)
여기서 수영해도 돼요? (Can I swim here?)
수영하기 너무 추워요. (It's too cold to swim.)

Learning to swim

수영을 배우고 싶어요. (I want to learn swimming.)
수영 강습이 언제예요? (When is the swimming lesson?)
선생님이 수영을 잘 가르쳐요. (The teacher teaches swimming well.)
수영 실력이 늘었어요. (My swimming skills have improved.)

Safety/Warnings

여기서 수영하지 마세요. (Don't swim here.)
수영하기 전에 준비운동 하세요. (Warm up before swimming.)
혼자 수영하면 위험해요. (It's dangerous to swim alone.)
구조대원이 수영하고 있어요. (The lifeguard is swimming.)

Conversation Starters

"수영 좋아하세요? (Do you like swimming?)"

"수영할 줄 아세요? (Do you know how to swim?)"

"어디에서 수영하는 것을 좋아해요? (Where do you like to swim?)"

"수영을 얼마나 자주 하세요? (How often do you swim?)"

"가장 좋아하는 수영 스타일이 뭐예요? (What is your favorite swimming style?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 수영장에서 수영을 했어요. 기분이 어땠나요? (I swam at the pool today. How did I feel?)

내가 수영을 배우고 싶은 이유는 무엇인가요? (What is the reason I want to learn swimming?)

바다에서 수영하는 것과 수영장에서 수영하는 것 중 무엇이 더 좋나요? (Which is better: swimming in the sea or a pool?)

수영 선수 박태환에 대해 아는 것이 있나요? (Do you know anything about swimmer Park Tae-hwan?)

어릴 때 수영을 배운 기억이 있나요? (Do you have memories of learning to swim as a child?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

There is virtually no difference in meaning. '수영을 하다' uses the object particle '을' to emphasize 'swimming' as the object of the action 'doing'. In casual speech, the particle is often dropped, resulting in '수영하다'.

Yes, you can, but '헤엄치다' is more commonly used for animals in Korean. If you say '우리 강아지가 수영해요', people will understand, but '헤엄쳐요' sounds more natural for a pet.

In Korean, you usually use the verb form: '저는 수영을 잘해요' (I swim well). You can also say '저는 수영 선수예요' if you are a professional, or '저는 수영을 좋아해요' if it's a hobby.

If you are going TO the pool, use '수영장에 가요'. If you are swimming AT the pool, use '수영장에서 수영해요'. '에서' is for actions happening at a location.

They are 자유형 (freestyle), 배영 (backstroke), 평영 (breaststroke), and 접영 (butterfly). You can say '[Stroke]으로 수영해요' (I swim with [Stroke]).

Unlike '잠수하다' (which means ghosting), '수영하다' is rarely used figuratively. It almost always refers to physical swimming.

You say '수영을 배웠어요'. If you want to say 'I know how to swim', use '수영할 줄 알아요'.

Many Sino-Korean nouns are turned into verbs by adding '하다'. '수영' is the noun, and '하다' makes it an action.

Yes, very much so. Many people swim for health, and it's a common subject in schools. Most neighborhoods have a public 'Sports Center' with a pool.

Yes! Almost all public pools in Korea require you to wear a '수영모' (swim cap) for hygiene reasons. If you don't have one, you might not be allowed in.