살아가다
살아가다 em 30 segundos
- A compound verb meaning 'to lead a life' or 'to live on,' focusing on the process and progression of existence through time.
- Differs from '살다' (to live) by adding a sense of 'onward movement' and 'active effort' in navigating life's journey.
- Commonly used with adverbs of manner (e.g., honestly, busily) and in contexts of resilience, survival, or social harmony.
- Essential for expressing how one conducts their life or plans to move forward, frequently appearing in literature and emotional discourse.
The Korean verb 살아가다 is a beautiful, multifaceted word that goes far beyond the simple English translation of 'to live.' While the basic verb 살다 refers to the state of being alive or residing in a place, 살아가다 incorporates the auxiliary verb 가다 (to go), which adds a powerful sense of progression, continuity, and movement through time. It describes the act of navigating the complexities of existence, moving forward through the days, and managing one's life amidst various circumstances. It is the difference between simply 'existing' and 'leading a life.'
- Temporal Progression
- This word is used when the speaker wants to emphasize that life is a journey moving from the present into the future. It suggests a continuous effort to maintain one's existence and daily routines.
- Resilience and Survival
- Often used in contexts of hardship, it implies 'getting by' or 'carrying on' despite difficulties. It carries a nuance of endurance, suggesting that one is finding a way to survive and move forward.
- Social and Moral Conduct
- It is frequently used to describe how one lives—honestly, diligently, or together with others. It refers to the manner in which one conducts their life within a society.
우리는 서로를 의지하며 살아가고 있습니다.
In daily conversation, you will hear this word when people discuss their future plans, their struggles, or their philosophies on life. It is more dynamic than 살다. For instance, if you say "서울에서 살아요," you are just stating you reside in Seoul. But if you say "서울에서 열심히 살아가고 있어요," you are conveying that you are actively working hard and making a life for yourself in Seoul. This nuance of 'active progression' is what makes the word essential for intermediate learners.
힘든 상황에서도 꿋꿋하게 살아가는 사람들이 많습니다.
Furthermore, 살아가다 is commonly found in literature, song lyrics, and motivational speeches. It evokes a sense of time passing and the human spirit's persistence. When a singer sings about 'how to live,' they almost always use 살아가다 because it encompasses the past, present, and the unfolding future. It is a word of endurance and purpose.
내일을 향해 살아갑시다.
- Economic Context
- When talking about making a living or financial survival, 살아가다 is often paired with words like '생계' (livelihood). It describes the continuous effort to earn money to maintain life.
꿈이 있기에 우리는 살아갈 수 있습니다.
Using 살아가다 correctly requires an understanding of how it pairs with various adverbs and grammatical patterns to express the manner of living. Because it is a process verb, it often takes modifiers that describe the quality or method of one's existence. Below are the primary ways this verb is integrated into Korean sentences.
- With Manner Adverbs
- Adverbs like '열심히' (hard), '바쁘게' (busily), or '정직하게' (honestly) are common. They define the trajectory of the 'living' process.
- The '-면서' (While) Construction
- This is perhaps the most common pattern. It describes an action performed simultaneously with the act of living. Example: '웃으면서 살아가다' (To live while laughing/with a smile).
그는 평생을 정직하게 살아왔습니다.
Grammatically, 살아가다 is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object in the sense of 'living a thing,' but it can take 'life' (삶) as a cognate object: '보람 있는 삶을 살아가다' (To lead a meaningful life). It is often used in the present progressive form 살아가고 있다 to emphasize that the process is currently unfolding.
어떻게 살아갈지 고민 중이에요.
In formal settings, you will see the honorific form 살아가십니다 or the humble form depending on the subject. In news reports about the economy, you might see '어렵게 살아가다' to describe citizens struggling with the cost of living. In these cases, the word highlights the effort required to maintain life.
현대인들은 매우 바쁘게 살아갑니다.
- The Potential Form
- Using 살아갈 수 있다 (can live/survive) is common in survival or motivational contexts. It suggests the possibility of continuing life despite odds.
희망을 가지고 살아가야 합니다.
살아가다 is a staple in Korean expressive media. It is more poetic and evocative than the plain 살다, making it a favorite for songwriters, screenwriters, and novelists. If you are watching a K-drama and a character is reflecting on their life path, they will likely use this word. If you are listening to a ballad about enduring heartbreak, this word will appear to describe the painful process of living each day after a breakup.
- K-Pop and Ballads
- Lyrics often feature phrases like '너 없이 어떻게 살아갈까' (How will I live on without you?). Here, the word emphasizes the daunting future and the continuous effort to exist without a loved one.
- Documentaries and News
- Narrators use 살아가다 when describing the lives of people in unique or challenging environments—for example, '히말라야에서 살아가는 사람들' (People living in the Himalayas). It highlights the survival aspect.
각자의 방식으로 살아가는 청춘들의 이야기.
In everyday speech, you'll hear it in advice. An elder might say to a younger person, '세상을 너무 만만하게 보고 살아가지 마라' (Don't go through life thinking the world is easy). It is used when discussing the 'how-to' of life. It’s also common in the phrase '살아가면서' (as one goes through life), which is used to introduce life lessons or observations.
우리는 모두 치열하게 살아가고 있습니다.
In business or economic news, you will hear it regarding 'livelihood' (생계). Phrases like '생계를 이어가다' are similar, but '생계를 위해 살아가다' emphasizes the human aspect of working to sustain one's existence. It is also found in environmental contexts—'지구에서 살아가는 수많은 생명체들' (The many living beings on Earth).
앞으로 어떻게 살아갈지 막막해요.
- Social Media and Blogs
- Titles like '자취생으로 살아가기' (Living as a student living alone) are very common. Here it implies 'the experience/process of living' as a specific identity.
함께 살아가는 지혜가 필요합니다.
While 살아가다 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other verbs derived from '살다' or use it in contexts where a simpler word would suffice. Understanding the subtle directional and temporal nuances of the -가다 suffix is key to avoiding these errors.
- Confusing 살아가다 with 살다
- The most common mistake is using 살아가다 when simply stating a fact of residence. You should not say '저는 뉴욕에서 살아가요' to mean 'I live in New York.' Use '살아요' instead. 살아가요 suggests you are 'getting by' or 'forging a life' there, which might sound overly dramatic for a simple introduction.
- Directional Confusion: 살아가다 vs 살아오다
- Learners often mix these up. 살아오다 (to have lived up to now) looks at the past. 살아가다 (to live on/into the future) looks at the future. If you want to say 'I have lived here for 10 years,' use 살아왔어요, not 살아갔어요.
❌ 저는 5년 동안 서울에서 살아갔어요.
Another mistake involves the auxiliary verb -아/어 가다's other meaning: 'almost finished.' For example, 다 되어 가다 means 'almost done.' However, 살아가다 does NOT mean 'almost finished living' (which would be 죽어가다 - dying). In the context of life, -가다 exclusively refers to the progression into the future.
❌ 내일 어디에서 살아갈까요?
Lastly, don't confuse 살아가다 with 살아나다 (to come back to life/revive). If someone recovers from an illness, you use 살아나다. 살아가다 is about the ongoing process after you are already 'alive'.
❌ 식물이 다시 살아갔어요.
- Overusing the Progressive Form
- While 살아가고 있다 is correct, using it for every instance of 'living' can sound repetitive. In many cases, the plain 살아간다 or 살아갑니다 is more natural for general truths or habits.
우리는 미래를 위해 살아가야 합니다.
Korean has several words related to 'living,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about survival, lifestyle, residence, or the philosophical journey of life. Below is a comparison of 살아가다 with its closest relatives.
- 살다 vs 살아가다
- 살다 is the basic, neutral verb for 'to live.' It covers residing in a place or simply being alive. 살아가다 adds the nuance of 'onward movement' and 'process.' Use 살다 for facts, 살아가다 for the journey.
- 생활하다 (生活--) vs 살아가다
- 생활하다 refers to 'leading a daily life' or 'lifestyle.' It is more functional and often used for specific environments (e.g., '학교 생활' - school life). 살아가다 is more emotional and existential.
- 생존하다 (生存--) vs 살아가다
- 생존하다 means 'to survive' in a biological or literal sense (e.g., surviving a disaster). 살아가다 can imply survival but usually refers to the continuous act of living through those circumstances.
그들은 숲속에서 생활하고 있습니다.
Another interesting alternative is 지내다. This word is often translated as 'to spend time' or 'to get along.' When someone asks 'How are you?' (어떻게 지내세요?), they are asking about your recent state. 살아가다 is too heavy for this casual greeting. You would use 살아가다 only if you were discussing your long-term life path or a major struggle.
인간은 사회적 동물로서 함께 살아가야 합니다.
For survival in the face of death, 목숨을 부지하다 (to barely stay alive) is a more visceral phrase. 살아가다 is broader and less desperate, though it can still imply a difficult life (e.g., '하루하루 힘들게 살아가다').
어려운 형편 속에서도 꿈을 잃지 않고 살아갑니다.
- Summary Table
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- 살다: Basic existence/residence.
- 살아가다: Ongoing process/journey/future-oriented.
- 생활하다: Daily routine/lifestyle.
- 지내다: Passing time/current state.
- 생존하다: Biological survival.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The auxiliary '-가다' is used in many Korean verbs to indicate a process that continues from the present into the future. For example, '늙어가다' (to be getting older) or '익어가다' (to be ripening). It literally maps the passage of time onto the concept of physical movement.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'r' (ㄹ) like an English 'l' or a heavy American 'r'. It should be a light tap.
- Stressing the 'ga' (가) too much because it's the start of the second verb part.
- Making the 's' in 'sal' too sharp/hissing.
- Not connecting the syllables smoothly (liaison: 살 + 아 -> 사라).
- Pronouncing 'da' like 'ta'.
Nível de dificuldade
Easy to recognize in texts but requires understanding of compound verbs.
Requires knowledge of appropriate adverbs and temporal nuance.
Natural usage requires distinguishing it from the simpler '살다'.
Commonly heard in dramas and songs; easy to identify.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Auxiliary Verb -아/어 가다
늙어가다 (getting old), 익어가다 (ripening).
Connective Ending -(으)면서
웃으면서 살아가다 (living while laughing).
Connective Ending -(으)며
서로 도우며 살아가다 (living while helping each other).
Nominalizer -는 것
정직하게 살아가는 것이 중요해요.
Purpose Ending -기 위해
가족을 위해 열심히 살아갑니다.
Exemplos por nível
우리는 행복하게 살아갑니다.
We live happily.
Present tense: 살아갑니다 (formal polite).
열심히 살아가요.
I live hard (diligently).
Present tense: 살아가요 (polite).
친구와 함께 살아가요.
I live together with a friend.
Adverbial phrase: 친구와 함께.
매일 바쁘게 살아갑니다.
I live busily every day.
Adverb: 바쁘게 (busily).
건강하게 살아가고 싶어요.
I want to live healthily.
-고 싶다 (want to).
꿈을 위해 살아가요.
I live for my dreams.
-를 위해 (for the sake of).
어떻게 살아가요?
How do you live?
Question word: 어떻게 (how).
오늘도 힘차게 살아갑시다!
Let's live energetically today too!
-읍시다 (let's).
가족을 생각하며 살아갑니다.
I live while thinking of my family.
-며 (while).
웃으면서 살아가면 좋겠어요.
It would be good if we lived while laughing.
-면서 (while) + -면 좋겠다 (hope for).
혼자 살아가는 것은 힘들어요.
Living alone is hard.
-는 것 (nominalizer) + 힘들다 (to be hard).
우리는 서로 도우며 살아갑니다.
We live while helping each other.
Reciprocal: 서로 도우며.
앞으로 어떻게 살아갈 거예요?
How are you going to live in the future?
-ㄹ 거예요 (future tense).
정직하게 살아가는 것이 중요해요.
Living honestly is important.
Adverb: 정직하게 (honestly).
돈을 벌어서 살아가야 해요.
I have to live by earning money.
-아/어 서 (reason/sequence) + -야 하다 (must).
희망을 잃지 않고 살아갑니다.
I live without losing hope.
-지 않고 (without doing).
어려운 이웃과 더불어 살아갑시다.
Let's live together with our neighbors in need.
더불어 (together with).
그는 평생을 남을 위해 살아갔습니다.
He lived his whole life for others.
Past tense of progression: 살아갔습니다.
변화하는 세상에 맞춰 살아가야 해요.
We must live in accordance with the changing world.
-에 맞춰 (in accordance with).
자연과 조화를 이루며 살아가는 법을 배워요.
Learn how to live in harmony with nature.
-는 법 (the way/method of).
각자의 개성을 살리며 살아가는 청년들.
Youths living while making the most of their individuality.
-를 살리다 (to make the most of).
힘든 시기를 잘 견디며 살아가고 있어요.
I am living on while enduring difficult times well.
견디다 (to endure).
우리는 매일 새로운 미래를 향해 살아갑니다.
We live toward a new future every day.
-를 향해 (toward).
도시에서 바쁘게 살아가는 현대인들의 모습.
The appearance of modern people living busily in the city.
Noun modification: 살아가는 현대인.
현대 사회에서 경쟁하며 살아가는 것은 당연한 일이다.
Living while competing in modern society is a natural thing.
경쟁하다 (to compete).
자신의 신념을 지키며 살아가는 사람이 존경받는다.
A person who lives while keeping their beliefs is respected.
신념을 지키다 (to keep one's beliefs).
물질적인 풍요보다 마음의 평화를 찾으며 살아가고 싶다.
I want to live seeking peace of mind rather than material abundance.
A보다 B (B rather than A).
우리는 지구라는 행성에서 공존하며 살아가야 한다.
We must live while coexisting on the planet called Earth.
공존하다 (to coexist).
과거에 얽매이지 않고 현재를 충실히 살아가야 합니다.
You must live the present faithfully without being tied to the past.
얽매이다 (to be tied/bound).
예술가들은 고독을 친구 삼아 살아가는 경우가 많다.
Artists often live with solitude as their friend.
A를 B 삼아 (taking A as B).
어려운 경제 상황 속에서 서민들이 어떻게 살아가는지 조사했다.
We investigated how common people are living in difficult economic situations.
Indirect question: 어떻게 살아가는지.
부모님은 자식들을 위해 평생을 희생하며 살아가셨다.
Parents lived their whole lives sacrificing for their children.
Honorific: 살아가셨다.
인간은 망각의 동물이라 슬픔을 잊고 살아갈 수 있는 것이다.
Humans are animals of forgetfulness, which is why they can live on forgetting sadness.
-라 (because it is...).
치열한 생존 경쟁 속에서 인간성을 잃지 않고 살아가기란 쉽지 않다.
It is not easy to live without losing one's humanity in the fierce competition for survival.
-기란 (as for doing...).
그녀는 예술에 대한 열정 하나로 평생을 살아온 고독한 예술가다.
She is a lonely artist who has lived her whole life with only her passion for art.
Note: 살아오다 is used here for past focus, but the context implies the process of '살아가다' over time.
우리는 기성세대가 만들어 놓은 틀 속에서 살아가고 있다.
We are living within the framework created by the older generation.
기성세대 (older/established generation).
진정한 자아를 찾아 살아가는 과정이 바로 인생이다.
The process of living while finding one's true self is exactly what life is.
바로 (exactly/precisely).
다문화 사회에서 타인의 문화를 존중하며 살아가는 지혜가 필요하다.
In a multicultural society, wisdom to live while respecting others' cultures is needed.
타인 (others).
디지털 시대에 아날로그적 감성을 유지하며 살아가는 이들이 늘고 있다.
The number of people living while maintaining analog sensibilities in the digital age is increasing.
-ㄴ/은/는 이들 (those who...).
역사의 소용돌이 속에서 민초들이 어떻게 살아갔는지를 조명했다.
It illuminated how the common people lived through the whirlpool of history.
민초 (the common people/grassroots).
삶의 유한함을 깨달을 때 비로소 우리는 매 순간을 소중히 살아가게 된다.
Only when we realize the finiteness of life do we come to live every moment preciously.
비로소 (at last/only then).
군중 속의 고독을 느끼며 살아가는 현대인의 실존적 고민을 다룬 소설.
A novel dealing with the existential worries of modern people living while feeling solitude within a crowd.
실존적 (existential).
그는 대자연의 섭리에 순응하며 살아가는 삶의 태도를 견지했다.
He maintained an attitude of living in conformity with the providence of mother nature.
견지하다 (to maintain/adhere to).
시대의 아픔을 온몸으로 겪으며 살아간 지식인들의 고뇌가 느껴진다.
One can feel the anguish of intellectuals who lived through the pain of their era with their whole bodies.
온몸으로 겪다 (to experience with one's whole body).
물질 만능주의 사회에서 정신적 가치를 추구하며 살아가기란 숭고한 투쟁이다.
Living while pursuing spiritual values in a materialistic society is a noble struggle.
숭고하다 (noble/sublime).
우리는 각자 부여받은 운명의 굴레를 짊어지고 살아가는 존재들이다.
We are beings who live while carrying the yoke of destiny assigned to each of us.
굴레를 짊어지다 (to carry a yoke/burden).
타자의 시선에서 자유로워질 때 비로소 진정으로 살아갈 수 있다.
Only when one becomes free from the gaze of others can one truly live.
타자 (the other/others).
기술의 진보가 인간이 살아가는 방식을 근본적으로 뒤바꿔 놓았다.
The progress of technology has fundamentally overturned the way humans live.
뒤바꿔 놓다 (to overturn/change completely).
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— Worrying or thinking about the future path of life.
졸업 후 어떻게 살아갈지 고민이에요.
— Things one feels or learns while going through life.
이 책은 작가가 살아가면서 느끼는 것들을 담고 있다.
— To live in the world (often implies navigating society).
험한 세상을 살아가는 것은 쉽지 않다.
— To live as oneself (authentically).
누구의 눈치도 보지 않고 나답게 살아가고 싶다.
— To live for the sake of making a living.
그는 오직 생계를 위해 하루하루 살아간다.
— To live with a positive attitude.
힘든 일이 있어도 웃으며 살아갑시다.
— To live alone or independently.
낯선 외국에서 혼자 살아가는 법을 배웠다.
— To live only looking forward (often ignoring surroundings).
성공을 위해 앞만 보고 살아가는 삶은 허무하다.
— To live an ordinary/normal life.
특별한 욕심 없이 평범하게 살아가는 게 꿈이에요.
— To live by/with hope.
절망적인 상황에서도 희망으로 살아가는 사람들.
Frequentemente confundido com
살다 is for basic residence or existence; 살아가다 is for the process/journey.
살아오다 looks back at the past; 살아가다 looks forward to the future.
살아나다 means to revive or come back to life; 살아가다 is the ongoing process of living.
Expressões idiomáticas
— To barely make a living; to live from hand to mouth.
겨우 입에 풀칠하며 살아가는 형편이다.
Colloquial— To live because one cannot die (to live a very miserable life).
그는 요즘 죽지 못해 살아가는 것처럼 보인다.
Informal/Emotional— To live a repetitive, monotonous life (like a squirrel on a wheel).
매일 다람쥐 쳇바퀴 돌듯 살아가는 일상이 지겹다.
Colloquial— To live as the wind blows (to live without a fixed plan or goal).
그는 아무 계획 없이 바람 부는 대로 살아간다.
Literary— To live while chasing clouds (to have unrealistic dreams).
현실을 무시하고 구름 잡듯 살아가지 마라.
Colloquial— To live a life like walking on a path of thorns (a very difficult life).
그녀는 평생 가시밭길을 살아온 강한 여성이었다.
Literary/Emotional— To live while only walking on flower paths (to have an easy, happy life).
앞으로는 꽃길만 걸으며 살아가길 바랄게.
Slang/Modern— To live like flowing water (to live naturally and without resistance).
억지로 노력하기보다 물 흐르듯 살아가고 싶다.
Philosophical— To live like a mayfly (to live only for the moment without future plans).
내일은 생각하지 않고 하루살이처럼 살아가는 청년들.
Metaphorical— To live while only breathing (to live a life with no passion or activity).
너무 무기력해서 그냥 숨만 쉬고 살아가는 기분이에요.
InformalFácil de confundir
Both relate to 'living.'
생활하다 focuses on daily routine and activities. 살아가다 focuses on the existential journey and progression.
그는 군대에서 생활하고 있다 (He is living/serving in the army). 우리는 희망으로 살아간다 (We live with hope).
Both can imply staying alive.
생존하다 is literal biological survival. 살아가다 is leading a life over time.
조난자가 10일 만에 생존했다 (The survivor lived after 10 days). 힘든 환경에서 꿋꿋이 살아간다 (Living on steadfastly in a hard environment).
Both describe passing time.
지내다 is for short-term states or general 'how are you' contexts. 살아가다 is for long-term life paths.
방학을 잘 지냈어요 (I spent my vacation well). 평생을 정직하게 살아갔다 (Lived his whole life honestly).
Both mean to lead a life.
영위하다 is very formal and academic. 살아가다 is more common and emotional.
문화생활을 영위하다 (To lead a cultural life). 행복하게 살아가다 (To live happily).
Both imply continuation.
이어가다 means to 'continue' a specific thing (like a tradition). 살아가다 means to 'continue living' one's life.
명맥을 이어가다 (To continue a tradition). 삶을 살아가다 (To live life).
Padrões de frases
[Adverb] 살아가요.
행복하게 살아가요.
[Noun]을/를 위해 살아가요.
꿈을 위해 살아가요.
[Verb]-면서 살아가요.
웃으면서 살아가요.
[Noun]와/과 더불어 살아가다.
이웃과 더불어 살아가다.
[Adverb] 살아가는 [Noun].
열심히 살아가는 사람들.
어떻게 살아가야 할지 [Verb].
어떻게 살아가야 할지 고민이에요.
[Noun]의 굴레 속에서 살아가다.
운명의 굴레 속에서 살아가다.
[Noun]에 순응하며 살아가다.
자연의 섭리에 순응하며 살아가다.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
High (especially in media and literature).
-
저는 한국에서 살아가요. (to mean 'I live in Korea')
→
저는 한국에서 살아요.
Using '살아가다' for simple residence sounds like you are on a dramatic journey or struggling to survive. Use '살다' for basic facts.
-
10년 동안 여기서 살아갔어요.
→
10년 동안 여기서 살아왔어요.
'살아가다' is for the future/progression. '살아오다' is for the past up to the present. For 'have lived,' use '살아오다'.
-
식물이 다시 살아가요. (to mean 'The plant is reviving')
→
식물이 다시 살아나요.
'살아나다' is the verb for 'to revive' or 'to come back to life.' '살아가다' is for the ongoing process of living.
-
어떻게 살아요? (in a deep philosophical sense)
→
어떻게 살아가야 할까요?
While '어떻게 살아요?' is okay, '살아가다' is much better for discussing life's path, purpose, and future direction.
-
다 살아가다 (to mean 'almost finished living')
→
죽어가다 (to be dying)
In some verbs, '-아/어 가다' means 'almost done,' but with '살다,' it only means 'progression.' '죽어가다' is the correct word for the end of life.
Dicas
Compound Verb Logic
Remember that '살아가다' is '살다' + '가다'. The '가다' part doesn't mean moving to a place; it means the 'state' is moving forward in time.
Active vs. Passive
Use '살아가다' when you want to sound like you are actively shaping your life. It sounds more determined than just '살다'.
Social Harmony
The phrase '더불어 살아가다' is very common in Korean culture. It means 'living together in harmony' and is great for essays or formal talks.
Don't Use for Residence
Avoid saying '서울에서 살아가요' unless you mean you are struggling or embarking on a life journey there. Stick to '서울에서 살아요' for simple facts.
Pair with -면서
One of the most natural ways to use this word is with '-면서' (while). Example: '꿈을 꾸면서 살아가요' (I live while dreaming).
Ballad Keywords
In Korean ballads, '살아가다' often appears in the chorus. It usually signifies the singer's struggle to continue life after losing a lover.
Adverb Choice
Because '살아가다' is a process verb, it loves adverbs. Always think about 'how' the person is living when you use it.
Resilience
Koreans use this word to show strength. '꿋꿋이 살아가다' (to live on steadfastly) is a high-praise phrase for someone who overcomes hardship.
Directional Auxiliaries
Master the difference between '-가다' (future-facing) and '-오다' (past-facing). This applies to many verbs, not just '살다'.
Emotional Weight
Use '살아가다' when you want to add a bit of 'drama' or 'soul' to your sentence. It makes your Korean sound more natural and expressive.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine you are 'living' (살) while 'going' (가다) down a long road. You aren't just standing there; you are moving through the road of life.
Associação visual
A person walking along a winding path that stretches into the horizon, carrying a backpack labeled 'Life' (삶).
Word Web
Desafio
Try to write three sentences about your goals for next year using '살아갈 거예요' (I will live/move forward).
Origem da palavra
A compound of the Korean native verb '살다' (to live) and the auxiliary verb '가다' (to go). '살다' comes from Middle Korean '살다', which has been the primary word for life and residence for centuries.
Significado original: To continue living as one goes forward.
Koreanic (Native Korean words).Contexto cultural
Be careful when using '죽지 못해 살아가다' (living because I can't die); it is very heavy and implies extreme depression or hardship.
English speakers might just say 'I'm living' or 'I'm getting by.' '살아가다' is more specific about the forward movement of time.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Future Aspirations
- 꿈을 향해 살아가다
- 희망을 갖고 살아가다
- 멋지게 살아가다
- 보람 있는 삶을 살아가다
Social Harmony
- 더불어 살아가다
- 서로 도우며 살아가다
- 이웃과 함께 살아가다
- 조화롭게 살아가다
Hardship/Survival
- 힘들게 살아가다
- 어렵게 살아가다
- 하루하루 살아가다
- 꿋꿋하게 살아가다
Daily Routine/Lifestyle
- 바쁘게 살아가다
- 평범하게 살아가다
- 정직하게 살아가다
- 나답게 살아가다
Philosophical Reflection
- 어떻게 살아가야 하는가
- 살아가는 이유
- 살아가는 과정
- 인생을 살아가다
Iniciadores de conversa
"앞으로 어떤 목표를 가지고 살아가고 싶으세요?"
"요즘 가장 보람 있게 살아가는 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"
"힘든 일이 있을 때 어떻게 이겨내며 살아가시나요?"
"자연과 더불어 살아가는 삶에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"
"자신만의 방식으로 살아가는 사람들을 보면 어떤 느낌이 드나요?"
Temas para diário
내가 꿈꾸는 '나답게 살아가는 모습'에 대해 구체적으로 적어보세요.
오늘 하루 내가 어떻게 살아갔는지, 무엇을 느꼈는지 기록해 보세요.
10년 후의 나는 어떤 모습으로 살아가고 있을지 상상해 보세요.
누군가에게 도움이 되며 살아갔던 경험이 있다면 공유해 주세요.
바쁜 일상 속에서도 잃지 않고 살아가고 싶은 가치는 무엇인가요?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasGenerally, no. For stating your residence, like 'I live in Seoul,' you should use '살다' (서울에 살아요). '살아가다' implies a journey or a struggle, so using it for a simple address sounds unnaturally heavy or dramatic.
It is neutral in terms of formality, but it is more 'literary' and 'expressive' than '살다.' You will find it in both casual songs and formal speeches, but it's rarely used for simple, factual statements in everyday speech.
'살아가고 있다' is the progressive form, emphasizing that the action of living is happening right now. '살아간다' is a general statement. For example, '나는 열심히 살아간다' is a general principle, while '나는 열심히 살아가고 있다' emphasizes your current effort.
It can mean 'to survive' in a metaphorical sense (getting by in a hard world), but for literal survival (like surviving a crash), '생존하다' or '살아남다' is better. '살아가다' is about the long-term process after the survival event.
Yes, it can be used for animals or any living beings when describing how they exist in their environment. For example, '숲에서 살아가는 동물들' (Animals living in the forest).
You should use '살아오다' (살아왔어요) because you are looking back from the present to the past. '살아가다' is for looking from the present into the future.
Yes, very often! It is used to express the pain of 'living on' after a breakup or the determination to 'live for' one's dreams. It has a very poetic and emotional feel.
The noun '삶' (life) is often used with '살아가다' (삶을 살아가다). There isn't a single noun that means 'the act of living forward,' but '생활' (living/life) is sometimes used in similar contexts.
Manner adverbs like '열심히' (hard), '정직하게' (honestly), '행복하게' (happily), '바쁘게' (busily), and '힘겹게' (with difficulty) are the most common.
It is less common for plants than for humans or animals, but in a poetic or scientific context describing how a plant 'exists' and 'grows' in an environment, it is possible.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Translate to Korean: 'I want to live happily.'
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Translate to Korean: 'We live together with nature.'
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Translate to Korean: 'I am living for my dreams.'
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Translate to Korean: 'How will you live in the future?'
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Translate to Korean: 'Living honestly is important.'
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Translate to Korean: 'He lived his whole life for others.'
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Translate to Korean: 'We are all living fiercely.'
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Write a sentence using '살아가면서' (while living).
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Translate to Korean: 'I live while smiling even when it's hard.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Modern people live busily.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Let's live together in harmony.'
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Translate to Korean: 'It's hard to live alone.'
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Translate to Korean: 'I will live on with hope.'
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Translate to Korean: 'People living in the city.'
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Write a sentence using '어떻게 살아가야 할지'.
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Translate to Korean: 'I live by earning money.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Reason for living.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Living authentically is not easy.'
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Translate to Korean: 'We live toward tomorrow.'
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Translate to Korean: 'A life lived with integrity.'
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Talk about how you want to live in the future using '살아가고 싶어요'.
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Explain what '더불어 살아가다' means to you.
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Describe a person who lives busily using '바쁘게 살아가는'.
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How do you 'live on' after a difficult day? Use '살아가요'.
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Discuss the importance of living honestly using '정직하게 살아가는 것'.
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What are your dreams for living in a new country? Use '살아갈 거예요'.
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Describe a scene of people living in harmony with nature.
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Explain why hope is important for living. Use '희망으로 살아가다'.
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Tell a story about a resilient person you know using '꿋꿋이 살아가다'.
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What does 'living like a mayfly' mean in your culture?
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Describe your daily routine using '하루하루 살아가다'.
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Discuss the challenges of living alone using '혼자 살아가는 것'.
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How can we live together in a multicultural society?
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Talk about a goal you are living for using '꿈을 위해 살아가다'.
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What are the pros and cons of living in a big city?
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How do you maintain your values while living in a competitive world?
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Describe a person who lives while helping others.
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What does it mean to 'live like water' to you?
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Talk about your future plans after finishing your studies.
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Why do people say 'living is a journey'?
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Listen and write: '우리는 내일을 위해 살아갑니다.'
Listen and write: '열심히 살아가는 모습이 아름다워요.'
Listen and write: '어떻게 살아가야 할지 고민이에요.'
Listen and write: '행복하게 살아갑시다.'
Listen and write: '서로 도우며 살아가는 세상.'
Listen and write: '정직하게 살아가는 것이 중요해요.'
Listen and write: '희망을 잃지 말고 살아갑시다.'
Listen and write: '나답게 살아가는 용기.'
Listen and write: '바쁘게 살아가는 현대인들.'
Listen and write: '함께 살아가는 지혜.'
Listen and identify the verb: '꿈을 향해 살아가는 청년들.'
Listen and write: '하루하루 최선을 다해 살아갑니다.'
Listen and write: '어려운 이웃과 더불어 살아가요.'
Listen and write: '웃으며 살아가는 삶이 좋아요.'
Listen and write: '꿋꿋이 살아가는 의지.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '살아가다' is the dynamic version of 'to live.' Use it when you want to describe the <span class='italic'>journey</span> of life rather than just the <span class='italic'>fact</span> of living. Example: '꿈을 위해 열심히 살아가요' (I am living hard for my dreams).
- A compound verb meaning 'to lead a life' or 'to live on,' focusing on the process and progression of existence through time.
- Differs from '살다' (to live) by adding a sense of 'onward movement' and 'active effort' in navigating life's journey.
- Commonly used with adverbs of manner (e.g., honestly, busily) and in contexts of resilience, survival, or social harmony.
- Essential for expressing how one conducts their life or plans to move forward, frequently appearing in literature and emotional discourse.
Compound Verb Logic
Remember that '살아가다' is '살다' + '가다'. The '가다' part doesn't mean moving to a place; it means the 'state' is moving forward in time.
Active vs. Passive
Use '살아가다' when you want to sound like you are actively shaping your life. It sounds more determined than just '살다'.
Social Harmony
The phrase '더불어 살아가다' is very common in Korean culture. It means 'living together in harmony' and is great for essays or formal talks.
Don't Use for Residence
Avoid saying '서울에서 살아가요' unless you mean you are struggling or embarking on a life journey there. Stick to '서울에서 살아요' for simple facts.
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de general
몇몇
A2Alguns; alguns poucos.
조금
A1Eu entendo um pouco de coreano. (한국어를 조금 이해해요.)
적게
A1Pouco, em pequena quantidade. Usado para descrever uma ação feita de forma limitada.
약간
A2Um pouco; ligeiramente. Usado para descrever uma pequena quantidade ou um grau leve.
많이
A1Muito. 'Comi muito' (많이 먹었어요). 'Estudei muito' (공부 많이 했어요).
잠시
A2Por um momento; brevemente. 'Por favor, espere um momento.' (잠시만 기다려 주세요.) 'Voltarei em um momento.' (잠시 후에 돌아오겠습니다.)
잠깐
A2For a short time; a moment.
아까
A2Há pouco, mais cedo. Eu o vi há pouco na rua.
대해
A2Significa 'sobre' ou 'a respeito de'. É usado para introduzir o tópico de uma conversa, pensamento ou estudo.
~에 대해서
A2Sobre; a respeito de.