Level 4

놔두다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '놔두다' means to leave something as it is or to let it be without interference. It is often used when you want to express leaving an object, situation, or person alone, either temporarily or permanently.

Common Contexts

You can use '놔두다' when talking about leaving doors or windows open, not interfering with a problem or situation, or not disturbing someone. It often implies a deliberate choice to not act.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '문을 놔두다' (leave the door open): used when physically leaving something open or untouched.
  • '문제를 놔두다' (leave the problem alone): used when deciding not to deal with an issue immediately.
  • '아이를 놔두다' (leave the child alone): used when referring to not supervising someone.

Register and Politeness

'놔두다' is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. The formal equivalent is '내버려 두다'.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '놔두다' with '놓다' (to put/place) because they share the root '놓다'. Remember that '놔두다' specifically means to leave something as it is, not just to put it somewhere.

Example Sentences

문을 열어 놔두면 바람이 들어와요.

Muneul yeoreo nwadumyeon barami deureowayo.

If you leave the door open, the wind will come in.

그 문제는 잠시 놔두고 다른 일을 하자.

Geu munjeneun jamsi nwadugo dareun ireul haja.

Let's leave that problem for a while and do something else.

아이를 혼자 놔두면 위험할 수 있어요.

Aireul honja nwadumyeon wiheomhal su isseoyo.

It can be dangerous to leave a child alone.