Level 4

되돌아가다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '되돌아가다' means 'to go back' or 'to retrace one's steps.' It is commonly used when someone physically returns to a previous place or figuratively goes back in time or thought.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '되돌아가다' when someone realizes they took a wrong turn or wants to revisit a past moment or decision. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '길을 되돌아가다' (to go back on the road): used when physically retracing a route.
  • '시간을 되돌아가다' (to go back in time): used metaphorically to talk about returning to a past moment.
  • '되돌아가서 확인하다' (go back and check): often used in work or study contexts to review or correct something.

Register and Politeness

'되돌아가다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard verb without special honorific forms.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '되돌아가다' with '돌아가다.' The latter often means 'to return' or 'to pass away' depending on context, while '되돌아가다' emphasizes going back to a previous point or state. Pay attention to the nuance of 'reversing' or 'backtracking' implied by '되돌아가다.'

Example Sentences

길을 잘못 들어서 다시 되돌아가야 했다.

Gireul jalmos deureoseo dasi doedolagaya haetda.

I took the wrong path, so I had to go back.

시간을 되돌아가서 그때로 돌아가고 싶다.

Sigan-eul doedolagaseo geuttaero doragago sipda.

I want to go back in time and return to that moment.

회의 중에 잘못된 부분을 되돌아가서 다시 확인했다.

Hoeui junge jalmosdoen bubeun-eul doedolagaseo dasi hwagin haetda.

During the meeting, we backtracked to the incorrect part and checked it again.