Level 4

업다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '업다' specifically means to carry someone or something on one's back or shoulders. It is often used when talking about carrying children or someone who cannot walk. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversation and is informal but polite enough for general use.

Common Collocations

  • 업다 + 사람/아이: to carry a person or child on one's back
  • 업고 다니다: to carry someone around on one's back
  • 업어 주다: to carry someone on one's back as a favor or help

Usage Notes

When using '업다', the object is usually a person, often a child or someone needing help. It implies physical closeness and care. It is different from '들다' (to lift) or '들어 올리다' (to raise up), which are more general lifting verbs.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '업다' with '안다' (to hold or hug), but '업다' specifically means carrying on the back, not in the arms. Also, '업다' is not used for carrying objects like bags or boxes; for those, verbs like '들다' or '메다' are used.

Understanding these nuances will help you use '업다' naturally in conversation.

Example Sentences

아기가 너무 어려서 엄마가 업고 다녀요.

Agiga neomu eoryeoseo eommaga eopgo danyeoyo.

The baby is too young, so the mother carries him on her back.

어린 동생을 업고 학교에 갔어요.

Eorin dongsaengeul eopgo hakgyoe gasseoyo.

I carried my little sibling on my back and went to school.

힘들 때 친구가 나를 업어 줘서 고마웠어요.

Himdeul ttae chinguga nareul eopeo jwoseo gomawosseoyo.

When I was tired, my friend carried me on their back, so I was thankful.