Korean word

나서다

Pronunciation

Romanizationnaseoda

Meaning

  • verbvolunteer

Example

이웃 주민이 도와주겠다고 나섰다.i ut chu mi ni to wa ju get tta go na seot tta

A neighbor volunteered, saying they would help.

Illustration for 나서다 (volunteer)

More examples

문제 해결을 위해 회사가 직접 나섰다.mun je hae gyeo reul wi hae hoe sa ga chik jjeop na seot tta

The company took the initiative to solve the problem directly.

Core concept

A person makes the first move into a situation instead of waiting for others.

Common phrases

  • 도와주겠다고 나서다to wa ju get tta go na seo da

    volunteer to help

  • 직접 나서다chik jjeop na seo da

    take the initiative directly

  • 문제 해결에 나서다mun je hae gyeo re na seo da

    step in to solve a problem

Similar words

나오다naoda: Move into view from somewhere inside or behind.
도와주다towajuda: Make another person's work or problem easier by giving help.
자원하다chawonhada: Put one's name forward willingly for a task or position.
참여하다chamyeohada: Join an activity and contribute effort, ideas, or a role.

Definition in Korean

자신의 뜻을 밝히고 먼저 어떤 일에 참여하거나 도와주겠다고 행동으로 나서는 동사.cha si nui tteu seul pal ki go meon jeo eo tteon i re cha myeo ha geo na to wa ju get tta go haeng dong eu ro na seo neun tong sa

Word origin

The origin of this verb is uncertain, and no reliable breakdown into meaningful components is available, so its active involvement sense is the safest way to remember it.

Usage tips

  • The word often shows the speaker's attitude toward initiative, so stepping in may sound helpful in one situation but intrusive in another.

Other meanings

  • take the initiativeverb
  • step forwardverb
  • interveneverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word