Korean word

돌보다

Pronunciation

Romanizationtolboda

Meaning

  • verbtake care of

Example

주말에 친구 집에서 아이를 돌봤어요.chu ma re chin gu chi be seo a i reul tol bwa sseo yo

I took care of a child at my friend's house over the weekend.

Illustration for 돌보다 (take care of)

More examples

아기가 아플 때는 밤새 돌봐야 해요.a gi ga a peul ttae neun pam sae tol bwa ya hae yo

When the baby is sick, I need to take care of the baby all night.

Core concept

Watching over someone closely enough to notice needs and provide everyday help.

Common phrases

  • 아기를 돌보다a gi reul tol bo da

    take care of a baby

  • 반려동물을 돌보다pal lyeo dong mu reul tol bo da

    take care of a pet

Similar words

돌봐주다tolbwajuda: Helping someone for a limited time by taking care of practical needs.
보살피다posalpida: Watching over someone or something with regular attention and protective care.
챙기다chaenggida: Making sure necessary things are ready and important matters are not forgotten.
간호하다kanhohada: Providing bedside care and support to someone who is sick or hurt.

Definition in Korean

사람이나 동물의 일상적 필요를 챙기고 안전과 건강을 보살피는 동사sa ra mi na tong mu rui il sang jeok pi ryo reul chaeng gi go an jeon gwa keon gang eul po sal pi neun tong sa

Word origin

The exact history of this native Korean verb is uncertain, so it is best learned through its care-related meaning rather than a guessed decomposition.

Usage tips

  • It is natural for children, older people, and pets, while a more clinical English choice may be needed when the focus is medical treatment.

Other meanings

  • nurseverb
  • watch oververb

Opposites

Related words

  • 돌봄tolbomcaregivingnoun
  • 돌봄서비스tolbomseobiseucare servicesnoun

Word lists with this word