Korean word

돌아서다

Pronunciation

Romanizationtoraseoda

Meaning

  • verbturn around

Example

갑자기 뒤에서 소리가 나서 그는 돌아섰다.kap jja gi twi e seo so ri ga na seo keu neun to ra seot tta

A sound suddenly came from behind him, so he turned around.

Illustration for 돌아서다 (turn around)

More examples

차가 떠나는 모습을 보고 그는 뒤를 돌아섰다.cha ga tteo na neun mo seu beul po go keu neun twi reul to ra seot tta

Seeing the car drive away, he turned around.

Core concept

A person changes direction so their back faces what was in front, physically or as a sign of withdrawal.

Common phrases

  • 뒤를 돌아섰다twi reul to ra seot tta

    turn around

  • 조용히 돌아섰다cho yong hi to ra seot tta

    quietly turn around

Similar words

돌아보다toraboda: Look back by turning the head or body to check behind.
등지다teungjida: Face away from someone as a sign of rejection or withdrawal.
물러서다mulleoseoda: Move backward to leave more space around something.

Definition in Korean

방향을 바꿔 뒤를 향하거나 결심이나 거절을 나타낼 때 비유적으로 등을 돌리는 뜻으로도 쓰인다.pang hyang eul pa kkwo twi reul hyang ha geo na kyeol si mi na keo jeo reul na ta nael ttae pi yu jeo geu ro teung eul tol li neun tteu seu ro do sseu in da

Word origin

The verb combines the ideas of turning and standing, creating the basic image of turning to a new facing position.

Usage tips

  • When 돌아서다 (doraseoda, "to turn around") is used toward a person, it can suggest rejecting them or ending support, not just changing physical direction.

Other meanings

  • turn awayverb

Word lists with this word