Korean word

맞서다

Pronunciation

Romanizationmatsseoda

Meaning

  • verbface

Example

그는 어려움에 맞섰다.keu neun eo ryeo u me mat sseot tta

He faced difficulties.

Illustration for 맞서다 (face)

More examples

시민들이 폭력에 맞섰다.si min deu ri pong nyeo ge mat sseot tta

The citizens stood up to violence.

Core concept

Standing directly against a challenge, threat, or opposing position instead of backing down.

Common phrases

  • 어려움에 맞서다eo ryeo u me mat sseo da

    face difficulties

  • 문제에 맞서다mun je e mat sseo da

    face problems

  • 위협에 맞서다wi hyeo be mat sseo da

    face threats

Similar words

싸우다ssauda: Engaging in conflict with another person through words or actions means fighting.
직면하다chingmyeonhada: Dealing directly with a difficult problem or situation means facing that challenge.
저항하다cheohanghada: Pushing back against pressure or an imposed command means resisting.
맞붙다matpputtta: Meeting an opponent directly in a contest or conflict is a head-to-head clash.

Definition in Korean

상대의 주장이나 위협에 대해 반대하며 맞서는 태도를 나타내는 동사sang dae ui chu jang i na wi hyeo be tae hae pan dae ha myeo mat sseo neun tae do reul na ta nae neun tong sa

Word origin

This native Korean verb joins an older verb meaning to meet or face with a verb meaning to stand, evoking someone standing face to face with opposition.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English face, which can simply mean encounter, this verb usually highlights active opposition or resistance.

Other meanings

  • opposeverb
  • resistverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 맞서기matsseogiresistancenoun
  • 맞서 싸우다matsseo ssaudafight backverb

Word lists with this word