Korean word

물러나다

Pronunciation

Romanizationmulleonada

Meaning

  • verbstep back

Example

위험하니까 조금 물러나세요.wi heom ha ni kka cho geum mul leo na se yo

It's dangerous, so please step back a little.

Illustration for 물러나다 (step back)

More examples

그는 부정 문제로 직책에서 물러났다.keu neun pu jeong mun je ro chik chae ge seo mul leo nat tta

He resigned from his position because of an issue involving wrongdoing.

Core concept

Creating space by going back, with the same idea extending to giving up a duty or position.

Common phrases

  • 한 발짝 물러나다han pal jjak mul leo na da

    take one step back

  • 직책에서 물러나다chik chae ge seo mul leo na da

    resign from a position

Similar words

물러서다mulleoseoda: Taking a backward step to stay apart from something close by.
밀려나다millyeonada: Being pushed backward by an outside force.
물러가다mulleogada: Leaving a place by walking toward the rear.
사임하다saimhada: Formally leaving a job or official position by choice.

Definition in Korean

어떤 대상과의 거리를 늘리기 위해 위치를 뒤로 옮기거나 맡은 일에서 물러나서 책임을 줄이는 행동이나 상태를 가리키는 동사.eo tteon tae sang gwa ui keo ri reul neul li gi wi hae wi chi reul twi ro om gi geo na ma teun i re seo mul leo na seo chae gi meul chu ri neun haeng dong i na sang tae reul ka ri ki neun tong sa

Word origin

The native Korean verb 물러나다 (mulreonada, "to step back or withdraw") has an uncertain deeper origin, and its physical sense provides a clear path to its broader meaning of withdrawal.

Usage tips

  • The word is useful in safety instructions and workplace discussions because the setting shows whether the withdrawal is physical or connected with a role.

Other meanings

  • resignverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word