Korean word

물러서다

Pronunciation

Romanizationmulleoseoda

Meaning

  • verbstep back

Example

위험하니까 물러서 주세요.wi heom ha ni kka mul leo seo chu se yo

It's dangerous, so please step back.

Illustration for 물러서다 (step back)

More examples

위험하니까 모두 뒤로 물러서세요.wi heom ha ni kka mo du twi ro mul leo seo se yo

It's dangerous, so please step back, everyone.

Core concept

A person moves backward to create distance, either with the body or by withdrawing from a position or attitude.

Common phrases

  • 한 발짝 물러서다han pal jjak mul leo seo da

    take one step back

  • 뒤로 물러서다twi ro mul leo seo da

    step back

  • 조금 물러서다cho geum mul leo seo da

    step back a little

Similar words

물러나다mulleonada: Leave a place by moving back, including when giving up a role.
비키다pikida: Clear a needed space by shifting aside or removing an obstacle.
뒤로 가다twiro kada: Travel toward the back rather than the front.
물러가다mulleogada: Withdraw step by step while increasing the distance.

Definition in Korean

위치나 태도를 뒤로 물려 거리를 두다.wi chi na tae do reul twi ro mul lyeo keo ri reul tu da

Word origin

The word combines 물러 (mulreo, "move back") with 서다 (seoda, "stand"), giving the image of standing back from something.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may picture only one backward step, but this Korean verb can also describe withdrawing from a position or attitude.

Other meanings

  • retreatverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word