Korean word

보듬다

Pronunciation

Romanizationpodeumtta

Meaning

  • verbcomfort

Example

힘들어하는 친구를 보듬었다.him deu reo ha neun chin gu reul po deu meot tta

I comforted a friend who was going through a hard time.

Illustration for 보듬다 (comfort)

More examples

할머니는 울먹이는 손주를 다정하게 보듬으셨다.hal meo ni neun ul meo gi neun son ju reul ta jeong ha ge po deu meu syeot tta

The grandmother tenderly comforted her tearful grandchild.

Core concept

Warm support surrounds a hurting person and eases both their fear and emotional pain.

Common phrases

  • 아기를 보듬다a gi reul po deum tta

    comfort a baby

  • 어깨를 보듬다eo kkae reul po deum tta

    hold someone's shoulder comfortingly

Similar words

위로하다wirohada: To help a grieving or discouraged person feel supported and hopeful again.
달래다tallaeda: To quiet troubled feelings with sympathy, attention, or a soothing diversion.
안다anda: To embrace a person closely, often to express love or provide comfort.
토닥이다todagida: To give gentle repeated pats on the back or shoulder to ease worry.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람의 마음이나 상처를 말이나 행동으로 어루만져 위로하고 안심시키다.ta reun sa ra mui ma eu mi na sang cheo reul ma ri na haeng dong eu ro eo ru man jeo wi ro ha go an sim si ki da

Word origin

보듬다 (bodeumtta, "to comfort") is a native Korean verb that developed from the idea of embracing someone to include giving emotional comfort and care.

Usage tips

  • English speakers should not limit this word to a literal hug, since Korean also uses it for actions that help a hurt person feel safe and cared for.

Other meanings

  • embraceverb
  • care forverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word