Korean word

부리다

Pronunciation

Romanizationpurida

Meaning

  • verbwield

Example

그는 권력을 부렸다.keu neun kwol lyeo geul pu ryeot tta

He wielded power.

Illustration for 부리다 (wield)

More examples

그는 직원들을 부려먹었다.keu neun chi gwon deu reul pu ryeo meo geot tta

He worked his employees hard.

Core concept

A person directs others like tools, making them carry out the person's will.

Common phrases

  • 권력을 부리다kwol lyeo geul pu ri da

    wield power

  • 허세를 부리다heo se reul pu ri da

    put on airs

  • 사람을 부리다sa ra meul pu ri da

    boss people around

Similar words

지시하다chisihada: Set out the action or method that someone is expected to follow.
명령하다myeongnyeonghada: Require someone to act by giving a firm order from a position of authority.
맡기다matkkida: Give another person responsibility for handling a task or looking after something.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람을 자기 뜻대로 시켜서 움직이게 하다.ta reun sa ra meul cha gi tteut ttae ro si kyeo seo um ji gi ge ha da

Word origin

This native Korean verb has an uncertain deeper origin, while its modern use centers on making people act according to someone else's will.

Usage tips

  • English speakers can remember that this word is stronger than a neutral word for giving instructions because it often presents the people being directed as under someone's control.

Other meanings

  • make someone work hardverb

Related words

  • 부려먹다puryeomeokttawork someone hardverb

Word lists with this word