Korean word

스스로

Pronunciation

Romanizationseuseuro

Meaning

  • adverbby oneself

Example

나는 스스로 문제를 해결했어.na neun seu seu ro mun je reul hae gyeol hae sseo

I solved the problem by myself.

Illustration for 스스로 (by oneself)

More examples

그녀는 스스로 결정하고 행동했다.keu nyeo neun seu seu ro kyeol jeong ha go haeng dong haet tta

She decided for herself and acted.

Core concept

The person acts directly through personal effort and choice, without depending on someone else.

Common phrases

  • 스스로 결정하다seu seu ro kyeol jeong ha da

    decide by oneself

  • 스스로 노력하다seu seu ro no ryeo ka da

    make an effort on one's own

  • 스스로 책임지다seu seu ro chae gim ji da

    take responsibility on one's own

Similar words

혼자서honjaseo: Carries out an action alone and without help.
저절로cheojeollo: Happens on its own without deliberate human action.
직접chikjjeop: Reaches a person or thing directly, with no person or step in between.

Definition in Korean

자기 힘으로 직접 어떤 일을 하거나 행동함을 나타내는 말.cha gi hi meu ro chik jjeop eo tteon i reul ha geo na haeng dong ha meul na ta nae neun mal

Word origin

The historical origin of this native Korean adverb is uncertain, so its meaning is best learned as a whole.

Usage tips

  • For English speakers, "by oneself" can suggest being alone, but this word often highlights taking responsibility for the action, even when other people are nearby.

Other meanings

  • voluntarilyadverb

Word lists with this word