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떠나다
ddeo-na-da
leave
그는 아침 일찍 집을 떠났다.
He left home early in the morning.
neutral
To go away from a place or person permanently or for a long time.
그녀는 고향을 떠나 외국에서 살기로 결심했다.
She decided to leave her hometown and live abroad.
버스가 떠나기 전에 도착해야 해.
We need to arrive before the bus leaves.
Can imply departure without immediate return, often used for people or vehicles.
formal
To depart from a job, position, or relationship.
그는 회사를 떠났다.
He left the company.
Commonly used for resigning from a job or ending a relationship.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: '떠나다' vs '나가다'
'떠나다' implies a more permanent or significant departure (e.g., leaving home, a country, or a job), while '나가다' is more general and can mean 'go out' or 'exit' (e.g., 나가서 놀자 = Let's go out and play).
Gold Rule
When to Use '떠나다'
Use '떠나다' when the departure is significant or long-term, such as leaving a job, country, or home. For temporary exits (e.g., leaving a room), use '나가다'.
Word Origin
From Middle Korean 'ᄯᅥᄂᆞ다' (tte-nol-ta), derived from Old Korean 'ᄯᅥᄂᆞ-' (tte-nol-), combining 'ᄯᅥ-' (tte-) meaning 'away' and '-ᄂᆞ-' (-nol-) as a verbal suffix. Related to '떨어지다' (tteoreojida, to fall away) and '떼다' (ttaeda, to detach).
Usage Notes
떠나다 emphasizes a permanent or long-term departure rather than a temporary one. It is commonly used for people, vehicles, or abstract concepts like jobs or relationships. The verb does not imply the destination, only the act of leaving.
Word Breakdown
떠-
away/off
root-나-
verbal suffix indicating action
suffix-다
declarative ending
suffix한영사전