책을 읽다
To 읽다 책
직역: book (책) + [object marker] (을) + to read (읽다)
Use this phrase to describe reading for pleasure, study, or whenever you are holding a book.
15초 만에
- The standard way to say 'to read a book' in Korean.
- Combines the noun 'chaek' (book) with the verb 'ik-da' (read).
- Used for hobbies, studying, or describing a quiet daily activity.
뜻
This phrase literally means 'to read a book,' but it covers everything from studying hard to enjoying a novel on a rainy day.
주요 예문
3 / 6Talking about your weekend
주말에 집에서 책을 읽었어요.
I read a book at home over the weekend.
Asking a friend about their hobby
너 요즘 무슨 책 읽어?
What book are you reading these days?
In a formal interview
제 취미는 자기계발 책을 읽는 것입니다.
My hobby is reading self-development books.
문화적 배경
In Korea, reading is often associated with the 'Seonbi' (scholar) spirit of the Joseon Dynasty. Autumn is traditionally called the 'Season of Great Reading' because the cool weather makes it easier to focus. Recently, 'Book Cafes' have become huge social hubs in Seoul for people to read together quietly.
Drop the marker
In fast, casual speech, Koreans often say `책 읽어` instead of `책을 읽어`. It sounds much more natural!
Pronunciation Trap
The double consonant in `읽다` is tricky. When followed by a consonant, you only hear the 'k' sound (익다). But when followed by a vowel like `읽어요`, it sounds like '일거요'.
15초 만에
- The standard way to say 'to read a book' in Korean.
- Combines the noun 'chaek' (book) with the verb 'ik-da' (read).
- Used for hobbies, studying, or describing a quiet daily activity.
What It Means
책을 읽다 is the most standard way to say you are reading. It is a simple combination of the noun 책 (book) and the verb 읽다 (to read). While it sounds basic, it is the foundation for talking about hobbies, education, and personal growth. In Korean, we use it for physical books, e-books, or even audiobooks. It implies a sense of focus and taking in information.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like you would in English. You can conjugate the verb 읽다 based on who you are talking to. For a polite setting, say 책을 읽어요. If you are talking to yourself or writing a diary, use 책을 읽는다. To make it a hobby, you say 취미는 책 읽기예요. It is a very flexible and 'safe' phrase to use anywhere.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks what you are doing. It is perfect for small talk about your weekend plans. You can use it at a library, a trendy 'book cafe' in Seoul, or at school. It is also great for describing your personality as an intellectual or quiet person. If you want to sound studious, this is your go-to expression.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 읽다 for movies or music; that would be weird! Also, if you are just 'skimming' a magazine, you might use 보다 (to see/look) instead. 책을 보다 is more casual and implies browsing. If you are studying for a brutal exam, 공부하다 (to study) is more accurate. 읽다 sounds a bit more like leisure or deep reading than intense memorization.
Cultural Background
Korea has a deep respect for scholars and literature. There is even a famous saying that 'autumn is the season for reading' (천고마비). You will see many people reading on the subway, though phones are winning lately. Many Koreans view reading as a way to 'build character' or 스펙 (specifications) for jobs. It is seen as a very productive and respectable way to spend time.
Common Variations
You can drop the particle 을 in casual speech to say 책 읽다. If you want to say you 'read a lot,' add 많이 to get 책을 많이 읽다. For those who love books, you might be called a 책벌레 (bookworm). If you finished a whole book, you can say 책 한 권을 다 읽었다. These variations help you sound more like a local speaker.
사용 참고사항
This is a neutral collocation. It becomes formal or informal solely based on the verb ending you attach to `읽다`. Be careful with the pronunciation of the double consonant `ㄺ`.
Drop the marker
In fast, casual speech, Koreans often say `책 읽어` instead of `책을 읽어`. It sounds much more natural!
Pronunciation Trap
The double consonant in `읽다` is tricky. When followed by a consonant, you only hear the 'k' sound (익다). But when followed by a vowel like `읽어요`, it sounds like '일거요'.
The 'See' vs 'Read' debate
Many Koreans say `책을 보다` (to see a book) interchangeably with `읽다`. `보다` feels a bit more relaxed, like flipping through pages.
예시
6주말에 집에서 책을 읽었어요.
I read a book at home over the weekend.
A very standard past tense usage for daily conversation.
너 요즘 무슨 책 읽어?
What book are you reading these days?
Casual form used between close friends.
제 취미는 자기계발 책을 읽는 것입니다.
My hobby is reading self-development books.
Formal structure used to present oneself professionally.
카페에서 책 읽으면서 기다릴게!
I'll wait for you at the cafe while reading a book!
Shows a patient and productive way to wait.
자기 전에 엄마랑 책 읽을까?
Shall we read a book with Mommy before bed?
Soft, suggestive tone used with children.
이 책은 읽다가 잠들 것 같아요.
I feel like I'll fall asleep while reading this book.
A humorous way to say a book is uninteresting.
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence to say 'I like reading books.'
저는 책을 ___ 것을 좋아해요.
`읽는` is the modifier form of `읽다` (to read), which is needed before `것` (thing/act).
Choose the correct object marker for 'book'.
책__ 읽어요.
Since `책` ends in a consonant (받침), the object marker `을` is used.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of '읽다'
Talking to friends or younger people.
책 읽어.
Standard social situations with acquaintances.
책을 읽어요.
Presentations or speaking to superiors.
책을 읽습니다.
Where to use '책을 읽다'
Library
도서관에서 책을 읽다
Subway
지하철에서 책을 읽다
Cafe
카페에서 책을 읽다
Bed
침대에서 책을 읽다
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문읽다 focuses on the act of reading the text, while 보다 is more general and can mean looking at or browsing a book. You can use both, but 읽다 sounds more studious.
You use the present progressive form: 책을 읽고 있어요. This is perfect for when someone calls and asks what you're doing.
Yes, but you must conjugate it politely. Say 책을 읽고 있습니다 or 책을 읽어요. The phrase itself is neutral.
The word is 책벌레. It literally translates to 'book bug' and is used just like the English term 'bookworm'.
Yes! You can say 문자를 읽다 (read a text) or 메시지를 읽다. It works for any written content.
You can say 만화책을 읽다, but most people say 만화책을 보다 because comics are very visual.
Yes, you can use 낭독하다 for formal reading aloud, or simply 소리 내어 읽다 (read while making sound).
You say 책을 다 읽었어요. The word 다 means 'all' or 'completely' in this context.
In the double batchim ㄺ, the ㄱ sound usually takes over before a consonant. It's just a rule of Korean phonology to make it easier to say!
Absolutely. Even if it's on a tablet, Koreans still call it 책을 읽다.
관련 표현
독서하다 (to read/do reading - formal)
책을 보다 (to look at/read a book - casual)
글을 쓰다 (to write text/writing)
도서관에 가다 (to go to the library)
베스트셀러 (best seller)
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