배우다
bae-u-da
/pɛ.u.da/
Definition
To learn something new, such as a skill, subject, or language.
Example
저는 매일 한국어를 배우고 있어요.
Show translation
I am learning Korean every day.
Etymology
From Sino-influenced native Korean roots. 배우다 is the standard lemma combining the base 배우- (to learn/study) with the infinitive marker -다. Historically related to the idea of "receiving" knowledge, sharing a conceptual kinship with 배움 (learning, enlightenment) as a noun form.
Cultural note
Education holds an exceptionally high cultural value in South Korea — reflected in the concept of 교육열 (gyoyungnyeol), a near-obsessive passion for learning. 배우다 is also the root of 배우 (actor/actress), since actors were historically seen as people who "learn and imitate" human behavior on stage.