Definition
To read something, such as a book, sign, or message.
Example
나는 매일 아침 책을 읽다.
Show translation
I read a book every morning.
Etymology
Native Korean verb. The root 읽- appears in Old Korean texts and has been in continuous use to denote the act of reading or reciting written text. The final consonant cluster -ㄺ (romanized -lk) is distinctive: in the infinitive 읽다, the ㄱ is latent and surfaces in certain conjugated forms (e.g., 읽어 /일거/ → /iɭ.ɡʌ/).
Cultural note
Korea has one of the world's highest literacy rates, and reading culture is deeply valued. The phrase 독서 (讀書, reading books) appears frequently in school mottos and public campaigns. Note that 읽다 can also mean to "read" a person's emotions or a situation — 눈치를 읽다 ("read the room") is a common expression tied to the culturally important concept of 눈치 (social awareness).