써요 · 썼어요 · 쓸 거예요 · 쓰세요 (ㅡ drops)
to write
Example
친구에게 편지를 썼어요.
I wrote a letter to my friend.
Good to know
쓰다 also means 'to use', 'to wear (a hat/glasses)' and 'to be bitter' — context tells you which.
Related words
써요 · 썼어요 · 쓸 거예요 · 쓰세요 (ㅡ drops)
to use; to spend (money, time)
Example
이 컴퓨터를 써도 돼요?
May I use this computer?
Word parts
Same spelling as 쓰다 'write'.
Good to know
돈을 쓰다 = to spend money. 사용하다 is a more formal synonym.
Related words
써요 · 썼어요 · 쓸 거예요 · 쓰세요 (ㅡ drops)
to wear, to put on (hat, glasses, mask); to hold up (umbrella)
Example
밖에 비가 와서 우산을 썼어요.
It was raining outside, so I used an umbrella.
Word parts
For the head and face: 모자/안경/마스크를 쓰다; 우산을 쓰다 = hold an umbrella.
Good to know
Korean has different 'wear' verbs: 입다 clothes, 신다 shoes/socks, 쓰다 hats/glasses/masks.
Related words
써요 · 썼어요 · 쓴 (+noun) (ㅡ drops)
bitter
Example
이 약은 정말 써요.
This medicine is really bitter.
Good to know
Same spelling as the verb 쓰다 'to write, to use, to wear (a hat)' — context tells you which.
Related words