TeacherJoy

나다 and 내다 are everywhere in Korean, and today, we’re going to master them once and for all. If you remember my last video on transitive and intransitive verbs, this will be a piece of cake.

First, “나다” is for things that just happen.It’s when something hidden or invisible shows up on its own. It doesn’t have to be a ‘brand new’ thing. Even if it was already there in a different way, we use 나다 when it pops out or comes into view. Think: “It happens naturally.”

On the other hand, “내다” is all about your will and intention. You are the one in control! Think of it as bringing something out on purpose. Even if it was hidden inside, you act on it to make it show up. This can be something you can touch, or something you can’t see, like feelings or an idea. Think: “You make it happen”

Still sounds a bit tricky?
Let’s look at some examples.

Let’s take 빛(light), 소리(sound), or 힘(energy).

• 빛이 나요. [비치나요] – It sparkles. / It’s shining.
• 소리가 나요. – It makes a sound. / There’s a noise.
• 힘이 나요. [히미나요] – I feel energized.

Without particles:

• 빛 나요. [빈나요]
• 소리 나요.
• 힘 나요.

It’s just a phenomenon. It sparkles or sounds—it’s just happening!

• 빛을 내요. [비츨내요] – Make it shine. / Emit light.
• 소리를 내요. – Make a sound.
• 힘을 내요. [히믈내요] – Cheer up!

Without particles:

• 빛 내요. [빈내요]
• 소리 내요.
• 힘 내요.

This is intentional. You are making the light shine or producing that sound on purpose.

It works for feelings, too.

• 화가 나요. – I feel angry.
• 짜증이 나요. – I feel annoyed.
• 겁이 나요. – I feel scared.

Without particles:

• 화 나요.
• 짜증 나요.
• 겁 나요. [검나요]

You don’t choose these feelings; they just arise inside you.

• 화를 내요. – Expresses anger.
• 짜증을 내요. – Shows annoyance.
• 겁을 내요. [거블내요] – Shows fear.

Without particles:

• 화 내요.
• 짜증 내요.
• 겁 내요. [검내요]

This means you are expressing those feelings outwardly so everyone can see them. You are “bringing the emotion out.”

Understanding this will help you grow your Korean vocabulary so much faster. Save this video and watch it whenever you’re stuck.

Reference

• Seung-eun Oh(2023), Korean Made Easy Vocabulary (2nd edition), 202-205.
• 임홍빈(1993), 뉘앙스풀이를 겸한 우리말사전, 105.