Korean Dictionary
How to say "Burning Bridges" in Korean
“Burning Bridges” in Korean is 다리를 불태우다 (pronounced "Darigul Bultaeu uda").
다리를 불태우다
Darigul Bultaeu uda
Usage & Context
Burning bridges means permanently ending a relationship or closing off future options. This metaphor is understood in Korean and reflects the importance of maintaining good relationships.
Example Sentence
마음에 안 들더라도 다리를 불태우지 마세요.
Even if you do not like it, do not burn bridges.
How to use 다리를 불태우다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Burning Bridges” is 다리를 불태우다, romanized as Darigul Bultaeu uda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 다리를 불태우다.
Pronunciation Guide
다리 (da-ri) sounds like 'dah-ree'. 를 (reul) is like 'rule' but with a softer 'r' and a quick 'l' sound. 불태우다 (bul-tae-u-da) is 'bool' like in 'bull', 'tae' like 'tie' but with an 'eh' sound, 'oo' like in 'moon', and 'dah'. The overall rhythm is quite even.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
다리를 불태우십니다
darireul bultaeusipnida
This is the honorific form of the verb, used when speaking formally about someone burning bridges.
Casual (반말)
다리를 불태워
darireul bultaeuwo
This is the informal ending for the verb, used in casual conversation.
More Example Sentences
Advising a friend not to act impulsively in a conflict.
아무리 화가 나도 다리를 불태우는 행동은 하지 마세요.
No matter how angry you are, don't burn bridges.
Describing someone leaving a job on very bad terms.
그는 회사에 사표를 내면서 완전히 다리를 불태웠다.
He completely burned his bridges when he resigned from the company.
Warning someone about the long-term consequences of their actions.
이번 일로 다리를 불태우면 나중에 후회할 수도 있어요.
If you burn bridges over this, you might regret it later.
Cultural Context
In Korean culture, maintaining good relationships (인맥, inmaek) is highly valued, making 'burning bridges' a particularly serious act. The concept of '정 (jeong),' a deep emotional bond, means severing ties can be emotionally charged and seen as extreme. Koreans often try to avoid direct confrontation and maintain a level of politeness, even in difficult situations, to prevent completely cutting off future interactions.
Editorial note
We review entries like 다리를 불태우다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
다리를 불태우지 마라
Don't burn bridges.
다리를 불태우는 행동
An action of burning bridges.
다리를 불태울 수 없어
I can't burn bridges.
Related Expressions
관계를 끊다
gwan-gyereul kkeunta
to cut off a relationship
인연을 끊다
inyeon-eul kkeunta
to sever ties/fate
뒤돌아보지 않다
dwidoraboji anta
not to look back
관계를 유지하다
gwan-gyereul yuji-hada
to maintain a relationship (antonym)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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