Korean Dictionary
How to say "Care" in Korean
“Care” in Korean is 돌보다 (pronounced "dolboda").
돌보다
dolboda
Usage & Context
Showing concern and looking after someone's wellbeing. Caring for others is a core value in Korean relationships and family.
Example Sentence
나는 너를 돌보고 싶어.
I want to care for you.
How to use 돌보다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Care” is 돌보다, romanized as dolboda.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 돌보다.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "Dol," sounds like "doll." "Bo" sounds like "bow" without the 'w' sound, similar to the 'o' in "go." "Da" sounds like "dah" in "dah-ling," with the 'a' like in "father." The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
돌봅니다
dolbomnida
Formal declarative form, used in very polite or public settings.
Casual (반말)
돌봐
dolbwa
Casual form, often used with close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Talking about responsibilities to a friend in need.
아픈 친구를 돌봐줘야 해요.
I need to care for my sick friend.
Reflecting on childhood memories with siblings.
부모님은 항상 우리를 사랑으로 돌보셨어요.
Our parents always cared for us with love.
Asking a friend to pet-sit.
강아지를 잘 돌봐줄 수 있나요?
Can you take good care of the puppy?
Cultural Context
The concept of "돌보다" (dolboda) extends beyond simple caretaking; it often implies a deep sense of responsibility and affection, especially within family units. In Korean culture, it's common for adult children to care for their elderly parents, and for siblings to look out for each other. This collective sense of care is a manifestation of "정 (jeong)," a unique Korean sentiment of deep emotional attachment and bond.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 돌보다 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
아이를 돌보다
To care for a child.
건강을 돌보다
To take care of one's health.
잘 돌봐줘서 고마워.
Thank you for taking good care of me/it.
Related Expressions
보살피다
bosalpida
To look after, to tend to (similar to 돌보다, often implies more continuous care)
간호하다
ganhohada
To nurse, to care for (specifically in a medical context)
방치하다
bangchihada
To neglect, to leave unattended (antonym)
책임지다
chaegimjida
To take responsibility for
More Relationships Words
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