Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fight / Quarrel" in Korean
“Fight / Quarrel” in Korean is 다투다 (pronounced "Datuda").
다투다
Datuda
Usage & Context
Having an argument or quarrel with someone. 싸우다 is more commonly used in everyday speech. 오해 (misunderstanding) is a common cause of fights in Korean relationships. Reconciling after a fight often involves one person treating the other to a meal (밥 사다) as a peace offering.
Example Sentence
남자친구랑 작은 일로 다퉜어요. 어떻게 화해하죠?
I had a fight with my boyfriend over a small thing. How do I make up?
How to use 다투다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fight / Quarrel” is 다투다, romanized as Datuda.
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 다투다.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '다투다' as 'Da-tu-da'. 'Da' sounds like 'dah'. 'Tu' is like 'too'. The final 'da' is also like 'dah'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
다툽니다
Datumnida
Formal declarative form.
Casual (반말)
다퉈
Datwo
Casual form, often used when speaking to close friends or subordinates.
More Example Sentences
Someone complaining about sibling squabbles.
형이랑 사소한 일로 자주 다퉈요.
My older brother and I often quarrel over trivial things.
Expressing sadness or regret after an argument.
친구랑 다투고 나서 기분이 안 좋아요.
I feel bad after quarreling with my friend.
Recalling childhood memories about parental behavior.
부모님은 절대 저희 앞에서 다투지 않으셨어요.
My parents never fought in front of us.
Cultural Context
While '다투다' means to quarrel or argue, '싸우다' is a more common and slightly stronger term for 'to fight' in everyday Korean. '다투다' often implies a verbal disagreement or a minor spat, whereas '싸우다' can range from a heated argument to a physical fight. In relationships, '오해' (misunderstanding) is a frequent cause of '다투다'. After a '다툼', it's common for one person to '밥 사다' (buy a meal) for the other as a peace offering, a gesture of reconciliation.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 다투다 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
다투지 마
Don't fight / Don't quarrel
자주 다투다
To quarrel often
작은 일로 다투다
To quarrel over a small matter
Related Expressions
싸우다
Ssauda
To fight (more general, can be stronger)
말다툼하다
Maldatumhada
To have a verbal argument
화해하다
Hwahaehada
To make up, reconcile
오해
Ohae
Misunderstanding
More Relationships Words
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