Korean Dictionary
How to say "Wash" in Korean
“Wash” in Korean is 씻다 (pronounced "ssitda").
씻다
ssitda
Usage & Context
Cleaning food with water and sometimes soap. Essential food safety practice. Removes dirt, bacteria, and pesticides.
Example Sentence
야채를 씻어요.
I wash vegetables.
How to use 씻다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Wash” is 씻다, romanized as ssitda.
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 씻다.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce "씻다" (ssitda), say "ssit" like the English word "sit" but with a very tense, sharp 's' sound at the beginning, almost like a hiss. The 'i' is like 'ee' in 'feet', and the final 't' is unreleased. Then, add "da" like "dah" in "dad".
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
씻어요
ssiseoyo
The standard polite form used in most daily conversations.
Casual (반말)
씻어
ssiseo
Used with close friends or family, or when speaking to someone younger.
More Example Sentences
A parent reminding a child before a meal or after playing outside.
손을 깨끗이 씻으세요.
Please wash your hands thoroughly.
Asking a family member for help in the kitchen.
밥 먹기 전에 과일 좀 씻어줄래?
Can you wash some fruit before we eat?
Discussing post-workout hygiene with a friend.
운동하고 나면 꼭 샤워로 땀을 씻어내야 개운해요.
After exercising, you must wash off the sweat with a shower to feel refreshed.
Cultural Context
"씻다" is a fundamental verb in Korean daily life, covering everything from washing hands (손 씻다) to washing dishes (설거지하다, which literally means 'do dishwashing' but uses the concept of washing). In Korean culture, cleanliness, especially regarding food and personal hygiene, is highly valued. You'll often hear mothers telling their children "손 씻어!" (Wash your hands!) before meals, a common scene in K-dramas.
Editorial note
We review entries like 씻다 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
손 씻다
to wash hands
발 씻다
to wash feet
그릇 씻다
to wash dishes (less common than 설거지하다, but understood)
Related Expressions
닦다
dakda
to wipe, to polish (e.g., table, shoes)
빨래하다
ppallaehada
to do laundry (wash clothes)
목욕하다
mogyokada
to bathe (wash oneself in a tub)
세수하다
sesuhada
to wash one's face
More Cooking Words
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