되 vs 돼: A Guide to Common Korean Spelling Mistakes

 Korean can be tricky even for native speakers because its pronunciation and spelling don’t always match up perfectly. One of the most frequent and famous common Korean spelling mistakes is the battle of ‘되’ vs. ‘돼’.

It’s not uncommon for people to make spelling mistakes, but while the meaning usually gets through, repeated errors can impact how trustworthy someone seems, especially in professional settings. Of course, we can be more forgiving to those learning Korean, but it’s always better to use the correct spelling, right? 🙂

In this post, we’ll look at the 되 vs 돼 rule and a few other common Korean spelling mistakes that even native Koreans often make. I’m planning to turn this into a series, so stay tuned!

The Most Common Mistake: ‘되’ vs. ‘돼’

This is, without a doubt, the #1 most frequent spelling mistake in Korean. Although ‘되’ (do) and ‘돼’ (dwae) sound similar, their usage is different.

Here is the simple rule: ‘돼’ is the shortened form of ‘되어.’

That’s it. ‘돼’ is always a contraction of ‘되어’ (do + eo).

• 돼요 (dwaeyo) is short for 되어요 (do-eo-yo).
• 됐어요 (dwaesseoyo) is short for 되었어요 (do-eo-sseo-yo).

On the other hand, ‘되’ is the original stem of the verb ‘되다’ (to become) and is used when it connects to other endings, like:

• -되고 (do-go)
• -되니 (do-ni)
• -되기 (do-gi)
• -되지 (do-ji)
• -되면 (do-myeon)

The “되어” (doe-eo) Test

An easy way to tell them apart is by expanding ‘돼’ to ‘되어.’ If ‘되어’ fits naturally in the sentence, then ‘돼’ is correct. If it sounds awkward, ‘되’ is the right choice.

• 저는 의사가 되고 싶어요. (I want to become a doctor.)
  • Test: “저는 의사가 되어고 싶어요.” (X) -> Incorrect. So, you must use 되.
• 제가 해도 돼요? (Can I do it?)
  • Test: “제가 해도 되어요?” (O) -> Correct! So, you can use 돼 (or 되어요).

The “하” (ha) / “해” (hae) Test

Here’s another simple trick on how to use 되 and 돼 that native Koreans use.

1. Temporarily replace the 되/돼 in your sentence with 하 (ha).
2. Temporarily replace the 되/돼 in your sentence with 해 (hae).
3. Whichever one sounds natural is the correct one to “match.”

• If 하 (ha) fits, use 되 (do).
• If 해 (hae) fits, use 돼 (dwae).

Let’s try our examples again:

• 제가 해도 (돼/되)요?
  • Test: “제가 해도 하요?” (X) vs. “제가 해도 해요?” (O)
  • 해 fits, so the answer is 돼.
• 그러면 안 (돼/되). (You shouldn’t do that.)
  • Test: “그러면 안 하.” (X) vs. “그러면 안 해.” (O)
  • 해 fits, so the answer is 돼.
• 의사가 (돼/되)고 싶어요.
  • Test: “의사가 하고 싶어요.” (O) vs. “의사가 해고 싶어요.” (X)
  • 하 fits, so the answer is 되.

This trick works almost every time and is the easiest way to solve the 되 vs 돼 puzzle.

Negation: ‘않다’ vs. ‘안’

This 안 vs 않다 pair is another one of the most common Korean spelling mistakes.

• ‘안’ (an): This is an adverb used before verbs or adjectives to mean “not.” It’s the simple, short negation.
  • 안 가다 (an gada) = not go
  • 안 먹다 (an meokda) = not eat
  • 안 예쁘다 (an yeppeuda) = not pretty
• ‘않다’ (anta): This is a verb itself and is used at the end of a “long-form” negation, ~지 않다 (~ji anta).
  • 가지 않다 (gaji anta) = do not go
  • 먹지 않다 (meokji anta) = do not eat
  • 예쁘지 않다 (yeppeuji anta) = is not pretty

Both forms have the same meaning, but you cannot mix them.

• 아침을 안 먹었어요. (I didn’t eat breakfast.) -> Correct.
• 아침을 먹지 않았어요. (I didn’t eat breakfast.) -> Correct.
• 아침을 않 먹었어요. (X) -> Incorrect.

Getting it Right: ‘맞히다’ vs. ‘맞추다’

This one is difficult because the pronunciations are very similar.

• ‘맞히다’ (machida): This means to correctly answer a question or get something right (like a target).
• ‘맞추다’ (matchuda): This means to align, set, or coordinate something. (e.g., set a clock, match answers, tailor clothes).

The confusion arises from the pronunciation. The final consonant ‘ㅈ’ in 맞 meets the consonant ‘ㅎ’ in 히, causing a sound change.

• 맞히다 is pronounced [마치다] (ma-chi-da).
• 맞추다 is pronounced [마추다] (ma-chu-da).

These sound almost identical in fast speech.

• 문제를 맞혔어요. (I got the question right.)
• 퍼즐을 맞췄어요. (I completed the puzzle / aligned the pieces.)
• 정답을 서로 맞추어 보자. (Let’s check/compare our answers with each other.)

Teaching vs. Pointing: ‘가르치다’ vs. ‘가리키다’

These words have completely different meanings, but their similar sound makes them a common Korean spelling mistake for learners.

• ‘가르치다’ (gareuchida): This means to teach or to instruct.
• ‘가리키다’ (garikida): This means to point at something, like a direction or an object.
• 한국어를 가르쳤어요. (I taught Korean.)
• 손가락으로 메뉴를 가리켰어요. (I pointed at the menu with my finger.)

➤ These are just a few examples of common Korean spelling mistakes that even native speakers often make. To improve your spelling, it’s helpful to regularly study tricky areas—especially the 되 vs 돼 rule—and double-check your writing. Developing a habit of reviewing spelling (using the “ha/hae” test!) can go a long way in making sure you communicate clearly and accurately.