Learn Korean: Verb + 버리다

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 버리다. The verb 버리다 itself means to dump or abandon as in 아기를 버렸어 (They abandoned the baby) and 이거 버려 (Throw this away). It can also be combined with another verb to add a nuance depending on the type of sentence. As a command, we use this to tell someone to do something without hesitation. For example, it’s my first time in the club and my friend is very excited to see me mingle with men. I am single forever. She tells me that when I guy seems to take interest in me, I should just kiss him right away! The main verb is 키스하다 (to kiss). We conjugate it (키스해) and attach 버리다. The actual sentence is 그냥 키스해 버려! When used in a statement (past form), the speaker expresses worry because something happened that was not intentional but still took place. For example, if I lost someone’s umbrella, I would tell her I lost it and I can’t find it. The main verb is 잃다 (to lose). We conjugate it (잃어) and attach 버리다. The actual sentence is 우산을 잃어버렸어.

말해버렸어.

I spilled your secret accidentally.

죽여버릴 거야!

I’m gonna you! (has the nuance that the act of killing can be in a cruel way)

먹어버렸어.

I ate it. I put it in my mouth and accidentally swallowed it.