Let’s look at the differences between 놓다 and 넣다. Although 놓다 (noh-ta) and 넣다 (nuh-ta) look and sound similar, their meanings are quite different. The main difference lies in where you put something on something or into something.
What Is 놓다?
The verb 놓다 means to place, put, or lay something on a surface. It’s used when you put something on top of another object, such as a table, chair, or bed. The focus is on the act of setting something down or laying it to rest on a flat surface.
For example:
- 책을 책상 위에 놓았어요.
(I put the book on the desk.)
- 컵을 탁자 위에 놓으세요.
(Please place the cup on the table.)
- 아이를 침대에 놓고 잤어요.
(I laid the baby on the bed and went to sleep.)
Other Uses Of 놓다
Beyond physical placement, 놓다 can also be used metaphorically. For instance, 손을 놓다 means “to let go of one’s hand,” and 마음을 놓다 means “to feel relieved.” In all cases, it gives a sense of releasing or letting something rest.
How Is 넣다 Different ?
On the other hand, 넣다 means to put, insert, or place something inside. It’s used when you move something into a container, space, or enclosed area. In other words, when the object goes inside something else.
For example:
- 돈을 지갑에 넣었어요.
(I put money in the wallet.)
- 우유를 냉장고에 넣어요.
(Put the milk in the fridge.)
- 편지를 봉투에 넣어요.
(Put the letter into the envelope.)
Other Uses Of 넣다
넣다 can also be used in abstract or figurative ways, such as 마음을 넣다 (to put one’s heart into something) or 힘을 넣다 (to add strength). These expressions carry the feeling of adding something internally, whether that’s emotion, energy, or effort.
Table Showing Differences Between 놓다 And 넣다:
| Category | 놓다 [nohta] | 넣다 [neohta] |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To place, put, or lay on a surface | To put, insert, or place into something |
| Core Idea | Object rests on top of something | Object goes inside something |
| Preposition (English equivalent) | “on,” “onto” | “in,” “into” |
| Typical Usage | Used when something is laid down or set on a flat surface | Used when something is inserted or enclosed within another space |
| Example 1 | 책을 책상 위에 놓았어요 [I put the book on the desk] | 돈을 지갑에 넣었어요 [I put money in the wallet] |
| Example 2 | 컵을 탁자 위에 놓으세요 [Please place the cup on the table] | 우유를 냉장고에 넣어요 [Put the milk in the fridge] |
| Example 3 | 아이를 침대에 놓고 잤어요 [I laid the baby on the bed and slept] | 편지를 봉투에 넣어요 [ Put the letter into the envelope] |
Common Questions about 놓다 vs 넣다
- Q: What is the main difference between 놓다 and 넣다?
A: 놓다 means to put something on top of a surface, while 넣다 means to put something inside a space or container.
- Q: Do both mean “to put”?
A: Yes — both can translate to “to put” in English, but the direction is different. 놓다 = on, 넣다 = in.
- Q: How do I remember which is which?
A: Think of the vowel sound: 놓다 (noh-ta) — “o” sounds open and flat → put on something flat.넣다 (nuh-ta) — “eo” sounds deeper → put in something deeper or inside.
- Q: Can I use 놓다 for “putting something into” a bag?
A: No. That’s 넣다, because a bag is something you put things inside.
Example: 가방에 책을 넣어요. (Put the book in the bag.)
