Korean Culture & Customs

돌아가시다

dora-gasida

to pass away (euphemism)

Korean leans heavily on euphemism (완곡어법) for sensitive topics. Instead of '죽다' (to die), people say 돌아가시다 ('to return') for elders. Likewise, restrooms, illness, and money are softened to show tact and respect.

Examples

Korean	English
할아버지께서 작년에 돌아가셨어요. harabeoji-kkeseo jangnyeon-e dora-gasyeosseoyo.	My grandfather passed away last year.

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