배우다
The verb 배우다 means "to learn." It focuses on the process of acquiring a new skill, language, or piece of knowledge, often from a teacher or an institution.
Common Word Combinations
Object · Verb · Meaning
한국어를 · 배워요 · learn Korean
운전을 · 배워요 · learn to drive
피아노를 · 배워요 · learn the piano
You can also specify who you are learning from by using the particle 한테 or 에게 (from).
친구한테 수영을 배워요.
공부하다
The verb 공부하다 means "to study." It emphasizes the active, self-directed effort of reviewing, memorizing, or focusing on academic work.
Common Places to Study
Since studying is an activity, it frequently combines with place words and the location particle 에서 (at/in).
Place + 에서 · Verb · Meaning
도서관에서 · 공부해요 · study at the library
집에서 · 공부해요 · study at home
카페에서 · 공부해요 · study at a cafe
어디에서 공부해요? (Where do you study?)
내일 시험이 있어서 공부해야 돼요. (I have a test tomorrow, so I have to study.)
배우다 vs. 공부하다
Because both words relate to education, learners often mix them up. Here is a simple way to remember the difference.
The Core Difference
배우다: The focus is on getting new knowledge that you didn't have before. You usually need someone to teach you.
공부하다: The focus is on the activity and effort of studying, like sitting at a desk and reading a textbook.
Common Mistake
Incorrect: 어제 밤새 도서관에서 한국어를 배웠어요.
Correct: 어제 밤새 도서관에서 한국어를 공부했어요 .
If you were at the library by yourself reviewing material all night, you were "studying" (공부하다), not being taught new skills by a teacher (배우다).