맞히다 or 맞추다? Get an Answer Right, Then Compare Your Answers

When a learner gets a question right, 맞히다 is the useful verb. When learners compare their answers, 맞추다 can describe that different action. Start with what the sentence means instead of choosing a spelling from the nearby noun 답 alone.

Contents

1. 1. The same “answer” can belong to two actions
2. 2. Practise original sentences with a clear context
3. 3. Keep 맞혀 and 맞춰 connected to their verbs
4. 4. Common learner questions

1. The same “answer” can belong to two actions

The National Institute of Korean Language distinguishes getting the correct answer with 맞히다 from comparing answers with 맞추다. It also describes aligning or adjusting uses of 맞추다. This guide focuses on the answer-and-comparison contrast; it is not a complete list of meanings for either verb.

Imagine two classmates finishing a quiz. One reports success on a question. Later, the pair put their responses beside each other to compare them. Those events can use different verbs even though both involve answers.

2. Practise original sentences with a clear context

Korean example	Intended action
민지는 마지막 문제의 답을 맞혔어요.	Minji got the final question right.
수업 뒤에 우리는 서로 답을 맞추어 봤어요.	After class we compared our answers.
사진을 찍기 전에 줄을 맞춰요.	Align the line before the photo.

These practice sentences were written for this guide. Read the action column first, then cover it and explain the Korean sentence in your own words. The second sentence describes comparison; it does not say that every answer was correct.

For a small dialogue, ask “마지막 문제는 어땠어요?” and answer with the first sentence. Then propose “우리 답을 맞추어 볼까요?” for the later comparison. The change of situation makes the verb choice easier to remember.

3. Keep 맞혀 and 맞춰 connected to their verbs

The official answer lists 맞혀 as a contracted form from 맞히어, and 맞춰 from 맞추어. When proofreading, expand the contracted form mentally before deciding which action you meant. A sound-based guess can miss the distinction.

Try this original mini exercise: “정답을 ___ 기뻤어요” describes getting the answer right; “친구와 답을 ___ 봤어요” describes comparison. For the intended meanings, fill the blanks with 맞혀서 and 맞추어. Then write one sentence using a different subject while keeping the same action.

A noun alone does not choose the verb for you. Ask whether you mean correctness, comparison, alignment or another dictionary sense. If the context is ambiguous, add a short phrase that makes the action clear.

Read the official 맞히다·맞추다 explanation

4. Common learner questions

Does “답을 맞추다” always mean “get the answer right”?

In the comparison pattern practised here, it means checking answers against each other. Use the intended action and context, rather than assuming both verbs are interchangeable.

Is this the full dictionary entry?

No. It is a focused practice guide. The official explanation includes further senses and examples, which help when your sentence means something different.

Official references checked 14 October 2026: National Institute of Korean Language, Online Q&A, 1 April 2025.

The cover is an AI-created concept illustration, not a product or location photograph. The worksheet diagram was created for this guide.