Have you ever felt like you wanted someone to see and accept all of your imperfections? That tender, vulnerable feeling is beautifully captured in “나무 (Tree)” by Car, the garden (카더가든), one of Korea’s most beloved singer-songwriters known for his unique vocal color and emotional depth.
This 2019 release is perfect for intermediate Korean learners because it features poetic yet accessible language, with beautiful nature-related vocabulary and comparative expressions using -처럼. The song’s gentle pace and clear pronunciation make it easy to follow along, while the metaphorical lyrics will expand your understanding of how Korean expresses complex emotions through imagery.
Car, the garden has a special way of painting pictures with words, comparing loved ones to dancing trees and describing feelings as rough music seeking harmony. Let’s explore the language that makes this song so touching!
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Lyrics Preview
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 그대 춤을 추는 나무 같아요 | geu-dae chu-meul chu-neun na-mu ga-ta-yo | You are like a tree dancing |
| 그 안에 투박한 음악은 나예요 | geu a-ne tu-ba-kan eum-a-geun na-ye-yo | The rough music inside is me |
| 웃어 줄래요 사진처럼 | u-seo jul-lae-yo sa-jin-cheo-reom | Will you smile for me, like a photo? |
Want to see the full lyrics? Check them out on Bugs!
Key Expressions
Here are the must-know expressions from this song!
나무 na-mu
Tree. This is one of the most common nature words in Korean and appears throughout the song as a central metaphor for grace and beauty.
공원에 나무가 많아요.
There are many trees in the park.
춤을 추다 chu-meul chu-da
To dance. Note that Korean uses the verb 추다 specifically with 춤 (dance), making this a useful fixed expression to memorize.
친구들과 함께 춤을 췄어요.
I danced with my friends.
투박하다 tu-ba-ka-da
Rough, unrefined, or rustic. This adjective describes something lacking polish but often carries a sense of authenticity or sincerity.
그의 말투는 투박하지만 진심이에요.
His way of speaking is rough, but it is sincere.
움츠리다 um-cheu-ri-da
To shrink back, cower, or curl up. This verb perfectly captures the feeling of withdrawing due to fear or discomfort.
추워서 몸을 움츠렸어요.
I curled up because it was cold.
애틋하다 ae-tteut-ha-da
Tender, touching, or wistful. This beautiful Korean adjective describes a bittersweet, affectionate feeling that is hard to translate directly.
오랜 친구를 보니 애틋한 마음이 들어요.
Seeing my old friend makes me feel a tender emotion.
Grammar Points
-처럼 (like, as if)
This particle is attached to nouns to create comparisons, similar to “like” or “as” in English. It is one of the most useful tools for making your Korean more expressive and poetic. Simply attach 처럼 directly to any noun without spaces.
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 아이처럼 웃었어요. | a-i-cheo-reom u-seo-sseo-yo | I smiled like a child. |
| 별처럼 빛나요. | byeol-cheo-reom bin-na-yo | You shine like a star. |
| 꿈처럼 아름다워요. | kkum-cheo-reom a-reum-da-wo-yo | It is beautiful like a dream. |
-같아요 (to be like, to seem like)
While 처럼 is a particle, 같다 is a descriptive verb meaning “to be the same” or “to be like.” When combined with nouns, it creates comparisons similar to 처럼 but functions as the main verb of the sentence. The polite present form is 같아요.
| 한국어 | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 천사 같아요. | cheon-sa ga-ta-yo | You are like an angel. |
| 오늘 날씨가 봄 같아요. | o-neul nal-ssi-ga bom ga-ta-yo | Today’s weather is like spring. |
| 그 영화는 꿈 같았어요. | geu yeong-hwa-neun kkum ga-ta-sseo-yo | That movie was like a dream. |
Culture Note
In Korean poetry and music, nature imagery is deeply woven into expressions of love and emotion. Trees, in particular, hold special significance in Korean culture, representing stability, growth, and enduring presence. The image of a “dancing tree” combines the traditional symbol of steadfastness with movement and life, creating a beautiful metaphor for a loved one who brings joy while remaining a constant presence.
Fun fact! Car, the garden’s stage name is actually a direct English translation of his real name, 차정원 (Cha Jung-won). His close friend and fellow musician Oh Hyuk created this clever wordplay: 차 means “car” and 정원 means “garden.” This kind of creative name translation showcases the playful side of Korean language and culture!