Meaning and Usage
The verb "깎다" primarily means "to cut" or "to trim," often used when peeling fruits or cutting hair. It also commonly means "to bargain" or "to reduce a price" in shopping contexts.
Common Collocations
- 깎다 + 과일/감자/사과: to peel or trim fruits or vegetables.
- 깎다 + 머리: to cut or trim hair.
- 값을 깎다: to bargain or ask for a discount.
Register and Politeness
"깎다" is a neutral verb used in everyday conversation. It is neither formal nor informal by itself but can be combined with polite endings.
Tips for Learners
Be careful not to confuse "깎다" with "자르다," which also means "to cut" but is more general and often used for cutting paper, cloth, or hair without the nuance of trimming or peeling. "깎다" often implies removing an outer layer or reducing something, like price or length.