Core Meanings
The verb '감다' primarily means 'to wash (hair)', which is a very common daily activity. However, it also has other important uses such as 'to close (eyes)' and 'to wrap' something around, like a bandage or a scarf.
Usage in Daily Life
When you say '머리를 감다', it specifically refers to washing your hair. This is a fixed expression and very common in everyday conversation. Another frequent use is '눈을 감다', which means to close your eyes, often used in contexts like resting or sleeping.
Wrapping and Binding
'감다' is also used when wrapping something around an object or body part, such as '붕대를 감다' (to wrap a bandage). This use is practical and often appears in medical or care-related contexts.
Common Collocations
- 머리를 감다: to wash hair
- 눈을 감다: to close eyes
- 붕대를 감다: to wrap a bandage
Register and Politeness
'감다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. The politeness level depends on the verb ending attached, not the verb stem itself.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse '감다' with '감다' in different contexts. For example, '눈을 감다' (close eyes) and '머리를 감다' (wash hair) use the same verb but mean very different actions. Context will guide you to the correct meaning.