Meaning and Usage
The verb '끊다' primarily means 'to cut off' or 'to sever' something physically or metaphorically. It is commonly used to describe stopping an action or breaking a connection.
Common Contexts
- Cutting or severing physical objects: such as cutting a string or wire.
- Ending communication: like hanging up a phone call (전화를 끊다).
- Quitting habits: such as quitting smoking (담배를 끊다).
- Interruptions: like power or water supply being cut off (전기가 끊기다).
Collocations and Patterns
- 전화(를) 끊다: to hang up the phone.
- 담배(를) 끊다: to quit smoking.
- 관계를 끊다: to cut off a relationship.
- 끊임없이: an adverb meaning 'continuously' or 'without stopping', derived from 끊다.
Register and Politeness
'끊다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. Politeness is usually conveyed through sentence endings rather than the verb itself.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '끊다' with '자르다' (to cut) which is more about cutting something into pieces. '끊다' emphasizes stopping or severing a connection or habit, not just cutting physically.
Use '끊다' when you want to express stopping or breaking something completely, especially in communication or habits.