Level 2

남기다

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Usage and Nuances

The verb '남기다' primarily means 'to leave behind' or 'to save/keep something for later.' It is commonly used when talking about leaving physical things, such as food, notes, or impressions.

Common Collocations

  • '음식을 남기다': to leave food uneaten, often implying waste or saving for later.
  • '메모를 남기다': to leave a note or message.
  • '인상을 남기다': to leave an impression, usually figurative.

Register and Politeness

'남기다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is polite when combined with appropriate endings like '-세요' or '-습니다.'

Learner Tips

A common confusion is mixing '남기다' with '남다.' '남다' means 'to remain' or 'to be left over' (intransitive), while '남기다' is transitive and means 'to leave something behind.' For example, '음식이 남다' means 'food remains,' but '음식을 남기다' means 'to leave food uneaten.' Understanding this transitive-intransitive pair helps avoid mistakes.

Example Sentences

식사 후에 접시를 깨끗이 남기지 말고 설거지해 주세요.

Siksa hu-e jeopsireul kkaekkeusi namgiji malgo seolgyeojihae juseyo.

After eating, please don't leave the plates dirty and wash them.

중요한 메모를 남겨서 나중에 다시 확인할 수 있도록 하세요.

Jungyohan memo-reul namgyeoseo najunge dasi hwaginhal su itdorok haseyo.

Leave an important note so you can check it again later.

그는 후배들에게 좋은 인상을 남기고 싶어 했다.

Geuneun hubaedeurege joheun insangeul namgigo sipeo haetda.

He wanted to leave a good impression on his juniors.