Level 2

다하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '다하다' primarily means 'to finish' or 'to use up' something completely. It often implies putting in full effort or reaching the end of a resource or time.

Common Contexts

  1. Expressing full effort: When you want to say you did something with all your strength or ability, use '다하다'.
  2. Indicating completion: It can describe something that has come to an end, such as time or resources.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 힘을 다하다: to exert all one's strength
  • 능력을 다하다: to do one's best or use all one's ability
  • 시간이 다하다: time runs out

Register and Politeness

'다하다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the sentence ending. It is neutral in politeness.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '다하다' with '끝내다' (to finish something). '다하다' emphasizes the completeness or exhaustion of effort or resources, while '끝내다' focuses on the act of finishing itself.

Example Sentences

힘을 다해서 일했다.

Himeul dahaseo ilhaetda.

I worked with all my strength.

이 일은 내 능력을 다해야 할 것 같다.

I ireun nae neungnyeogeul dahaeya hal geot gatda.

I think I have to do this work to the best of my ability.

시간이 다해서 수업이 끝났다.

Sigani dahaseo sueobi kkeutnatda.

The class ended because the time was up.