Meaning and Usage
The Korean verb '마르다' primarily means 'to be skinny' or 'to dry'. It is commonly used to describe a person's thin physique or the process of something losing moisture and becoming dry.
Common Contexts
- Describing body shape: When talking about someone who is thin or underweight, '마르다' is used to express that condition.
- Describing drying: It is also used for objects like clothes, towels, or natural elements that dry after being wet.
Collocations and Patterns
- 마른 몸 (skinny body): Used to describe a thin physique.
- 빨리 마르다 (dry quickly): Commonly used for clothes or towels.
- 마르지 않다 (not dry): Used when something remains wet.
Usage Notes
'마르다' can be used both literally and figuratively. When referring to people, it often implies a concern about health if someone is too skinny. When used for objects, it simply describes the drying process.
Be careful not to confuse '마르다' with '말다', which is a different verb meaning 'to stop' or 'to roll up'.