Level 2

벌다

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Meanings and Usage

The Korean verb '벌다' primarily means 'to earn' or 'to make money,' but it also has other important uses such as 'to gain' or 'to buy time,' and 'to widen' or 'to broaden.' This makes it a versatile verb used in various contexts.

Common Contexts

  1. Earning money or income: This is the most frequent use, often related to work or business.
  2. Gaining or buying time: Used when someone tries to delay or create extra time.
  3. Widening or broadening: Used metaphorically to describe expanding experiences or opportunities.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 돈을 벌다 (to earn money): The most common collocation.
  • 시간을 벌다 (to buy time): Used when delaying or gaining extra time.
  • 경험을 벌리다 (to broaden experience): Used metaphorically for expanding knowledge or experience.

Register and Politeness

'벌다' is a standard verb used in everyday conversation and formal speech. It is neutral in politeness and can be combined with polite endings.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '벌다' with '벌리다' (to open or spread). Note that '벌다' means to earn or gain, while '벌리다' means to open or widen physically or metaphorically. For example, '경험을 벌리다' (to broaden experience) uses '벌리다,' not '벌다.'

Example Sentences

그는 열심히 일해서 많은 돈을 벌었다.

Geuneun yeolsimhi ilhaeseo manheun doneul beoreotda.

He worked hard and earned a lot of money.

시간을 벌기 위해 조금 더 기다렸다.

Siganeul beolgi wihae jogeum deo gidaryeotda.

I waited a little longer to buy some time.

그는 자신의 경험을 벌리기 위해 여행을 떠났다.

Geuneun jasinui gyeongheomeul beolligi wihae yeohaengeul tteonatda.

He went on a trip to broaden his experience.