Meaning and Usage
The verb '달아나다' means 'to escape' or 'to flee.' It is commonly used when someone or something runs away quickly to avoid danger, responsibility, or an unpleasant situation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '달아나다' in contexts involving crime, difficult situations, or avoidance of obligations. For example, thieves escaping from police or someone wanting to run away from a stressful exam.
Collocations and Patterns
- 달아나다 + 에서/부터: indicating the place or situation from which someone escapes (e.g., 경찰을 피해 달아나다 - escape from the police).
- 달아나고 싶다: expressing a desire to run away.
- 달아나다 without an object: often implies sudden or urgent fleeing.
Register and Politeness
'달아나다' is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It is not particularly formal or informal.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '달아나다' with '도망가다,' which also means 'to run away.' While similar, '달아나다' often emphasizes a sudden or urgent escape, whereas '도망가다' can be more general. Use '달아나다' when highlighting the urgency or quickness of fleeing.