Meaning and Usage
돌아서다 means 'to turn around' or 'to turn one's body in the opposite direction.' It is commonly used when someone physically changes their facing direction, often suddenly or decisively.
Common Contexts
You will hear 돌아서다 in everyday situations such as someone turning to look at another person, leaving a place by turning around, or figuratively turning away from a conversation or relationship.
Collocations and Patterns
- 돌아서다 + 고 (e.g., 돌아서서 말하다): Indicates turning and then doing something.
- 갑자기 돌아서다: to turn around suddenly, often implying surprise or shock.
- 바로 돌아서다: to turn immediately, showing quick reaction.
Register and Politeness
돌아서다 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a descriptive verb and does not carry honorifics.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 돌아서다 with 돌다 (to turn/rotate) or 돌리다 (to turn something). 돌아서다 specifically refers to a person or animal turning their body around, not rotating objects.
Use 돌아서다 when emphasizing the action of turning one's body or direction, especially in social or narrative contexts.