Level 3

따라가다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '따라가다' literally means 'to follow and go after someone or something.' It is commonly used when physically following a person or group, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean following someone's opinion or trend.

Common Contexts

  • Physically following someone, such as a child following a teacher or a person following a guide.
  • Following someone's ideas, opinions, or instructions.
  • Following a path or route by observing others.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '사람을 따라가다' (to follow a person): used when physically going after someone.
  • '의견을 따라가다' (to follow an opinion): used when agreeing or adopting someone's viewpoint.
  • '길을 따라가다' (to follow a path): used when moving along a route.

Register and Politeness

'따라가다' is a neutral verb suitable for everyday conversation. It can be combined with polite endings like '-요' for polite speech.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '따라가다' with '따르다.' While '따르다' means 'to follow' in a broader sense, '따라가다' emphasizes the action of physically following or going after someone or something. Remember that '따라가다' always implies movement following the target.

Example Sentences

아이들이 선생님을 따라가며 수업을 듣고 있어요.

Aideuri seonsaengnimeul ttaragamyeo sueobeul deudgo isseoyo.

The children are following the teacher and listening to the lesson.

그는 친구의 의견을 잘 따라가요.

Geuneun chingue uigyeoneul jal ttaragayo.

He follows his friend's opinion well.

길을 잃었을 때는 사람들을 따라가면 도움이 돼요.

Gireul ilheosseul ttaeneun saramdeureul ttaragamyeon doumi dwaeyo.

When you get lost, following people can help.