Meaning and Usage
The verb '머무르다' means 'to stay' or 'to remain' at a place for a period of time. It is often used when talking about staying overnight or for a short duration, such as at a friend's house, a hotel, or a hospital.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '머무르다' in contexts involving travel, lodging, or temporary residence. It can describe both voluntary stays (like vacations) and necessary stays (like hospital treatment).
Collocations and Patterns
- 머무르다 + 기간 (e.g., 하루 동안 머무르다): specifying the length of stay.
- ~에 머무르다 (e.g., 집에 머무르다): indicating the place where one stays.
- 머무르면서 (while staying): used to describe actions happening during the stay.
Register and Politeness
'머무르다' is a neutral verb suitable for both spoken and written Korean. It is polite and formal enough for everyday conversation and formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '머무르다' with '있다' (to be/exist). While '있다' can also mean 'to stay' in some contexts, '머무르다' emphasizes the act of staying temporarily or residing for a time, often with a nuance of lodging or remaining in a place intentionally.