Level 3

물다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '물다' primarily means 'to bite' in a literal sense, such as an animal biting a person. However, it also has figurative uses related to responsibility or holding on tightly.

Common Uses

  1. Literal biting: Used when an animal or person bites something or someone.
  2. Assigning responsibility: Often used to express putting blame or responsibility on someone.
  3. Holding on: Used metaphorically to describe holding on tightly to something, like a decision or an idea.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 실수를 물다: to put the blame on someone for a mistake.
  • 손을 물다: to bite a hand.
  • 결정을 물고 늘어지다: to cling to a decision.

Register and Politeness

'물다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. The politeness level depends on the verb ending used.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '물다' with '묻다' (to ask or to bury). Pay attention to context and pronunciation to distinguish these two verbs.

Example Sentences

그는 항상 실수를 나에게 물어요.

Geuneun hangsang silsureul naege mureoyo.

He always puts the blame on me for mistakes.

강아지가 내 손을 물었어요.

Gangajiga nae soneul mureosseoyo.

The puppy bit my hand.

그는 중요한 결정을 물고 늘어졌어요.

Geuneun jungyohan gyeoljeongeul mulgo neureojyeosseoyo.

He held on tightly to the important decision.