Meaning and Usage
The verb '벗기다' primarily means 'to take off clothes or coverings from someone or something.' It is a causative form of '벗다' (to take off), so it implies causing someone or something to be unclothed or uncovered.
Common Contexts
- Removing clothes from a person, often used when helping children or patients.
- Taking off accessories like hats or shoes.
- Removing coverings such as bandages or wrappers.
Collocations and Patterns
- 옷을 벗기다: to undress someone
- 붕대를 벗기다: to remove a bandage
- 모자를 벗기다: to take off a hat
Register and Politeness
'벗기다' is neutral in formality but often appears in polite or neutral contexts, especially in caregiving or medical situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '벗기다' with '벗다.' Remember, '벗다' is intransitive (someone takes off their own clothes), while '벗기다' is causative (someone causes another to take off clothes). For example, '옷을 벗다' means 'to take off clothes oneself,' but '옷을 벗기다' means 'to take off someone else's clothes.'