Meaning and Usage
The verb '썩다' primarily means 'to rot' or 'to go bad,' commonly used for food or organic materials that decay over time. It can also be used metaphorically to describe moral corruption or a bad attitude.
Common Collocations
- '음식이 썩다' (food goes bad): used when food spoils.
- '마음이 썩다' (heart is rotten): metaphor for moral decay or bad intentions.
- '썩은 냄새' (rotten smell): describing the unpleasant odor of decay.
Register and Nuance
'Sseokda' is a standard verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral in formality but often appears in casual or descriptive contexts.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse '썩다' with '삭다,' which also means to ferment or rot but is used in different contexts, such as fermentation of kimchi. '썩다' emphasizes decay and spoilage rather than controlled fermentation.