Meaning and Usage
The verb '앓다' primarily means 'to be ill' or 'to suffer from a disease or pain.' It is commonly used to describe physical illnesses like colds or stomachaches, but it can also refer to mental or emotional suffering.
Common Contexts
- Physical illness: 감기를 앓다 (to have a cold), 배탈을 앓다 (to have a stomachache).
- Emotional or mental suffering: 마음의 병을 앓다 (to suffer from a mental illness).
Collocations and Patterns
- 앓다 + disease or symptom (감기, 배탈, 병)
- 마음의 병을 앓다 (to suffer from a mental or emotional illness)
Register and Politeness
'앓다' is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It is often combined with polite endings like -아요/-어요.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '앓다' with '아프다.' While both relate to pain or illness, '아프다' is an adjective meaning 'to hurt' or 'to be sick,' whereas '앓다' is a verb emphasizing the experience or duration of illness or suffering.