Level 3

찌르다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '찌르다' primarily means 'to stab' or 'to thrust' something sharp into an object or person. It is often used in contexts involving knives, needles, or insects like bees. Beyond literal stabbing, it can also mean to poke or prod someone, often to get their attention or signal something quietly.

Common Collocations

  • 칼로 찌르다: to stab with a knife
  • 벌이 찌르다: a bee stings
  • 어깨를 찌르다: to poke someone's shoulder

These collocations show both violent and gentle uses of the verb.

Register and Politeness

'찌르다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the surrounding sentence structure will determine the overall politeness.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '찌르다' with '찔리다', which is the passive form meaning 'to be stabbed'. Remember, '찌르다' is active: someone does the stabbing or poking, while '찔리다' means someone or something is stabbed or poked.

Example Sentences

그가 칼로 적을 찌르다.

Geuga kallo jeogeul jjireuda.

He stabbed the enemy with a knife.

벌이 내 팔을 찌르다.

Beori nae parleul jjireuda.

A bee stung my arm.

그는 내 어깨를 찌르며 조용히 하라고 했다.

Geuneun nae eokkaereul jjireumyeo joyonghi harago haetda.

He poked my shoulder and told me to be quiet.