Meaning and Usage
The verb '털다' primarily means 'to shake off' or 'to brush off' something like dust, fur, or small particles. It often implies making something airborne by a shaking or brushing motion.
Common Contexts
- Removing dust or dirt from clothes or objects (e.g., 옷에 묻은 먼지를 털다).
- Emptying contents from a container or pocket (e.g., 주머니에서 돈을 털다).
- Shaking off animal fur or debris (e.g., 고양이가 털을 털다).
Collocations and Patterns
- 먼지를 털다: to shake off dust
- 주머니를 털다: to empty a pocket
- 털을 많이 털다: to shed or shake off a lot of fur
Register and Usage Notes
'Teolda' is a common verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and polite contexts depending on the sentence ending.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '털다' with '닦다' (to wipe) or '청소하다' (to clean). Remember, '털다' involves shaking or brushing off particles, not wiping or cleaning surfaces directly.