Level 4

가라앉다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The verb '가라앉다' primarily means 'to sink' or 'to settle.' It is used both literally, such as when an object sinks in water, and figuratively, such as when emotions calm down.

Common Contexts

  1. Literal sinking: Used when ships, stones, or other objects go down beneath the surface of water.
  2. Emotional calming: Describes feelings or moods becoming calmer or less intense.
  3. Settling of substances: When particles or sediments settle at the bottom of a liquid.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 배가 가라앉다 (a ship sinks): literal sinking.
  • 마음이 가라앉다 (feelings calm down): emotional state.
  • 물이 가라앉다 (water settles): sediment or liquid clarity.

Register and Usage Notes

'가라앉다' is a neutral verb suitable for both spoken and written Korean. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '가라앉다' with '잠기다' (to be submerged). Remember, '가라앉다' emphasizes the action of sinking or calming down, while '잠기다' focuses on being covered or flooded by water.

Example Sentences

배가 바다에 가라앉았다.

Bae ga badae garaantda.

The ship sank in the sea.

마음이 조금 가라앉으면 다시 이야기하자.

Maeumi jogeum garaanmyeon dasi iyagihaja.

Let's talk again after your feelings calm down a bit.

물이 가라앉아서 바닥이 보인다.

Muri garaansaseo badagi boinda.

The water has settled, so the bottom is visible.