Meaning and Usage
The verb '가만있다' means to remain still or motionless, often implying staying quiet or not taking action. It is commonly used to describe physical stillness or a lack of response in a situation.
Common Contexts
You will hear '가만있다' when talking about children or animals who don't stay still, or when someone remains silent during a conversation or event. It can also be used rhetorically to question passivity.
Collocations and Patterns
- 가만있다 + negative form (가만있지 않다): to not stay still, often describing restlessness.
- 가만있으면: if (someone) stays still or does nothing, often used to imply consequences.
- 가만히 있다: a more formal or literary variant meaning to stay quietly or motionless.
Register and Nuance
'가만있다' is neutral and can be used in everyday conversation. It often conveys a subtle judgment about passivity or inactivity, especially when used in questions or negative forms.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '가만있다' with simply '있다' (to be/exist). Remember that '가만있다' specifically emphasizes stillness or quietness, not just existence.