Meaning and Usage
The verb '기울이다' primarily means 'to tilt' or 'to incline' something physically, such as tilting your head or an object. It is also frequently used metaphorically to express focusing or devoting attention, effort, or resources toward something.
Common Contexts
- Physical inclination: You might use '기울이다' when describing tilting your head to listen carefully or inclining an object like a cup or a book.
- Concentration or effort: It often appears in contexts where someone devotes time, energy, or attention to a task or problem, e.g., '노력을 기울이다' (to devote effort).
Collocations and Patterns
- '고개를 기울이다': to tilt one's head, often to listen attentively.
- '노력을 기울이다': to put effort into something.
- '마음을 기울이다': to pay attention or care about something.
Register and Usage Notes
'기울이다' is a standard verb used in both spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in politeness but often appears in formal or literary contexts when describing effort or attention.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '기울이다' with '기다리다' (to wait) due to similar sounds. Remember '기울이다' relates to tilting or focusing, not waiting.