Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '꼬리' primarily means 'tail,' referring to the tail of an animal or the rear part of an object. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and writing.
Common Contexts
- Literal tail of animals: Cats, dogs, and other animals have '꼬리.'
- Figurative use: It can refer to following someone closely or being at the end of a line or sequence.
- Idiomatic expressions: Phrases like '꼬리를 밟다' (to step on someone's tail) mean to catch or expose someone.
Collocations and Patterns
- 꼬리를 흔들다: to wag the tail (used for animals showing emotion or friendliness).
- 꼬리를 밟다: to catch someone's tail (to catch someone in the act or follow closely).
- 꼬리를 물다: to follow in a chain or sequence.
Register and Politeness
'꼬리' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without issue.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '꼬리' with '꼬리표' (label or tag) or use it metaphorically without understanding the idiomatic meaning. Remember that '꼬리' alone means 'tail,' and idiomatic expressions require context to be understood correctly.