Meaning and Usage
The verb '다투다' means 'to quarrel' or 'to argue'. It is commonly used to describe disputes between people, often involving emotional or verbal conflict. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts but tends to appear more in everyday conversation.
Common Contexts
People often use '다투다' when talking about disagreements between family members, friends, or colleagues. It usually implies a verbal argument rather than physical fighting.
Collocations and Patterns
- 다투다 + (원인/이유): to quarrel over something (e.g., 다툰 이유 - reason for quarrel)
- ~와 다투다: to quarrel with someone
- 다투게 되다: to end up quarreling
Register and Nuance
'다투다' is neutral in formality and can be used in polite or casual speech depending on the sentence ending. It often conveys a negative situation but is a natural way to describe conflicts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '다투다' with '싸우다' (to fight). While '싸우다' can mean physical fighting, '다투다' usually refers to verbal disputes. Use '다투다' when emphasizing argument or quarrel rather than physical conflict.