Meaning and Usage
The verb '더러워지다' means 'to become dirty' or 'to get dirty.' It is commonly used to describe objects, clothes, or body parts that become soiled or stained. This verb is often used in everyday situations involving dirt, stains, or messes.
Common Contexts
You will hear '더러워지다' when talking about clothes after physical activities, shoes after playing outside, or hands during meals. It is a descriptive verb that focuses on the change of state from clean to dirty.
Collocations and Patterns
- 더러워지다 + 옷/신발/손: to get clothes/shoes/hands dirty
- 더러워지지 않다: to not get dirty
- 더러워지기 쉽다: to be easily dirtied
Register and Politeness
'더러워지다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard verb without any special honorific forms.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '더러워지다' with '더럽히다,' which means 'to make something dirty' (an active causative). Remember, '더러워지다' is intransitive and describes something becoming dirty by itself or through external factors, while '더럽히다' is transitive and means to dirty something intentionally or actively.