Level 4

독하다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '독하다' primarily means 'to be poisonous' or 'to be strong and harsh.' It can describe something literally toxic, like medicine or chemicals, but it is also commonly used metaphorically to describe harsh words, strong will, or intense flavors.

Common Contexts

  1. Literal toxicity: When talking about substances that are harmful or poisonous.
  2. Harshness in speech: Describing words or attitudes that are sharp or hurtful.
  3. Strength or intensity: Referring to strong determination, intense flavors, or difficult conditions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 독한 약 (strong/poisonous medicine): Used when warning about the potency of medicine.
  • 말이 독하다 (words are harsh): Describes speech that can hurt feelings.
  • 독한 의지 (strong will): Refers to a firm determination.

Register and Nuance

'독하다' is a descriptive adjective used in both formal and informal contexts. When used for speech or personality traits, it often implies a negative or intense quality. When used for willpower or determination, it has a positive connotation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '독하다' with simply 'strong' in a physical sense. Remember that '독하다' often carries a nuance of harshness or toxicity, not just strength. For example, '독한 맛' means a strong, sharp taste, not just any strong flavor.

Example Sentences

이 약은 너무 독해서 조심히 복용해야 해요.

I yak-eun neomu dokhaeseo josimhi bokyonghaeya haeyo.

This medicine is too strong (poisonous), so you need to take it carefully.

그 사람은 말이 너무 독해서 상처를 받았어요.

Geu saram-eun mal-i neomu dokhaeseo sangcheoreul badasseoyo.

That person’s words were so harsh that I got hurt.

독한 의지가 있어야 어려운 일을 이겨낼 수 있어요.

Dokhan uijiga isseoya eoryeoun il-eul igyeonael su isseoyo.

You need a strong will to overcome difficult tasks.