Level 4

따라다니다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '따라다니다' means 'to follow someone around' or 'to tail someone.' It is often used to describe a person or animal physically following another person closely and persistently.

Common Contexts

This verb is frequently used in everyday situations such as children following their parents, pets following their owners, or sometimes in a negative sense when someone is being stalked or followed uncomfortably.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '누구를 따라다니다' (to follow someone around): the most common pattern.
  • '계속 따라다니다' (to keep following): emphasizes persistence.
  • '불편하게 따라다니다' (to follow uncomfortably): used when the following is unwanted.

Register and Politeness

'따라다니다' is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and polite speech depending on the sentence ending.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '따라다니다' with '따르다' which means 'to follow' in a more abstract or metaphorical sense (like following advice). Remember, '따라다니다' specifically implies physically following someone around.

Example Sentences

아이가 엄마를 따라다니면서 계속 질문을 해요.

Aiga eommareul ttaradanimyeonseo gyesok jilmun-eul haeyo.

The child keeps following the mother around and asking questions.

그 남자는 나를 따라다녀서 좀 불편해요.

Geu namjaneun nareul ttaradanyeoseo jom bulpyeonhaeyo.

That man follows me around, so it's a bit uncomfortable.

강아지가 주인을 따라다니며 놀고 있어요.

Gangajiga juineul ttaradanimyeo nolgo isseoyo.

The puppy is playing while following its owner.