Meaning and Usage
The verb '때리다' primarily means 'to hit' or 'to strike' someone or something physically. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe acts of hitting, whether in anger, self-defense, or play.
Common Contexts
- Physical actions: hitting a person, an object, or a surface.
- Often used in informal or neutral contexts; can be harsh depending on tone.
Collocations and Patterns
- 때리다 + object (e.g., 아이를 때리다): to hit someone.
- 벽을 때리다: to hit a wall.
- 때리지 마세요: a polite request not to hit.
Register and Politeness
'때리다' is a standard verb but can sound harsh or aggressive depending on context. When making requests or prohibitions, polite endings like '-지 마세요' are used.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '때리다' with '치다' (to hit/strike) which can be more general or used for instruments (e.g., 치다 for playing instruments). '때리다' specifically implies a more direct physical hit.