Level 4

매

mae

Whip, rod

TOPIK 4

Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '매' primarily means 'whip' or 'rod'. It is often used to describe a tool for punishment or control, especially in historical or traditional contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 매로 다스리다: to control or discipline with a whip
  • 매 한 대: one stroke of the whip, often used metaphorically for a single punishment

Cultural Notes

In older Korean society, the whip symbolized authority and discipline. Today, the word is less commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in historical texts or idiomatic expressions.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse '매' (whip) with '매' (hawk), which is a homonym but different in meaning and usage. Context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

Example Sentences

그는 매로 말을 다스렸다.

Geuneun maero mareul dasryeotda.

He controlled the horse with a whip.

매 한 대로 벌을 주다.

Mae han daero beoreul juda.

To punish with one stroke of the whip.

옛날에는 매가 권위의 상징이었다.

Yennareun mae ga gwonuiui sangjingieotda.

In the past, the whip was a symbol of authority.