Level 4

붙잡다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '붙잡다' primarily means 'to seize' or 'to catch' something physically, like grabbing a person's arm or holding onto an object. It can also be used metaphorically to mean 'holding on to' or 'clinging to' abstract things such as hope, opportunity, or memories.

Common Contexts

  • Physical grabbing: catching someone or something to prevent escape.
  • Emotional or metaphorical: holding on to hope, chances, or feelings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 붙잡다 + 명사 (e.g., 희망을 붙잡다): to hold on to hope.
  • 기회를 붙잡다: to seize an opportunity.
  • 팔을 붙잡다: to grab someone's arm.

Register and Politeness

'붙잡다' is a standard verb used in both spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in formality and can be used in everyday conversation as well as in formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '붙잡다' with '잡다' (to catch, to hold) but '붙잡다' often implies a stronger or more persistent grasp, sometimes with an emotional or urgent nuance. Remember that '붙잡다' can be used both literally and figuratively.

Example Sentences

도둑이 도망가려 할 때 경찰이 그의 팔을 붙잡았다.

Dodugi domanggaryeo hal ttae gyeongchari geuui pareul butjapatda.

When the thief tried to run away, the police grabbed his arm.

어려운 상황에서도 희망을 붙잡아야 한다.

Eoryeoun sanghwangeseodo huimangeul butjabaya handa.

Even in difficult situations, you must hold on to hope.

그는 마지막 기회를 붙잡으려고 애썼다.

Geuneun majimak gihoereul butjabeuryeogo aesseotda.

He tried hard to seize the last opportunity.