Usage and Nuances
The verb '삼키다' primarily means 'to swallow,' referring to the physical act of moving food, drink, or medicine from the mouth to the stomach. It is commonly used in everyday contexts such as eating or taking medicine.
Beyond the literal meaning, '삼키다' can also be used metaphorically to express the difficulty of accepting or suppressing emotions, news, or feelings, as in '삼키지 못하다' (unable to swallow), often implying emotional struggle.
Common Collocations
- '음식을 삼키다' (to swallow food): the basic physical action.
- '약을 삼키다' (to swallow medicine): common in health-related contexts.
- '충격을 삼키다' (to swallow shock): metaphorical use for suppressing or enduring shock.
- '울음을 삼키다' (to swallow tears): to hold back crying.
Register and Usage Tips
'삼키다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal speech. It is neutral in politeness but often appears with polite endings in conversation.
A common learner mistake is confusing '삼키다' with '먹다' (to eat). '삼키다' focuses on the act of swallowing, not the entire process of eating.
Use '삼키다' when emphasizing the action of swallowing or when describing emotional suppression metaphorically.