Meaning and Usage
The verb '쫓기다' means 'to be chased' or 'to be driven' by someone or something. It often implies a sense of urgency or pressure from an external force. This word is commonly used in both literal contexts, such as being physically chased, and figurative contexts, such as being pressured by deadlines or responsibilities.
Common Contexts
- Literal chasing: Someone or something is physically pursuing the subject.
- Figurative pressure: Being forced to act quickly due to time constraints or obligations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 쫓기다 + 에게: indicates who is chasing (e.g., 경찰에게 쫓기다 - to be chased by the police).
- 마감일에 쫓기다: to be pressed by a deadline.
- 빚쟁이에게 쫓기다: to be chased by debt collectors.
Register and Politeness
'쫓기다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the sentence ending.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '쫓기다' with '쫓다' (to chase). Remember, '쫓기다' is passive, meaning 'to be chased,' while '쫓다' is active, meaning 'to chase.' Using the correct form is important to convey who is the subject and who is the agent.