Meaning and Usage
The verb '흔들리다' primarily means 'to shake' or 'to sway.' It can describe physical movement, such as objects moving back and forth due to wind or external forces. It is also commonly used metaphorically to express emotional or mental instability, like wavering feelings or uncertainty.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '흔들리다' in natural settings describing trees, buildings, or other objects affected by wind or earthquakes. In emotional contexts, it describes hesitation or doubt, such as when someone is unsure about a decision.
Collocations and Patterns
- '마음이 흔들리다': to have one's mind shaken; to feel uncertain or emotionally unsettled.
- '흔들리다 + 때문에/서': to shake because of something (cause).
- '심하게 흔들리다': to shake violently or severely.
Register and Politeness
'흔들리다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. The polite form '흔들려요' is common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '흔들리다' with '흔들다' (to shake something). Remember, '흔들리다' is intransitive (the subject itself shakes), while '흔들다' is transitive (someone shakes something). For example, '나무가 흔들리다' (the tree shakes) vs. '바람이 나무를 흔들다' (the wind shakes the tree).