Level 5

걸레

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Meaning and Usage

The word '걸레' primarily refers to a cloth used for cleaning, such as a dustcloth or mop cloth. It is commonly used in daily life when talking about cleaning floors, windows, or surfaces.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '걸레' in household chores or janitorial contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone acting weak or worn out, similar to calling someone a 'rag' in English.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 걸레질하다: to mop or wipe with a cloth
  • 걸레를 짜다: to wring out the cloth
  • 낡은 걸레: an old rag (literal or figurative)

Register and Nuance

'걸레' is a neutral term but can carry a slightly negative connotation when used metaphorically about people. It is informal and commonly used in spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '걸레' with '수건' (towel). Remember, '걸레' is specifically for cleaning, while '수건' is for drying or wiping the body.

Example Sentences

바닥을 닦으려고 걸레를 준비했어요.

Badageul dakkeureogo geollereul junbihesseoyo.

I prepared a cloth to wipe the floor.

걸레질을 할 때는 깨끗한 물을 자주 갈아야 해요.

Geollejireul hal ttaeneun kkaekkeutan mureul jaju garaya haeyo.

When mopping, you need to change the clean water frequently.

그는 낡은 걸레처럼 행동했다.

Geuneun nalgeun geollecheoreom haengdonghaetta.

He acted like an old rag.