Level 5

기지개

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Meaning and Usage

The word '기지개' refers to the act of stretching your arms, body, and legs, usually when you feel tired or after being in one position for a long time. It is a common physical response to relieve stiffness and improve circulation.

Common Contexts

You often hear '기지개를 켜다' which means 'to stretch (one's body)'. This phrase is used in everyday situations such as waking up in the morning, after sitting for a long time, or during breaks.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 기지개를 켜다: to stretch the body
  • 기지개를 펴다: another way to say stretch
  • 기지개를 켜면서: while stretching

These expressions are casual and used in informal to neutral settings.

Tips for Learners

When using '기지개', remember it usually describes a physical action rather than a metaphorical one. Avoid confusing it with general stretching exercises (which might use different verbs). Also, '기지개를 켜다' is the most natural collocation, not just '기지개 하다'.

Register and Politeness

'기지개' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal speech, but the verb forms around it (like 켜다) might change depending on politeness level.

Example Sentences

오랜 시간 앉아 있다가 일어나서 기지개를 켰다.

Oraen sigan anja itda ga ireoseo gijigaereul kyeotda.

After sitting for a long time, I stood up and stretched.

아침에 일어나면 항상 기지개를 켜야 기분이 좋아진다.

Achime ireona myeon hangsang gijigaereul kyeoya gibuni joajinda.

I always have to stretch when I wake up in the morning to feel better.

회의 중에 갑자기 기지개를 켜서 모두가 웃었다.

Hoeuijunge gapjagi gijigaereul kyeoseo moduga useotda.

During the meeting, someone suddenly stretched and everyone laughed.