Meaning and Usage
The verb '껴안다' means to embrace or hug someone closely, often implying warmth, affection, or comfort. It is commonly used in both literal and emotional contexts, such as hugging a loved one or expressing joy upon meeting someone.
Common Collocations
- '품에 껴안다': to hold someone in one's arms, emphasizing closeness and protection.
- '서로를 껴안다': to hug each other, often used to describe mutual affection or comfort.
- '꼭 껴안다': to hug tightly, showing strong emotion or care.
Register and Politeness
'껴안다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in spoken and written Korean when describing physical or emotional embraces.
Usage Tips
When using '껴안다', the focus is on the physical act of embracing someone closely. It differs from '안다' which also means 'to hug' but can be less intense or intimate. Learners should avoid confusing '껴안다' with '껴입다' (to wear layers) or other similar-sounding verbs.
Using '껴안다' appropriately conveys warmth and affection, making it a useful verb for expressing close relationships and emotional moments.