Level 5

목마르다

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean verb '목마르다' literally means 'to be thirsty' or 'to feel thirst.' It is commonly used in everyday conversation to express the physical sensation of needing water or fluids.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '목마르다' after physical activities like exercising or on hot days. It can also be used metaphorically to express a strong desire or craving for something, such as knowledge or love.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 목이 마르다: a more formal or standard way to say 'to be thirsty.'
  • 너무 목마르다: to emphasize being very thirsty.
  • 목마르지 않게: used to advise someone to avoid getting thirsty.

Register and Politeness

'목마르다' is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite speech. When speaking politely, it is often combined with polite endings like '-아요' or '-어요' (e.g., 목말라요).

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '목마르다' with '배고프다' (to be hungry). Remember, '목마르다' relates to thirst, not hunger.

Example Sentences

운동을 많이 해서 너무 목마르다.

Undongeul mani haeseo neomu mokmareuda.

I exercised a lot, so I'm very thirsty.

목마르지 않게 물을 자주 마셔야 해요.

Mokmareuji anke mureul jaju masyeoya haeyo.

You should drink water often so you don't get thirsty.

목마르다라는 표현은 단순히 물이 필요하다는 뜻뿐만 아니라 갈망이나 욕구를 비유적으로 나타낼 때도 사용돼요.

Mokmareudaraneun pyohyeoneun dansunhi muri piryohadaneun tteutppunman anira galmangina yokgureul biyujeogeuro natanal ttaedo sayongdwaeyo.

The expression '목마르다' not only means simply needing water but is also used metaphorically to express longing or desire.