Level 5

물들다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The verb '물들다' primarily means 'to be dyed' or 'to be colored.' It is often used to describe natural changes in color, such as leaves changing in autumn or the sky at dawn. Beyond literal coloring, it can also be used metaphorically to express being emotionally or mentally influenced or 'colored' by something, like love or sadness.

Common Collocations

  • '색깔이 물들다': to have a color dyed or infused
  • '마음이 ~으로 물들다': to have one's heart or feelings influenced by something
  • '가을에 물들다': to change color in autumn

These collocations show how '물들다' can describe both physical and emotional transformations.

Register and Usage Notes

'물들다' is a standard verb used in both spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, from poetic descriptions to everyday observations.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '물들다' with '물리다' (to be bitten or to be overloaded). Remember that '물들다' relates to color or influence, not physical biting or being overwhelmed.

Example Sentences

가을이 되면 나뭇잎이 빨갛게 물든다.

Gaeuri doemyeon namunnipi ppalgahge muldeunda.

In autumn, the leaves turn red.

그의 마음은 사랑으로 물들어 있었다.

Geuui maeumeun sarangeuro muldeureo isseotda.

His heart was filled with love.

새벽 하늘이 분홍빛으로 물들기 시작했다.

Saebyeok haneuri bunhongbicheuro muldeulgi sijakhaetda.

The dawn sky began to be tinged with pink.