Level 5

물리다

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Usage and Nuances

The verb '물리다' has several distinct meanings depending on context. It can mean 'to bite' or 'to nip,' often used when animals bite someone or something. It also means 'to pay back' or 'to settle' debts or money owed, a common usage in financial contexts.

Another important meaning is 'to push back' or 'to drive away,' often used in situations involving crowd control or repelling someone physically.

Common Collocations

  • '빚을 물리다': to pay off a debt
  • '개가 물리다': to be bitten by a dog
  • '시위대를 물리다': to push back protesters

Register and Usage Notes

'물리다' is a versatile verb used in both formal and informal contexts. When referring to biting, it often appears in everyday conversation. When used in financial or official contexts, it tends to be more formal.

Common Confusion

Learners sometimes confuse '물리다' with '물다' (to bite) because both relate to biting. However, '물리다' is often passive or causative, meaning 'to be bitten' or 'to have someone bite,' while '물다' is the active form 'to bite.' Understanding this distinction helps avoid mistakes.

Example Sentences

개가 낯선 사람을 물리려고 했다.

Gaega natseon sarameul mulryeogo haetda.

The dog tried to bite the stranger.

그는 빚을 물리기 위해 열심히 일하고 있다.

Geuneun bijeul mulrigi wihae yeolsimhi ilhago itda.

He is working hard to pay off his debt.

경찰이 시위대를 물려서 길을 확보했다.

Gyeongchari siwidaereul mulryeoseo gireul hwakbohaetda.

The police pushed back the protesters to secure the road.