Meaning and Usage
The verb '쫓아다니다' means to chase after or follow someone or something persistently. It often implies a continuous or repeated action of following closely, whether physically or metaphorically.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when talking about children chasing friends, reporters following celebrities, or someone persistently pursuing a goal or person. It can carry a neutral or slightly negative nuance depending on context, especially if the following is unwanted.
Collocations and Patterns
- 쫓아다니다 + 사람/대상: to chase after a person or target.
- ~를 쫓아다니다: to follow or pursue something repeatedly.
- 기자가 연예인을 쫓아다니다: a common phrase describing reporters chasing celebrities.
Register and Politeness
'쫓아다니다' is a standard verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neither overly formal nor informal, making it versatile.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '쫓아다니다' with '따라가다' (to follow) or '뒤쫓다' (to chase). '쫓아다니다' emphasizes continuous or repeated following, often with a sense of persistence or even annoyance, unlike the more neutral '따라가다'.