Meaning and Usage
"늑대" means "wolf" in Korean. It refers to the wild carnivorous animal known for its strength and pack behavior.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "늑대" in nature-related conversations, stories, and idiomatic expressions. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is fierce, brave, or cunning.
Collocations and Patterns
- 늑대처럼 (like a wolf): Used to compare someone's behavior or traits to a wolf's.
- 늑대가 울다 (the wolf howls): Describes the sound wolves make, often used in storytelling.
- 늑대와 양 (wolf and sheep): A common metaphor contrasting predator and prey, or strong and weak.
Register and Nuance
"늑대" is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When used metaphorically, it often implies admiration for strength or a warning about danger.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "늑대" with "개" (dog). Remember, "늑대" specifically means "wolf," a wild animal, while "개" means "dog," a domesticated animal.