Level 6

독립하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '독립하다' means 'to become independent' or 'to gain independence.' It is commonly used both in personal contexts, such as young adults starting to live on their own, and in political contexts, referring to countries gaining sovereignty.

Common Contexts

  • Personal independence: Often used when someone moves out from their parents' home or becomes financially self-sufficient.
  • National independence: Used to describe a country gaining freedom from colonial or foreign rule.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 독립해서 살다: to live independently
  • 경제적으로 독립하다: to be financially independent
  • 독립을 선언하다: to declare independence (usually for countries)

Register and Politeness

'독립하다' is a neutral verb suitable for formal and informal contexts. It is often used in news reports, academic texts, and everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '독립하다' with '자립하다.' While both mean 'to be independent,' '자립하다' emphasizes self-reliance, especially financially or emotionally, whereas '독립하다' focuses on the state of independence itself. Use '독립하다' when referring to gaining independence as a status or condition.

Example Sentences

대학을 졸업한 후에 독립해서 혼자 살기 시작했어요.

Daehageul joreophan hue dokriphaseo honja salgi sijakhaesseoyo.

After graduating from university, I became independent and started living alone.

많은 젊은이들이 경제적으로 독립하는 것을 목표로 하고 있어요.

Manheun jeolmeunideuri gyeongjejeogeuro dokriphaneun geoseul mokpyoro hago isseoyo.

Many young people aim to become financially independent.

그 나라는 1945년에 독립했다.

Geu naraneun 1945nyeone dokriphaetda.

That country became independent in 1945.