Level 6

의지하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '의지하다' means 'to depend on' or 'to rely on' someone or something for support, help, or strength. It is often used in emotional or practical contexts where a person looks to another person, object, or concept for assistance or comfort.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when talking about relying on friends, family, or external resources during difficult times. It can also describe a tendency to depend on others rather than oneself.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 의지하다 + 에 (의지하다 on) : to depend on a person or thing
  • ~에 의지하다 : commonly used to indicate the object of reliance
  • 의지할 곳이 없다 : to have no place or person to rely on

Register and Nuance

'의지하다' is a formal verb often used in written and spoken Korean at polite or neutral levels. It conveys a sense of trust or necessity in dependence, not casual or temporary reliance.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '의지하다' with '기대다' (to lean on physically). Remember, '의지하다' is more abstract, referring to emotional or practical dependence rather than physical support.

Example Sentences

어려운 일이 있을 때 친구에게 의지하다.

Eoryeoun iri isseul ttae chingue uijihada.

When having a difficult time, I depend on my friend.

그는 자신의 능력보다 주변 사람들에게 의지하는 경향이 있다.

Geuneun jasinui neungnyeokboda jubyeon saramdeurege uijihaneun gyeonghyangi itda.

He tends to rely more on people around him than on his own abilities.

의지할 곳이 없어서 혼자 문제를 해결해야 했다.

Uijihal gosi eopseoseo honja munjele haegyeolhaeya haetda.

Having nowhere to rely on, I had to solve the problem alone.