Meaning and Usage
The verb '지배하다' primarily means 'to control' or 'to rule over' something or someone. It is often used in contexts involving political power, social dominance, or emotional control. The word carries a formal tone and is common in written and spoken Korean when discussing authority or influence.
Common Contexts
- Political or social rule: describing how a person, group, or family governs a country or region.
- Emotional control: referring to managing one's feelings or impulses.
- Market dominance: used in business contexts to describe a company’s control over a market.
Collocations and Patterns
- 지배하다 + 대상 (e.g., 나라, 시장, 감정): to control or dominate a target.
- ~에 의해 지배되다: passive form meaning 'to be ruled by'.
- 완전히 지배하다: to completely control.
Usage Notes
'지배하다' is more formal and stronger than simply 'control' (통제하다). It implies authority and power rather than just managing or regulating. Learners should avoid confusing it with '관리하다' (to manage), which is more neutral and administrative.
When talking about emotions, '지배하다' suggests a struggle or effort to control feelings, often implying difficulty.
Common Mistake
Do not use '지배하다' casually for everyday small controls (like controlling a TV or device); instead, use '조절하다' or '통제하다' for those contexts.