굽히다

The word 굽히다 is a fundamental Korean verb that captures the physical act of bending. Whether you are bending your knees during exercise or folding a piece of wire, this word covers it all.

Beyond the physical, it carries a deep metaphorical meaning. When someone says they won't 'bend' their principles, they mean they won't give in. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between simple anatomy and complex human behavior.

Think of it as the opposite of 펴다 (to straighten). Whenever you see something losing its straightness, you can use this verb. It is a very common word you will hear in daily life, from fitness instructors to people discussing their personal values.

The word 굽히다 comes from the root 굽-, which relates to the concept of curvature. Historically, this root has been present in the Korean language since ancient times to describe natural phenomena like winding rivers or curved branches.

The suffix -히- is a causative marker in Korean grammar. By adding this, the language transformed the simple state of being curved (굽다) into the active, transitive action of making something curved. This evolution allowed speakers to distinguish between something that is naturally bent and the act of bending it intentionally.

Over centuries, the word expanded from describing physical objects like bows or wood to describing abstract concepts like pride (고개를 굽히다 - to bow one's head in humility). It reflects a cultural history where physical posture was deeply tied to social hierarchy and respect.

You will most often hear 굽히다 used with body parts. Common phrases include 무릎을 굽히다 (bend the knees) or 허리를 굽히다 (bend the waist). These are standard in sports, yoga, and polite greetings.

In a more formal or literary register, it is used to describe yielding. For instance, 뜻을 굽히다 (to bend one's will/opinion) implies a person is compromising their stance. This usage is common in business negotiations or political discussions.

The register is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional setting without worrying about it sounding too slangy or overly archaic. It is a standard, reliable verb for any level of Korean proficiency.

1. 고개를 굽히다: To bow one's head; used to show respect or humble oneself. 2. 뜻을 굽히다: To yield one's opinion or goal; to give in. 3. 무릎을 굽히다: To kneel; often used to describe surrendering or showing deep reverence. 4. 기세를 굽히다: To dampen one's spirit or momentum. 5. 마음을 굽히다: To change one's mind or soften one's heart toward someone.

굽히다 is a transitive verb. It requires an object (the thing being bent). The pronunciation is [구피다] due to the liaison of the 'ㅎ' sound with the following vowel, making it sound smoother than it looks.

It follows standard Korean verb conjugation rules. For the present polite form, use 굽혀요. For the past tense, use 굽혔다. It is not an irregular verb, which makes it very learner-friendly compared to other verbs.

Rhyming words include 입히다 (to dress someone) and 높이다 (to heighten). Pay attention to the 'p' sound; it is a tense consonant in the root, so ensure you pronounce it with enough pressure to distinguish it from a soft 'b' sound.