At the A1 level, you should learn '찌르다' as a simple action word meaning 'to poke'. Imagine using your finger to touch someone to get their attention. At this level, focus on the basic 'Subject + Object + 찌르다' structure. For example, 'I poke the bread' (빵을 찔러요). You might also see it when using a fork to eat. It is an irregular verb, so you will notice that '찌르다' changes to '찔러요' when we say it politely. Don't worry too much about the complicated meanings yet; just think of it as a sharp touch with a finger or a tool like a fork. It's a useful word for basic daily activities like eating or playing with friends.
At the A2 level, you can start using '찌르다' in more specific daily contexts. You will use it to describe using tools like forks (포크로 찌르다) or needles (바늘로 찌르다). You should also learn the passive form, '찔리다' (to be poked), which is very common when you accidentally hurt yourself with something sharp, like a rose thorn (장미 가시에 찔렸어요). This level also introduces the '르' irregular conjugation rule more formally. You should be able to conjugate '찌르다' into the past tense ('찔렀어요') and use it with particles like '-로' to show what you used to poke something. It's also a good time to learn the common phrase for 'poking someone's side' (옆구리를 찌르다).
At the B1 level, you will encounter '찌르다' in more figurative and sensory contexts. You'll learn how it describes sharp smells that 'sting' your nose (코를 찌르는 냄새) or bright lights that 'pierce' your eyes. You will also start to see it in idiomatic expressions. For example, '정곡을 찌르다' means to hit the nail on the head or to point out the exact truth. This is a very common expression in conversations about problems or debates. You should be comfortable using '찌르다' to describe not just physical actions, but also how things feel to your senses. You might also hear it in news reports about prices or popularity 'piercing the sky' (하늘을 찌르다), which means they are very high.
At the B2 level, '찌르다' becomes a tool for more descriptive and nuanced language. You will see it used in literature and journalism to describe sharp, penetrating actions. For instance, a 'penetrating pass' in soccer is a '찌르는 패스'. You'll also learn the social nuances of the word, such as using it for 'snitching' or 'reporting' someone in a slightly informal or negative context. You should be able to distinguish '찌르다' from similar verbs like '쑤시다' (to throb or poke repeatedly) and '꽂다' (to insert). At this level, you should also understand the nuance of the phrase '옆구리 찔러 절 받기', which is a common cultural idiom about forced gratitude.
At the C1 level, you should be able to use '찌르다' in academic or professional discussions to describe sharp analysis or critique. It can be used to describe an author who 'pierces through' social issues with their writing. You will also encounter it in more complex grammatical structures and in combination with advanced vocabulary. For example, '허를 찌르다' means to catch someone off guard or strike where they are most vulnerable. This level requires a deep understanding of the word's metaphorical power—how a simple physical action of poking can represent a sharp intellectual insight or a strategic move in a game or business.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '찌르다'. You can use it in highly sophisticated ways, including its most obscure metaphorical applications. You understand the subtle differences in tone when '찌르다' is used in poetry versus a police report. You can use the word to describe the 'piercing' quality of a philosophical argument or the way a specific historical event 'pierced' the national consciousness. You are also familiar with all its slang variations and can use it naturally in any register, from formal speeches to casual street talk. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word's sound and rhythm to add emphasis to your descriptions.

찌르다 in 30 Sekunden

  • To poke or stab with a pointed object.
  • Used for physical poking, eating with forks, and medical needles.
  • Metaphorically means to hit the mark or sting the senses.
  • A '르' irregular verb: 찌르다 -> 찔러요.

The Korean verb 찌르다 (jjireuda) is a versatile and essential term that primarily describes the action of poking, stabbing, or piercing an object or surface with a pointed instrument or body part. At its most basic level, it refers to a physical movement where force is applied through a sharp or narrow point. This can range from the gentle, playful act of poking a friend's side to the more functional act of using a fork to pick up food, or even the more serious context of a medical needle piercing the skin. Understanding this word requires recognizing its broad spectrum of intensity and intent.

Physical Poking
This is the most common usage. It involves using a finger, a stick, or a tool to make contact with something. For example, children might poke a sleeping dog, or you might poke a cake with a toothpick to see if it is fully baked. It implies a focused, directional force.
Culinary Context
When eating, Koreans use this word to describe the action of using a fork or a chopstick to spear a piece of food. Unlike '집다' (to pick up with chopsticks), '찌르다' specifically refers to the piercing motion. If you are eating a piece of fruit with a small fork, you are '찌르다'-ing the fruit.
Sensory Irritation
Metaphorically, it describes sharp sensations. A pungent smell can 'poke' or 'sting' your nose (코를 찌르다), and a bright light can 'poke' or 'pierce' your eyes (눈을 찌르다). This usage captures the sudden, sharp nature of the sensation.

젓가락으로 음식을 찌르지 마세요. (Don't poke the food with your chopsticks.)

Beyond the physical, '찌르다' finds its way into social and psychological contexts. To 'hit the nail on the head' or 'strike home' in Korean is expressed as '정곡을 찌르다' (stabbing the bullseye). This means someone has identified the core of an issue or a person's hidden motive with painful accuracy. It can also be used in the context of bribery, where one 'pokes' someone with money (뇌물을 찔러 주다), implying a secretive, under-the-table movement. The word captures the essence of a sharp, direct, and often sudden action that penetrates a surface, whether that surface is physical, sensory, or metaphorical.

그의 말은 내 가슴을 찔렀다. (His words pierced my heart.)

In literature and news, you might see '찌르다' used to describe heights or intensities. The phrase '하늘을 찌를 듯한 기세' (a spirit that seems to pierce the sky) describes immense energy or popularity. This shows how the word moves from a small, localized action (poking a finger) to a grand, cosmic scale. Whether you are talking about a needle at the doctor's office or a skyscraper reaching for the clouds, '찌르다' is the go-to verb for anything that pierces through a boundary.

바늘이 손가락을 찔러서 피가 났어요. (The needle poked my finger, so it bled.)

Irregular Conjugation
It is important to note that 찌르다 is a '르' irregular verb. This means when it meets an ending starting with '아/어', the 'ㅡ' drops, and an extra 'ㄹ' is added to the preceding syllable. Thus, 찌르다 becomes 찔러 (jjilleo), not 찌러.

Using 찌르다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the types of objects it typically takes. As a transitive verb, it requires an object—the thing being poked or stabbed. The structure is usually [Subject]가 [Object]을/를 [찌르다]. However, the most critical aspect for learners is mastering the '르' irregular conjugation, which changes the stem significantly in polite and past tense forms.

The '르' Irregular Rule
When the stem ends in '르' and is followed by '-아/어', the 'ㅡ' is deleted, and another 'ㄹ' is added to the bottom of the syllable before it.
- 찌르다 + 어요 = 찔러요 (jjilleoyo)
- 찌르다 + 았어요 = 찔렀어요 (jjilleosseoyo)

요리사가 칼로 고기를 찔러 보았습니다. (The chef tried poking the meat with a knife.)

In everyday conversation, you will often use the object marker 을/를 with parts of the body or tools. For instance, if you accidentally poke someone in the eye, you would say '눈을 찔렀어요'. If you are using a tool, you use the particle '로/으로' to indicate the instrument used for poking. '손가락으로 찔렀어요' (poked with a finger) or '바늘로 찔렀어요' (poked with a needle).

장미 가시가 내 손가락을 찔렀어요. (A rose thorn poked my finger.)

When using '찌르다' in a more abstract sense, the sentence structure remains the same but the objects become more conceptual. For example, '정곡을 찌르다' (to hit the mark) is a fixed expression. You can say '그의 질문이 내 정곡을 찔렀다' (His question hit me right where it counts/hit the mark). Similarly, when describing a smell, you can say '악취가 코를 찌른다' (The stench stabs/stings the nose).

그 영화의 메시지는 사회의 문제점을 날카롭게 찌른다. (The movie's message sharply stabs at/points out the problems of society.)

Common Subject-Object Pairs
1. 손가락이 옆구리를 찌르다 (Finger pokes the side)
2. 포크가 고기를 찌르다 (Fork stabs the meat)
3. 바늘이 피부를 찌르다 (Needle pierces the skin)
4. 냄새가 코를 찌르다 (Smell stings the nose)

In South Korea, you will encounter 찌르다 in a variety of daily environments, from the domestic to the professional. One of the most common places is the kitchen. Whether you're watching a cooking show on TV or cooking with a Korean friend, you'll hear them talk about poking vegetables with a chopstick to see if they are soft. '젓가락으로 찔러 보세요' (Try poking it with a chopstick) is a standard instruction in many recipes.

At the Hospital
When getting a vaccination or a blood test, the nurse might warn you right before the needle goes in. While they often use the word '주사' (injection), they might describe the sensation as '따끔하게 찌를 거예요' (It will poke/sting a little bit).
In Social Settings
Friends often use this word when joking around. If someone is daydreaming, a friend might poke them in the ribs and say '왜 찔러?' (Why are you poking me?). It's also used in the phrase '옆구리 찔러 절 받기', which refers to forcing someone to show you respect or gratitude when they didn't intend to.

감자가 다 익었는지 젓가락으로 찔러 봤어요. (I tried poking the potato with a chopstick to see if it was cooked.)

In the news and media, '찌르다' is frequently used in headlines regarding the economy or sports. If the price of oil 'skyrockets', the media might say '유가가 하늘을 찌르고 있다' (Oil prices are piercing the sky). In sports, a 'stabbing' pass (찌르는 패스) refers to a sharp, penetrating pass that cuts through the opponent's defense. This figurative usage is very common in professional commentary.

그 선수의 인기는 하늘을 찌를 듯합니다. (That player's popularity seems like it will pierce the sky.)

Lastly, you'll hear it in the context of smells. If you walk into a place that smells very strongly of fermented soybeans (cheonggukjang) or garbage, someone might exclaim '냄새가 코를 찌르네!' (The smell is stabbing my nose!). This is a very natural and common way to express that a scent is overwhelming or sharp.

Everyday Expressions
- '정곡을 찔렸어' (You hit the nail on the head / You caught me off guard with that truth).
- '가시에 찔리지 않게 조심해' (Be careful not to get poked by the thorns).

Learning 찌르다 comes with a few pitfalls, primarily related to its irregular conjugation and its confusion with similar-looking or similar-sounding verbs. Many students struggle with the '르' irregular change, which is a common hurdle in intermediate Korean grammar.

Conjugation Errors
The most common mistake is conjugating it as '찌러요' or '찌렀어요'. Because the stem is '찌르-', beginners often just drop '다' and add '어요'. However, you must remember the double 'ㄹ' rule. The correct forms are 찔러요 and 찔렀어요.
Confusion with '박다' (Bakda)
'박다' means to drive something in, like a nail into a wall. While both involve a directional force, '찌르다' focuses on the act of piercing or poking, whereas '박다' focuses on the object being fixed or embedded into something. You poke (찌르다) someone with a finger, but you drive (박다) a nail into wood.

Wrong: 손가락으로 찌러요.
Right: 손가락으로 찔러요.

Another common error is confusing '찌르다' with '쏘다' (ssoda - to shoot or sting). While a bee 'stings' (쏘다), the sensation might feel like a 'poke' (찌르다). In Korean, bees and scorpions '쏘다', but a thorn or a needle '찌르다'. If you use '쏘다' for a needle, it sounds like the needle was fired from a gun. Use '찌르다' for physical contact with a sharp point.

Wrong: 벌이 나를 찔렀어요. (Grammatically okay, but '쐈어요' is natural for bees).
Right: 바늘이 나를 찔렀어요.

Finally, be careful with the intensity. '찌르다' can be very aggressive (stabbing) or very light (poking). Context is key. If you are in a kitchen, it's about food. If you are in a dark alley in a movie, it's about a weapon. Don't use '찌르다' lightly in serious situations unless you mean to describe a literal piercing.

Mistake: Using '찌르다' for 'Pointing'
If you want to 'point' at something with your finger, use '가리키다'. '찌르다' implies making physical contact or at least the motion of trying to pierce. If you just point at a mountain, it's not '찌르다'.

To truly master 찌르다, it is helpful to compare it with other Korean verbs that describe similar actions. Korean has a rich vocabulary for tactile sensations, and choosing the right word can make your speech sound much more natural and precise.

쑤시다 (Ssushida)
While '찌르다' is a single poke or stab, '쑤시다' often implies a repetitive or deeper poking motion. It's also used to describe an aching, throbbing pain (like a 'poking' pain in your joints). If you are cleaning out a hole with a stick, you are '쑤시다'-ing it.
꽂다 (Kkotda)
'꽂다' means to plug in, insert, or stick something into something else so that it stays there. '찌르다' is the action of piercing, but '꽂다' emphasizes the result of the object being left inside. For example, you '꽂다' flowers in a vase or a charger into a phone.
박다 (Bakda)
As mentioned before, '박다' is used for driving things in, like nails or stakes. It implies more force and a more permanent placement than a simple poke.

찌르다 vs 쑤시다
- 찌르다: A sharp, one-time poke.
- 쑤시다: A repetitive poking or a throbbing internal pain.

For figurative 'stinging' or 'piercing' sensations, you might also encounter '아리다' (stinging/aching) or '쓰리다' (burning/stinging pain like a sore throat or stomach). However, '찌르다' is unique because it always implies a 'pointy' source of the sensation, even if that source is a smell or a sound.

찌르다 vs 꽂다
- 찌르다: Focus on the piercing action.
- 꽂다: Focus on the object being inserted and staying there.

In summary, use '찌르다' when the action involves a point and a pierce. Use '쑤시다' for throbbing pain or digging around. Use '꽂다' for inserting and leaving something in place. And use '박다' for hammering or driving something firmly into a surface. Knowing these distinctions will help you describe physical actions with the nuance of a native speaker.

Synonym Summary
- 천착하다 (Academic): To delve into/pierce through (metaphorically).
- 자극하다: To stimulate/provoke (can be used for 'stinging' senses).
- 통찰하다: To see through/pierce with insight.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The '르' irregular conjugation in 찌르다 is a relic of ancient Korean phonological changes that affected many bisyllabic verbs ending in 'eu'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /t͈idɯda/
US /t͈idɯdɑ/
Stress is generally even, but the first syllable '찌' is emphasized due to the tensed consonant.
Reimt sich auf
기르다 (gireuda - to raise) 자르다 (jareuda - to cut) 마르다 (mareuda - to be dry) 모르다 (moreuda - to not know) 오르다 (oreuda - to climb) 빠르다 (ppareuda - to be fast) 다르다 (dareuda - to be different) 고르다 (goreuda - to choose)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing ㅉ as a soft 'j' like in 'jump'. It should be more forceful.
  • Conjugating it as '찌러' instead of '찔러'.
  • Confusing the ㅡ sound with 'oo' or 'ee'.
  • Not doubling the ㄹ sound when conjugating with 아/어.
  • Pronouncing the final '다' too strongly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize, but metaphorical meanings require context.

Schreiben 3/5

The '르' irregular conjugation is a common point of failure.

Sprechen 3/5

Requires correct tense on the 'jj' sound and irregular conjugation.

Hören 2/5

Easily heard in cooking shows and dramas.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

손가락 (finger) 바늘 (needle) 아프다 (to be painful) 먹다 (to eat)

Als Nächstes lernen

쑤시다 (to throb/poke) 꽂다 (to insert) 박다 (to drive in) 뚫다 (to pierce through)

Fortgeschritten

정곡 (bullseye) 허 (weak point) 폐부 (innermost heart) 급소 (vital spot)

Wichtige Grammatik

르 Irregular Verbs

찌르다 -> 찔러요, 다르다 -> 달라요

Passive Suffix -리-

찌르다 -> 찔리다

Instrumental Particle -로/으로

칼로 찌르다 (Poke with a knife)

Descriptive Ending -는 듯한

가슴을 찌르는 듯한 통증

Negative Command -지 마세요

찌르지 마세요

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

손가락으로 풍선을 찔러요.

I poke the balloon with my finger.

찌르다 becomes 찔러요 in the present polite form.

2

포크로 고기를 찔러요.

I poke the meat with a fork.

-로 indicates the tool used.

3

동생을 찌르지 마세요.

Don't poke your younger sibling.

-지 마세요 is the 'don't' command.

4

이것은 무엇을 찔러요?

What does this poke?

Basic question structure.

5

빵이 부드러워서 잘 찔러져요.

The bread is soft, so it is poked easily.

Passive-like nuance with -어지다.

6

친구가 나를 찔렀어요.

A friend poked me.

Past tense of 찌르다.

7

여기를 찔러 보세요.

Try poking here.

-아/어 보세요 means 'try doing'.

8

바늘이 찔러요.

The needle pokes.

Simple subject-verb.

1

장미 가시에 손가락이 찔렸어요.

My finger was poked by a rose thorn.

찔리다 is the passive form of 찌르다.

2

주사 바늘이 조금 찔러서 아파요.

The injection needle poked a bit, so it hurts.

-아서 indicates cause/reason.

3

젓가락으로 음식을 찌르면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't poke food with chopsticks.

-으면 안 돼요 means 'should not'.

4

옆구리를 찌르지 마, 간지러워!

Don't poke my side, it tickles!

옆구리 is 'side/ribs'.

5

칼로 수박을 찔러서 잘랐어요.

I poked the watermelon with a knife and cut it.

-어서 indicates sequence of actions.

6

모기가 내 팔을 찔렀나 봐요.

I think a mosquito poked (bit) my arm.

-나 봐요 means 'it seems like'.

7

종이 인형을 바늘로 찔러서 구멍을 내요.

Poke the paper doll with a needle to make a hole.

구멍을 내다 means 'to make a hole'.

8

그는 장난으로 나를 찔렀다.

He poked me as a joke.

장난으로 means 'as a joke'.

1

부엌에서 나는 매운 냄새가 코를 찔렀다.

The spicy smell from the kitchen stung my nose.

코를 찌르다 is a common expression for strong smells.

2

그의 날카로운 질문이 내 정곡을 찔렀다.

His sharp question hit my mark (hit the nail on the head).

정곡을 찌르다 is an idiom for hitting the mark.

3

밝은 햇빛이 눈을 찔러서 눈을 뜰 수 없었다.

The bright sunlight pierced my eyes, so I couldn't open them.

눈을 찌르다 describes sharp visual stimuli.

4

이 약은 바늘로 찌르는 듯한 통증을 줄여줍니다.

This medicine reduces the stabbing-like pain.

-는 듯한 means 'like' or 'as if'.

5

감자가 다 익었는지 젓가락으로 찔러 보세요.

Check if the potatoes are cooked by poking them with a chopstick.

-는지 is used for checking/inquiring.

6

그 영화는 현대 사회의 문제점을 찌르고 있다.

That movie is stabbing at (pointing out) the problems of modern society.

-고 있다 indicates an ongoing state or action.

7

비밀을 찔러 보았지만 그는 대답하지 않았다.

I tried to probe (poke) for the secret, but he didn't answer.

찌르다 can mean 'to probe' in conversation.

8

가시 돋친 말이 내 마음을 찔렀다.

Thorny words pierced my heart.

Metaphorical use for emotional pain.

1

그 가수의 인기는 그야말로 하늘을 찌를 듯하다.

That singer's popularity is truly sky-high (as if piercing the sky).

하늘을 찌르다 is an idiom for extreme height or popularity.

2

경찰은 범인의 허를 찌르는 작전을 세웠다.

The police made a plan to catch the criminal off guard.

허를 찌르다 means to strike where someone is unprepared.

3

그는 돈으로 담당 공무원을 찔러 주려다가 걸렸다.

He got caught trying to bribe (poke with money) the official.

Slang-like use for bribery.

4

공격수가 수비수 사이를 찌르는 패스를 보냈다.

The attacker sent a penetrating pass between the defenders.

Used in sports for penetrating moves.

5

옆구리 찔러 절 받기라고, 내가 말해서야 고맙다고 하네.

It's like poking the side to get a bow; you only said thanks because I told you to.

A common idiom about forced gratitude.

6

갑자기 가슴을 찌르는 듯한 통증이 느껴졌다.

Suddenly, I felt a stabbing-like pain in my chest.

Describes sharp physical symptoms.

7

그의 비평은 작가의 의도를 정확히 찔렀다.

His critique accurately pierced (identified) the author's intention.

Used for accurate analysis.

8

날카로운 고함 소리가 고막을 찌르는 것 같았다.

The sharp scream felt like it was piercing my eardrums.

Used for sharp sounds.

1

이 논문은 기존 이론의 맹점을 날카롭게 찌르고 있습니다.

This paper sharply points out (stabs) the blind spots of existing theories.

맹점을 찌르다 means to point out a blind spot.

2

그 정치가는 대중의 심리를 찌르는 연설로 유명하다.

That politician is famous for speeches that pierce (tap into) the public's psychology.

Used for psychological insight.

3

악취가 코를 찌르는 쓰레기 매립지 문제는 심각하다.

The problem of landfills, where the stench stings the nose, is serious.

Formal context for sensory descriptions.

4

그의 유머는 때때로 상대방의 아픈 곳을 찌르기도 한다.

His humor sometimes pokes at the other person's sore spots.

아픈 곳을 찌르다 means to touch on a sensitive topic.

5

신기술의 등장은 기존 시장의 허를 찌르는 신호탄이 되었다.

The emergence of new technology became a signal that caught the existing market off guard.

Metaphorical use in business/economics.

6

그 작가는 펜으로 사회의 부조리를 찌르는 투사였다.

That author was a fighter who stabbed at (exposed) social absurdities with his pen.

Literary use for social critique.

7

물가가 하늘을 찌르듯 치솟아 서민들의 삶이 힘들어졌다.

As prices skyrocketed (pierced the sky), the lives of ordinary people became difficult.

Common in economic reporting.

8

그의 통찰력은 문제의 본질을 정확히 찔러 들어갔다.

His insight accurately pierced into the essence of the problem.

찔러 들어가다 implies deep penetration/insight.

1

권력의 핵심을 찌르는 그의 폭로는 정계에 큰 파장을 일으켰다.

His revelation, which pierced the core of power, caused a great stir in politics.

핵심을 찌르다 means to hit the core/essence.

2

차가운 공기가 폐부를 찌르는 듯한 겨울 아침이었다.

It was a winter morning where the cold air felt like it was piercing my lungs.

폐부를 찌르다 is a poetic/literary expression for deep impact.

3

그의 문체는 독자의 폐부를 찌르는 날카로움을 지니고 있다.

His writing style possesses a sharpness that pierces the reader's innermost heart.

Describing the emotional impact of literature.

4

적의 허를 찌르는 기만전술로 전쟁의 판도를 바꿨다.

They changed the course of the war with a deceptive tactic that caught the enemy off guard.

Military/Strategic context.

5

양심의 가책이 그의 가슴을 찔러 그는 결국 자수했다.

A prick of conscience pierced his heart, and he finally turned himself in.

Abstract internal conflict.

6

그의 연주는 청중의 영혼을 찌르는 듯한 감동을 선사했다.

His performance provided a moving experience that seemed to pierce the audience's souls.

High-level aesthetic description.

7

시대의 아픔을 찌르는 그의 시는 많은 이들에게 위로가 되었다.

His poetry, which pierced the pain of the times, became a comfort to many.

Used for art that reflects social reality.

8

그는 상대의 논리를 낱낱이 파헤치며 급소를 찔렀다.

He dug through the opponent's logic and hit the vital point.

급소를 찌르다 means to hit the most vulnerable/vital spot.

Häufige Kollokationen

옆구리를 찌르다
정곡을 찌르다
코를 찌르다
하늘을 찌르다
바늘로 찌르다
포크로 찌르다
눈을 찌르다
허를 찌르다
가슴을 찌르다
등을 찌르다

Häufige Phrasen

찔리는 데가 있다

— To have a guilty conscience (literally, to have a place that feels poked).

너 찔리는 데가 있구나?

옆구리 찔러 절 받기

— To force someone to show gratitude or respect.

그건 옆구리 찔러 절 받기잖아.

정곡을 찔리다

— To have one's weak point or the truth pointed out by someone else.

그의 말에 정곡을 찔렸다.

코를 찌르는 악취

— A stench that stings the nose.

코를 찌르는 악취가 났다.

하늘을 찌르는 인기

— Sky-high popularity.

그 가수는 하늘을 찌르는 인기를 누리고 있다.

허를 찔리다

— To be caught off guard.

상대팀에게 허를 찔렸다.

눈을 찌르는 듯한

— Piercingly bright or sharp to the eyes.

눈을 찌르는 듯한 햇빛.

가슴을 찌르는 통증

— A stabbing pain in the chest.

가슴을 찌르는 통증이 왔다.

손가락으로 콕 찌르다

— To give a quick, light poke with a finger.

손가락으로 볼을 콕 찔렀다.

찔러도 피 한 방울 안 나오다

— To be extremely cold-hearted (literally, not a drop of blood comes out even if poked).

그 사람은 찔러도 피 한 방울 안 나올 사람이야.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

찌르다 vs 지르다

Means 'to shout' or 'to set (fire)'. Sounds similar but starts with a soft 'j'.

찌르다 vs 박다

Means 'to drive in/embed'. Focused on the object staying inside.

찌르다 vs 쏘다

Means 'to sting/shoot'. Used for bees, while 찌르다 is for thorns/needles.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"정곡을 찌르다"

— To hit the nail on the head; to identify the core issue.

그의 분석은 정곡을 찔렀다.

Neutral
"허를 찌르다"

— To strike where the opponent is unprepared; to catch off guard.

우리는 적의 허를 찔렀다.

Neutral
"옆구리 찔러 절 받기"

— Demanding a favor or sign of respect that should be voluntary.

칭찬해 달라고 하는 건 옆구리 찔러 절 받기야.

Informal
"하늘을 찌르다"

— To be extremely high (in height, spirit, or popularity).

물가가 하늘을 찌른다.

Neutral
"찔러도 피 한 방울 안 나오다"

— To be very cold, stingy, or unemotional.

그 사장은 찔러도 피 한 방울 안 나올 것 같아.

Informal
"눈을 찌르다"

— To be very obvious or right in front of one's eyes (often used for bright light or hair).

머리카락이 길어서 자꾸 눈을 찔러요.

Neutral
"코를 찌르다"

— To have an overwhelming or sharp smell.

생선 썩는 냄새가 코를 찔렀다.

Neutral
"폐부를 찌르다"

— To touch one's heart deeply or affect one profoundly.

그의 한마디가 내 폐부를 찔렀다.

Literary
"급소를 찌르다"

— To hit a vital spot or a fatal weakness.

그 질문은 토론의 급소를 찔렀다.

Neutral
"가슴을 찌르다"

— To cause sharp emotional or physical pain.

그의 차가운 눈빛이 가슴을 찔렀다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

찌르다 vs 쑤시다

Both involve poking.

쑤시다 is repetitive or relates to aching pain; 찌르다 is a single sharp poke.

이빨이 쑤셔요 (Tooth aches) vs 바늘로 찔러요 (Poke with a needle).

찌르다 vs 꽂다

Both involve inserting.

꽂다 means to stick something in so it stays; 찌르다 is just the act of piercing.

꽃을 꽂다 (Put flowers in a vase) vs 칼로 찌르다 (Stab with a knife).

찌르다 vs 박다

Both involve force.

박다 is used for nails or hammering; 찌르다 is for sharp points.

못을 박다 (Drive a nail) vs 가시에 찔리다 (Get poked by a thorn).

찌르다 vs 뚫다

Both involve making holes.

뚫다 means to pierce all the way through; 찌르다 doesn't have to go through.

터널을 뚫다 (Dig a tunnel) vs 옆구리를 찌르다 (Poke the side).

찌르다 vs 가리키다

Both involve fingers.

가리키다 is 'to point at'; 찌르다 is 'to poke'.

산을 가리키다 (Point at the mountain) vs 볼을 찌르다 (Poke the cheek).

Satzmuster

A1

[Object]을/를 찌르다

풍선을 찔러요.

A2

[Tool]로 [Object]을/를 찌르다

포크로 과일을 찔러요.

A2

[Object]에 찔리다

가시에 찔렸어요.

B1

[Body Part]를 찌르는 [Noun]

코를 찌르는 냄새

B1

정곡을 찌르다

그의 말이 정곡을 찔렀다.

B2

하늘을 찌를 듯하다

인기가 하늘을 찌를 듯하다.

C1

허를 찌르다

상대의 허를 찔렀다.

C2

폐부를 찌르다

슬픔이 폐부를 찔렀다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

찌르기 The act of poking/stabbing
찔림 The state of being poked/stung

Verben

찔리다 To be poked/stabbed (passive)
찔러대다 To keep poking/stabbing repeatedly

Verwandt

바늘 (needle)
포크 (fork)
가시 (thorn)
칼 (knife)
옆구리 (side/flank)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in both literal and figurative senses.

Häufige Fehler
  • 찌러요 찔러요

    This is a '르' irregular verb. You must add an extra 'ㄹ' to the first syllable and change '르' to '러'.

  • 벌이 나를 찔렀어요 벌이 나를 쐈어요

    While 'poke' is similar to 'sting', Koreans use '쏘다' for bee stings and '찌르다' for thorns or needles.

  • 산을 손가락으로 찔렀어요 산을 손가락으로 가리켰어요

    If you are pointing at something in the distance without touching it, use '가리키다' (to point).

  • 내가 바늘을 찔렀어요 (when you mean you got hurt) 내가 바늘에 찔렸어요

    The first sentence means you actively poked the needle. To say you were poked by it, use the passive '찔렸다'.

  • 못을 찔러요 못을 박아요

    For nails being driven into wood, use '박다'. 찌르다 is for piercing or poking.

Tipps

Master the '르'

Whenever you see a verb ending in '르다', expect the double 'ㄹ' when adding '어/아'. Practice: 찌르다 -> 찔러요, 고르다 -> 골라요.

Use '콕'

Add the adverb '콕' (kok) before 찌르다 to describe a light, precise poke. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

Chopstick Etiquette

Avoid poking (찌르다) your food with chopsticks in formal settings. Use them to grip the food instead. Poking is seen as childish.

Bullseye!

Memorize '정곡을 찌르다'. It's a high-level idiom that will impress Koreans when you use it to describe a good point in a discussion.

Hospital Context

In a Korean hospital, listen for the word '따끔' (sting) along with '찌르다'. This is the standard warning before a shot.

Passive vs Active

Be careful! '바늘이 나를 찔렀다' (The needle poked me) and '내가 바늘에 찔렸다' (I was poked by the needle) both work, but the latter is more common when describing an accident.

Snitching

In very casual settings, '찌르다' can mean to report someone. '누가 날 찔렀어?' means 'Who snitched on me?'

Smell Descriptions

When a smell is too strong, don't just say '냄새가 나요'. Say '냄새가 코를 찔러요' to emphasize how sharp or overwhelming it is.

Intensity

Remember that 찌르다 can range from a playful poke to a fatal stab. Always rely on the context and the tool being used.

Mental Image

Associate 찌르다 with a 'point'. If the action involves a point and a force, 찌르다 is likely the right word.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **J**ee (찌) sound like a sharp **J**avelin **r**ushing (르) to **da** (다) stab something.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a finger poking a balloon with a loud 'pop' sound, or a fork stabbing a juicy piece of meat.

Word Web

Poke Stab Sting Needle Fork Hit the mark Sky-high Bribe

Herausforderung

Try to use '찔러요' (poke) and '찔렸어요' (was poked) in two different sentences today. For example, poke a piece of fruit and then talk about a thorn.

Wortherkunft

A native Korean word (Pure Korean). It has been used since Middle Korean in various forms.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To pierce or poke with a sharp object.

Koreanic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful using this word in violent contexts as it literally means 'to stab' with a weapon.

Similar to 'hit the nail on the head', but more visceral (stabbing the bullseye).

The phrase '정곡을 찌르다' is used in almost every Korean political debate. K-Dramas often use '찔리다' when a character feels guilty. Soccer commentators use '찌르는 패스' for world-class assists.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Eating

  • 포크로 찌르다
  • 젓가락으로 찌르다
  • 콕 찔러 먹다
  • 음식을 찌르지 마세요

Medical

  • 주사 바늘로 찌르다
  • 따끔하게 찌르다
  • 바늘에 찔리다
  • 피를 뽑으려고 찌르다

Kitchen/Cooking

  • 젓가락으로 찔러 보다
  • 익었는지 찌르다
  • 칼로 찌르다
  • 이쑤시개로 찌르다

Metaphorical/Social

  • 정곡을 찌르다
  • 허를 찌르다
  • 옆구리 찔러 절 받기
  • 찔리는 게 있다

Nature/Outdoors

  • 가시에 찔리다
  • 모기가 찌르다
  • 풀에 찔리다
  • 나뭇가지에 찔리다

Gesprächseinstiege

"어제 장미 가시에 손가락을 찔렸어요. 너무 아파요."

"이 음식은 젓가락으로 찔러서 먹는 건가요?"

"그 영화 보셨어요? 사회의 문제점을 정말 잘 찌르더라고요."

"친구가 제 옆구리를 자꾸 찔러서 화가 났어요."

"혹시 제가 정곡을 찔렀나요? 표정이 안 좋으시네요."

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 누군가에게 정곡을 찔린 경험이 있나요? 어떤 기분이었는지 써 보세요.

요리를 하다가 젓가락으로 음식을 찔러 본 적이 있나요? 무엇을 만들었나요?

최근에 '하늘을 찌를 듯한' 인기를 가진 연예인이나 노래가 무엇이라고 생각하나요?

가시에 찔리거나 바늘에 찔렸던 아픈 기억에 대해 자세히 묘사해 보세요.

누군가의 '허를 찌르는' 깜짝 선물을 준비해 본 적이 있나요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is very common in neutral contexts like using a fork (포크로 찌르다) or checking if food is cooked with a chopstick. It can even be playful between friends.

Because it is a '르' irregular verb, it becomes '찔렀어요'. You drop 'ㅡ', add an extra 'ㄹ' to '찌', and add '었'.

쏘다 is used for insects like bees or for shooting. 찌르다 is used for inanimate sharp objects like needles, thorns, or knives.

No, if you are just pointing your finger at something without touching it, use '가리키다'. 찌르다 implies contact or piercing.

It means to hit the bullseye of an argument or to say something that is exactly true, often in a way that is hard to deny.

Yes, '찔리다'. Use it when you are the one getting poked: '가시에 찔렸어요' (I was poked by a thorn).

Yes, '찌르는 듯한 통증' (stabbing-like pain) is a very common way to describe sharp, localized physical pain.

It describes a 'penetrating' or 'killer' pass that goes through the defense: '찌르는 패스'.

Yes, in a slang context, '돈을 찔러 주다' means to slip someone money as a bribe.

It means the prices have gone up extremely high, as if they are piercing the sky.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence: 'I poked the balloon with a needle.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't poke your brother.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I was poked by a rose thorn.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Please poke the potato with a chopstick.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The smell of garbage stings my nose.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'His words hit the nail on the head.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'The singer's popularity is sky-high.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'We caught the enemy off guard.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'I felt a stabbing pain in my chest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'Don't poke my side, it tickles.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'To hit the vital spot.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'A stinging conscience.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Piercing the sky.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'To bribe with money.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Poke with a fork.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write about a time you were surprised (using '허를 찌르다').

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a strong smell using '코를 찌르다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain '옆구리 찔러 절 받기' in your own words.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a soccer commentary sentence using 찌르다.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Stabbing cold air.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I poked the meat with a fork.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Don't poke me.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I was poked by a needle.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It stings my nose.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'You hit the nail on the head.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'His popularity is sky-high.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Don't poke my ribs.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I caught him off guard.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I have a guilty conscience.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Poke it with a chopstick.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain '정곡을 찌르다' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a strong smell using '코를 찌르다'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'A sharp pain in the heart.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'He snitched on me.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The cold air pierces my lungs.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Don't poke the balloon.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Hit the vital spot.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Sky-high spirit.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I was poked by a rose.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'A penetrating pass.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '포크로 찔러요.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '정곡을 찔렀네요.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '가시에 찔렸어.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '코를 찌르는 냄새.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '하늘을 찌르는 인기.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '허를 찔렸어요.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '옆구리 찌르지 마.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '양심에 찔려요.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '따끔하게 찌를게요.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '급소를 찔렀다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '찔러도 피 한 방울 안 나와.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '젓가락으로 찔러 봐.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '눈을 찌르는 빛.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '패스가 수비진을 찔렀다.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and choose: '폐부를 찌르는 추위.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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