웅크리다 in 30 Sekunden
- 웅크리다 means to crouch, huddle, or curl up into a compact ball-like shape.
- It is commonly used when someone is cold, scared, or trying to hide.
- The word applies to both humans and animals, often implying vulnerability or defense.
- Grammatically, it is often used as '몸을 웅크리다' (to huddle one's body).
The Korean verb 웅크리다 (ung-keu-ri-da) is a descriptive action verb that primarily means to crouch, huddle, or curl up. It describes a physical posture where a person or animal draws their limbs close to their torso, often rounding their back to become as small as possible. This word is deeply rooted in the physical sensation of making oneself compact, whether for warmth, protection, or concealment.
- Physical Posture
- The most literal use of 웅크리다 refers to the fetal position or a deep crouch. Imagine a child hiding behind a sofa during a game of hide-and-seek, or a hiker trying to stay warm in a sudden mountain chill. The focus is on the curvature of the spine and the proximity of the knees to the chest.
고양이가 추운지 몸을 웅크리고 자고 있어요. (The cat is sleeping huddled up, perhaps because it is cold.)
- Psychological State
- Beyond the physical, 웅크리다 often carries an emotional weight. It can represent fear, sadness, or a desire to withdraw from the world. When someone is heartbroken or terrified, they might 웅크리다 in a corner. It suggests a lack of confidence or a state of being overwhelmed by external circumstances.
In Korean culture, this word is frequently used in literature to depict characters who are marginalized or suffering. A person '웅크린' (huddled) in a small room often symbolizes poverty or social isolation. Conversely, it can also be used positively to describe a 'waiting' state, like a tiger 웅크리고 (crouching) before it pounces, suggesting latent power and preparation.
그는 두려움에 구석에 웅크리고 앉아 있었다. (He was sitting huddled in the corner in fear.)
- Environmental Context
- You will often hear this word during winter. When the wind is biting, Koreans say they '웅크리고 걷다' (walk while huddling/shrugging shoulders) to keep the heat in. It is a natural reaction to the harsh Korean winters.
추운 겨울 아침, 사람들은 옷깃을 여미고 몸을 웅크린 채 걸어간다. (On a cold winter morning, people walk with their collars tightened and their bodies huddled.)
개구리가 겨울잠을 자기 위해 땅속에서 몸을 웅크리고 있다. (The frog is huddled underground to hibernate.)
좁은 텐트 안에서 세 명이 겨우 몸을 웅크리고 누웠다. (Three people barely managed to lie down huddled in the small tent.)
Using 웅크리다 correctly involves understanding its role as an intransitive-style action verb, though it often takes '몸' (body) as an object to emphasize the physical act. The most common structure is '몸을 웅크리다'.
- Grammatical Structure
- Standard usage: [Subject] + [Object: 몸을] + 웅크리다. For example, '나는 몸을 웅크렸다' (I huddled my body). You can also use it with '채' (in the state of) to describe a continuous posture: '웅크린 채로' (in a huddled state).
아이들이 무서운 영화를 보며 소파 위에서 몸을 웅크리고 있었다. (The children were huddled on the sofa while watching a scary movie.)
- Conjugation Patterns
- Present: 웅크려요 (Polite), 웅크린다 (Plain). Past: 웅크렸어요 (Polite), 웅크렸다 (Plain). Future: 웅크릴 거예요. Progressive: 웅크리고 있어요. Note that the '리' changes to '려' when adding '어/아' suffixes.
In more complex sentences, 웅크리다 can be used to describe preparing for a big move. This is often seen in sports or motivational contexts. '더 높이 뛰기 위해 먼저 몸을 웅크려야 한다' (You must first crouch down to jump higher). This metaphorical use is very common in Korean essays and speeches.
그는 실패의 고통 속에 웅크려 있지 않고 다시 일어섰다. (He did not stay huddled in the pain of failure but stood up again.)
- Adverbial Forms
- The adverbial form '웅크리고' is most frequent, acting as a modifier for the main action (sitting, sleeping, walking). '웅크리며' (while huddling) is used for simultaneous actions.
추위에 웅크린 어깨가 안쓰러워 보였다. (His shoulders, huddled from the cold, looked pitiful.)
호랑이가 먹잇감을 향해 웅크리고 기회를 엿보고 있다. (The tiger is crouching and watching for an opportunity toward its prey.)
작은 상자 속에 몸을 웅크려 넣는 것은 불가능했다. (It was impossible to huddle one's body into the small box.)
You will encounter 웅크리다 in a variety of real-life and media contexts. It is a word that paints a very vivid picture, making it a favorite for storytellers and journalists alike.
- In News and Weather Reports
- During the 'Cold Wave' (한파) reports in Korea, reporters often describe citizens walking '몸을 웅크린 채' (with bodies huddled) to emphasize how cold the temperature feels. It highlights the physical reaction to the biting Siberian winds.
기상캐스터: "오늘 아침 출근길, 시민들이 몸을 웅크리고 발걸음을 재촉하고 있습니다." (Weathercaster: "On the way to work this morning, citizens are huddling their bodies and hurrying their steps.")
- In K-Dramas and Movies
- This word is a staple in emotional scenes. When a character is crying alone in their room, the script often describes them as '방 한구석에 웅크리고 앉아 울고 있다' (sitting huddled in a corner of the room, crying). It amplifies the sense of loneliness and vulnerability.
In documentaries about nature, 웅크리다 is used to describe the resting or hiding positions of animals. A baby deer 웅크리고 sitting in the tall grass to hide from predators is a classic example. It conveys a sense of stillness and tension.
다큐멘터리: "새끼 사슴은 포식자의 눈을 피하기 위해 풀숲에 몸을 웅크립니다." (Documentary: "The fawn huddles its body in the grass to avoid the eyes of predators.")
- In Sports Commentary
- In martial arts or wrestling, a commentator might say a player is '웅크리고 방어하고 있다' (huddling and defending) to describe a defensive posture where the athlete protects their vital organs.
해설자: "선수가 상대의 공격을 막기 위해 몸을 최대한 웅크리고 있습니다." (Commentator: "The athlete is huddling their body as much as possible to block the opponent's attack.")
While 웅크리다 seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Understanding the nuances is key to sounding natural.
- 웅크리다 vs. 움츠리다
- This is the most common confusion. '움츠리다' usually refers to a sudden, reflexive shrinking (like flinching from a loud noise or a sudden gust of wind). '웅크리다' is a more deliberate, sustained posture. You '웅크리다' to sleep or hide, but you '움츠리다' when you are startled.
Correct: 갑작스러운 큰 소리에 어깨를 움츠렸다. (I flinched/shrugged my shoulders at the sudden loud noise.)
Correct: 추워서 밤새 몸을 웅크리고 잤다. (I slept huddled up all night because it was cold.)
- 웅크리다 vs. 구부리다
- '구부리다' simply means to bend something (like a finger, a wire, or your back). It doesn't necessarily imply the 'huddling' or 'curling' aspect of 웅크리다. If you bend over to pick up a coin, you '허리를 구부리다', not '웅크리다'.
Another mistake is using 웅크리다 for objects. This verb is almost exclusively for living beings (humans and animals). You wouldn't say a piece of paper '웅크리고 있다' unless you are using personification in poetry. For paper, you would use '구겨지다' (to be crumpled) or '말리다' (to be rolled/curled).
Wrong: 종이가 웅크려 있어요.
Correct: 종이가 말려 있어요. (The paper is curled up.)
- Spelling Confusion
- Some learners misspell it as '웅구리다' or '웅크리다' with different vowels. Remember the '크' (keu) sound. Also, ensure the 'ㄹ' is followed by 'ㅣ' in the base form.
기억하세요: 웅크리다 (O), 웅구리다 (X), 웅그리다 (X)
To enrich your Korean vocabulary, it's helpful to know words that are related to 웅크리다 but offer different shades of meaning.
- 움츠리다 (Um-cheu-ri-da)
- Meaning: To shrink, to flinch, to draw back.
Comparison: While 웅크리다 is about the posture of being curled up, 움츠리다 is often about the reaction. You '움츠리다' your shoulders when you are shy or cold. It's often used for a smaller, more localized movement than 웅크리다.
- 구부리다 (Gu-bu-ri-da)
- Meaning: To bend, to curve.
Comparison: This is a general term for bending. 웅크리다 is a specific type of bending where the whole body is involved and made compact.
- 옹송그리다 (Ong-song-geu-ri-da)
- Meaning: To huddle up (due to cold or fear).
Comparison: This is a more descriptive, slightly more emphatic version of 웅크리다. It often implies a shivering or trembling quality along with the huddling. It sounds a bit more 'cute' or 'pathetic' depending on the context.
In formal or medical contexts, you might hear '굴곡시키다' (to flex/bend), but this is purely technical. In daily life, 웅크리다 remains the most versatile and vivid choice for describing that specific 'ball-like' posture.
그는 추위에 몸을 옹송그리고 떨고 있었다. (He was huddled up and shivering from the cold.)
고슴도치는 위협을 느끼면 몸을 공처럼 말아 웅크린다. (A hedgehog rolls its body like a ball and huddles when it feels threatened.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
고양이가 웅크리고 자요.
The cat is sleeping huddled up.
웅크리고 (huddling) + 자요 (sleeps).
추워서 몸을 웅크렸어요.
I huddled because it was cold.
Past tense of 웅크리다.
아이가 소파에서 웅크려요.
The child huddles on the sofa.
Present tense polite form.
강아지도 웅크리고 있어요.
The puppy is also huddling.
-고 있어요 indicates a current state/action.
너무 작게 웅크리지 마세요.
Don't huddle too small.
-지 마세요 (Please don't).
우리 웅크리고 앉을까요?
Shall we sit huddled up?
-(으)ㄹ까요? (Shall we?)
동생이 구석에서 웅크리고 울어요.
My younger sibling is crying huddled in the corner.
Connecting two actions with -고.
상자 안에 웅크리고 들어가요.
Go inside the box huddled up.
Directional movement.
겨울에는 사람들이 몸을 웅크리고 걸어요.
In winter, people walk with their bodies huddled.
Describing a general habit.
무서운 이야기를 듣고 몸을 웅크렸어요.
I huddled after hearing a scary story.
Cause and effect.
아기 고양이가 상자 속에서 웅크리고 있네요.
The kitten is huddled in the box, I see.
-네요 (Exclamatory ending).
배가 아파서 침대에서 몸을 웅크리고 누워 있었어요.
My stomach hurt, so I was lying huddled on the bed.
Describing a physical state.
좁은 틈 사이에 웅크리고 숨었어요.
I huddled and hid in a narrow gap.
Location particle '사이에'.
곰이 굴속에서 웅크리고 겨울잠을 자요.
A bear sleeps its winter sleep huddled in a cave.
Natural phenomenon.
추운 날씨 때문에 어깨를 웅크리게 돼요.
The cold weather makes me huddle my shoulders.
-게 되다 (To end up doing).
그는 구석에 웅크린 채 잠이 들었다.
He fell asleep while huddled in the corner.
-(으)ㄴ 채 (In the state of).
실패했다고 해서 구석에 웅크리고만 있을 수는 없다.
Just because you failed, you can't just stay huddled in a corner.
Metaphorical use of posture.
호랑이가 사냥을 하기 전 몸을 최대한 웅크리고 있다.
The tiger is huddling its body as much as possible before hunting.
Preparation for action.
그는 슬픔을 견디지 못하고 바닥에 웅크려 앉았다.
He couldn't bear the sadness and sat huddled on the floor.
Expressing deep emotion through posture.
웅크리고 있던 꽃봉오리가 드디어 피기 시작했다.
The huddled flower bud finally began to bloom.
Personification of a plant.
사람들은 비를 피해 건물 처마 밑에 웅크리고 모여 있었다.
People were gathered huddled under the eaves of the building to avoid the rain.
Group action.
그 소년은 낯선 사람들 앞에서 몸을 웅크리며 고개를 숙였다.
The boy huddled his body and lowered his head in front of strangers.
Social anxiety/shyness.
작은 텐트 안에서 웅크리고 자느라 온몸이 쑤신다.
My whole body aches from sleeping huddled in a small tent.
-느라 (Because of doing...).
겨울 바람이 불자 그는 코트 속에 몸을 웅크려 넣었다.
As the winter wind blew, he huddled his body into his coat.
Action in response to weather.
오랫동안 웅크리고 있던 꿈을 이제는 펼칠 때가 되었다.
It is now time to unfold the dream that has been huddled for a long time.
Metaphorical 'unfolding' vs 'huddling'.
그는 마치 죄인이라도 된 것처럼 구석에 웅크리고 앉아 있었다.
He was sitting huddled in the corner as if he had become a criminal.
마치 ~처럼 (As if...).
웅크린 자세로 오래 앉아 있으면 허리에 무리가 갈 수 있다.
Sitting in a huddled posture for a long time can put strain on your back.
Health advice context.
어둠 속에서 무언가 웅크리고 있는 그림자를 보았다.
I saw a shadow huddling in the darkness.
Creating suspense.
그녀는 차가운 바닥에 웅크린 채 밤을 지새웠다.
She stayed up all night huddled on the cold floor.
밤을 지새우다 (To stay up all night).
웅크리고 앉아 있는 그의 등 뒤로 쓸쓸함이 느껴졌다.
Loneliness was felt behind his back as he sat huddled.
Conveying atmosphere.
경제 위기 속에 기업들은 투자를 멈추고 몸을 웅크리고 있다.
In the economic crisis, companies are stopping investments and huddling up.
Business/Economy metaphor.
작은 새 한 마리가 비바람을 피해 나뭇가지 사이에 웅크리고 있다.
A small bird is huddled between branches to avoid the rain and wind.
Nature description.
작가는 사회의 그늘진 곳에서 웅크리고 사는 사람들의 이야기를 썼다.
The author wrote stories of people living huddled in the shadows of society.
Social commentary context.
웅크려 있던 에너지가 한꺼번에 폭발하듯 터져 나왔다.
The energy that had been huddled up exploded all at once.
Dynamic contrast.
그의 웅크린 어깨에는 삶의 무게가 고스란히 얹혀 있었다.
The weight of life was laid entirely upon his huddled shoulders.
Advanced descriptive language.
역사의 소용돌이 속에서 민초들은 몸을 웅크린 채 때를 기다렸다.
In the whirlpool of history, the common people waited for their time while huddling.
Historical/Formal context.
자기만의 세계에 웅크리고 앉아 타인과의 소통을 거부했다.
He sat huddled in his own world and refused communication with others.
Psychological isolation.
추위에 웅송그리며 웅크린 노인의 모습이 가슴을 아프게 했다.
The sight of the elderly man huddled and shriveling in the cold made my heart ache.
Using synonyms together for emphasis.
웅크리고 있던 공포가 서서히 그의 온몸을 잠식해 들어갔다.
The huddled fear slowly began to encroach upon his entire body.
Personification of emotion.
그는 웅크린 자세를 풀고 당당하게 세상 밖으로 걸어 나갔다.
He released his huddled posture and walked out into the world with dignity.
Narrative resolution.
존재의 근원적 고독 속에 웅크린 자아를 발견하는 과정이었다.
It was a process of discovering the ego huddled within the fundamental solitude of existence.
Philosophical usage.
웅크림은 단순한 위축이 아니라 도약을 위한 필연적 수축이다.
Huddling is not mere shrinking, but an inevitable contraction for a leap.
Conceptual definition.
문학은 웅크린 자들의 나지막한 신음 소리에 귀를 기울이는 일이다.
Literature is the act of listening to the low groans of those who are huddled.
Metaphorical definition of art.
그의 문장은 마치 웅크린 짐승처럼 팽팽한 긴장감을 머금고 있다.
His sentences hold a taut tension, like a huddled beast.
Literary criticism style.
세월의 풍파에 웅크러든 그의 육신은 이제 대지의 일부가 되려 한다.
His body, shriveled/huddled by the hardships of time, now seeks to become part of the earth.
Poetic/Elegiac tone.
웅크리고 앉아 침묵하는 것만으로도 그는 강력한 저항을 표시했다.
Just by sitting huddled in silence, he expressed a powerful resistance.
Political/Social context.
태초의 어둠 속에 웅크리고 있던 생명의 씨앗이 꿈틀거리기 시작했다.
The seed of life that had been huddled in the primordial darkness began to squirm.
Cosmological/Grand scale.
인간은 때로 웅크림으로써 자신을 지키고 타인을 밀어낸다.
Humans sometimes protect themselves and push others away by huddling.
Sociological observation.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To make someone huddle up.
찬 바람이 몸을 웅크리게 만든다.
— A heavy or repressed heart/chest.
웅크린 가슴을 펴고 살자.
— Don't just stay huddled (move on).
언제까지 웅크리고만 있을 거니?
— A tiger waiting to strike (hidden power).
그는 웅크린 호랑이 같은 존재다.
— A life of hardship or withdrawal.
그는 평생을 웅크린 삶을 살았다.
— To cause to huddle/shrink.
공포가 그를 웅크려 뜨렸다.
— To sit huddled and cry.
혼자 웅크리고 앉아 울었다.
— To wait while huddled (patiently).
기회가 올 때까지 웅크리고 기다려라.
— Huddled shoulders (sign of fatigue/cold).
그의 웅크린 어깨가 안쓰럽다.
— To be lying down huddled.
하루 종일 웅크리고 누워 있었다.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— A patient person (or one who seems quiet) achieves something big.
조용하던 그가 성공하다니, 웅크린 개가 꿩을 잡는다더니.
Proverb— To contract in order to expand later.
지금의 고난은 기지개를 켜기 위해 웅크리는 시간이다.
Motivational— A person of great talent who hasn't shown it yet.
그는 아직 웅크린 용일 뿐이다.
Literary— To huddle and hold one's breath (staying very quiet).
도둑은 경찰을 피해 웅크리고 숨죽였다.
Neutral— Potential that has not yet been realized.
이제 웅크린 날개를 펼칠 시간이다.
Poetic— A long, harsh period of waiting or hardship.
웅크린 겨울이 지나고 봄이 왔다.
Poetic— To huddle over and over (to be extremely defensive).
그는 비난에 웅크리고 웅크렸다.
Emphatic— A lonely or suspicious figure.
골목 끝에 웅크린 그림자가 보였다.
Literary— To die in a huddled position (often implies a lonely deat
Summary
The word <span class='font-bold italic'>웅크리다</span> is your go-to verb for describing a curled-up posture. Whether it's a cat sleeping or a person shivering in the winter, it perfectly captures the physical act of making oneself small. Example: '추워서 몸을 웅크렸어요' (I huddled because it was cold).
- 웅크리다 means to crouch, huddle, or curl up into a compact ball-like shape.
- It is commonly used when someone is cold, scared, or trying to hide.
- The word applies to both humans and animals, often implying vulnerability or defense.
- Grammatically, it is often used as '몸을 웅크리다' (to huddle one's body).
Beispiel
추워서 몸을 웅크리고 앉았다.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr nature Wörter
~에 대한
A2Ein grammatikalischer Ausdruck, der 'über' oder 'bezüglich' bedeutet.
~게
A2Ein Suffix, das Adjektive in Adverbien umwandelt, ähnlich wie die adverbiale Verwendung im Deutschen.
공기
A1Die Luft, die wir atmen. 'Die Bergluft ist sehr frisch.'
몽땅
B1몽땅 bedeutet 'alles', 'vollständig'. Es wird verwendet, wenn etwas vollständig verbraucht, weg oder involviert ist. Es betont die Totalität.
온갖
B1Allerlei, alle Arten von. Wird vor einem Substantiv verwendet, um eine große Vielfalt anzuzeigen.
~을/를 따라서
A2Bezeichnet eine Bewegung oder Handlung entlang eines Weges oder gemäß einer Anleitung. 'Entlang des Flusses gehen' oder 'den Anweisungen folgen'.
동물
A1Ein Lebewesen, das sich bewegen kann und Empfindungen hat. In Korea gibt es viele berühmte Zoos für Tiere.
개미
A1Ein kleines, häufiges Insekt, das in großen Kolonien lebt. Sie sind bekannt dafür, sehr beschäftigt und fleißig zu sein.
주위에
A2Um mein Haus herum gibt es viele Parks. (주위에)
그대로
A2So wie es ist; unverändert. Wird verwendet, um auszudrücken, dass ein Zustand beibehalten wird oder eine Handlung genau einem Muster folgt.
