지저귀다
지저귀다 en 30 segundos
- 지저귀다 is a specific Korean verb used to describe birds chirping, twittering, or singing, usually implying a pleasant and melodic sound associated with nature.
- It is primarily used for small birds like sparrows and nightingales, and it carries a positive, peaceful connotation often found in morning descriptions.
- Metaphorically, it can describe the high-pitched, lively chatter of children or close friends, comparing them to the rhythmic sound of sparrows.
- Grammatically, it is a regular intransitive verb that conjugates to 지저귀어요, 지저귀었어요, and is often used as a noun-modifying adjective: 지저귀는.
The Korean verb 지저귀다 (jijeoguida) is a beautiful, evocative word primarily used to describe the sound of birds chirping, twittering, or warbling. Unlike the more general verb '울다' (to cry or make a sound), which can apply to almost any animal or even humans, 지저귀다 specifically captures the rhythmic, high-pitched, and often melodic vocalizations of small birds like sparrows, swallows, or nightingales. It carries a connotation of a lively, peaceful, and natural atmosphere, often associated with the break of dawn or a quiet afternoon in a forest.
- Etymological Nuance
- The word is thought to be an onomatopoeic expansion of the repetitive sounds birds make. The 'ji-jeo' part mimics the staccato nature of a bird's call.
- Emotional Resonance
- In Korean culture, the sound of birds chirping is rarely viewed as noise. Instead, it is a symbol of vitality and the start of a new day, frequently appearing in classical poetry (Sijo) to represent harmony with nature.
아침마다 창밖에서 새들이 지저귀는 소리에 잠이 깨요.
While its primary use is literal, you might occasionally encounter it in a metaphorical sense. For instance, it can describe a group of people, often children or a group of friends, talking incessantly in high-pitched, excited voices. However, this usage is less common than the literal one and can sometimes imply that the talking is a bit noisy or distracting, though usually in a harmless or cute way.
숲속의 고요함을 깨우며 이름 모를 새들이 지저귀고 있었다.
- Visualizing the Word
- Imagine a bright spring morning in a traditional Korean Hanok village. The sun is hitting the tiled roofs, and small sparrows are hopping along the eaves, making quick, rhythmic sounds. That specific sound is '지저귀다'.
아이들이 교실에서 참새처럼 지저귀며 떠들고 있다.
In modern Korean, you will find this word in children's books, nature documentaries, and romantic novels. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for the countryside even for city dwellers. Because it is a verb, it conjugates normally: 지저귀어요 (polite present), 지저귀었다 (past), 지저귈 것이다 (future). It is often used in the progressive form '지저귀고 있다' to emphasize the ongoing nature of the bird's song.
작은 새 한 마리가 나뭇가지에 앉아 아름답게 지저귀고 있네요.
공원의 벤치에 앉아 새들이 지저귀는 소리를 감상했다.
Ultimately, '지저귀다' is more than just a sound; it is an auditory bridge to nature. Using it correctly shows a higher level of vocabulary than simply using '소리를 내다' (make a sound) or '울다'. It captures the specific essence of avian life in the Korean linguistic landscape.
Using 지저귀다 effectively requires understanding its grammatical placement and the typical subjects it takes. As an intransitive verb, it does not require a direct object; the bird simply 'chirps'. The most common subject is '새' (bird) or specific types of birds like '참새' (sparrow) or '꾀꼬리' (nightingale). It is frequently used with adverbs that describe the quality of the sound, such as '명랑하게' (cheerfully), '끊임없이' (incessantly), or '아름답게' (beautifully).
- Conjugation Basics
- The stem is '지저귀-'. Because it ends in 'ㅣ', it follows standard conjugation rules. For example, in the informal polite style, it becomes '지저귀어요'. In the past tense, it becomes '지저귀었어요'.
새들이 나무 위에서 지저귀고 있어요.
One of the most powerful ways to use this word is as an adjective modifying a noun, specifically '소리' (sound). By using the form '지저귀는 소리' (the sound of chirping), you can create vivid imagery in your descriptions. This is particularly useful in storytelling or when describing a setting.
나는 새들이 지저귀는 소리를 들으며 산책하는 것을 좋아해요.
In more advanced contexts, you might see '지저귀다' used with the causative or passive forms, though these are rare. More common is the use of the noun form '지저귐' (chirping/twittering). For example, '새들의 지저귐' (the chirping of birds) can be the subject of a sentence, such as '새들의 지저귐이 귓가를 맴돌았다' (The chirping of birds lingered in my ears).
봄이 오면 산과 들에 새들의 지저귐이 가득합니다.
- Combining with Particles
- Typically follows the subject particle '-가/-이'. For example: '새가 지저귀다'. If you are emphasizing the bird as the topic, use '-는/-은'.
창가에서 지저귀는 새를 보며 커피를 마셨어요.
Metaphorically, you can use it to describe children playing. This uses the 'like' structure: '참새처럼 지저귀다' (to chirp like sparrows). This is a very common idiomatic expression in Korea to describe the lively and noisy chatter of young children in a group. It suggests a high-pitched, happy, and slightly chaotic sound.
유치원 아이들이 소풍을 가며 즐겁게 지저귀고 있네요.
When writing, remember that '지저귀다' is a descriptive verb that brings a scene to life. It’s not just about the action of making sound; it's about the atmosphere that sound creates. Using it correctly helps you transition from basic communication to more expressive, natural-sounding Korean.
In South Korea, 지저귀다 is a word that straddles the line between everyday observation and literary beauty. You will encounter it in several specific contexts that define the Korean experience of nature and social life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild and use it appropriately.
- Children's Literature and Songs
- This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Korean children's songs (Dongyo) frequently feature birds '지저귀다'-ing in the morning. It's used to teach children about the sounds of nature. If you listen to songs like '산토끼' or '나비야', the imagery of nature often includes these bird sounds.
- Nature Documentaries and Weather Reports
- When a narrator describes a peaceful spring scene on a program like 'KBS Documentaries', they will almost certainly use '지저귀다' to describe the background noise of the forest. Similarly, during spring weather reports, a reporter might say, 'The birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming,' using this verb.
다큐멘터리에서 새들이 지저귀는 소리를 배경음으로 사용했어요.
In literature and K-Dramas, '지저귀다' is used to set a romantic or peaceful mood. A scene might start with a close-up of a tree and the sound of birds, followed by a character waking up or walking through a park. The script would describe this as '새들의 지저귐'. It serves as a narrative shorthand for 'it is a beautiful, peaceful morning'.
드라마의 첫 장면에서 새들이 지저귀며 아침을 알립니다.
You will also hear this word in educational settings. Teachers might use it to describe the atmosphere of a busy but happy classroom. While '시끄럽다' (to be noisy) is negative, comparing children to birds that '지저귀다' is a more affectionate way to say they are talking a lot. It’s a common trope in primary school reports or teacher-parent meetings to describe a lively class.
쉬는 시간마다 아이들이 참새처럼 지저귀곤 해요.
Finally, in the digital age, you might see this word used in blogs or social media posts (like Instagram or KakaoTalk) when someone shares a video of a park or their pet bird. Captions like '아침을 여는 지저귐' (The chirping that opens the morning) are very common. It captures a sense of 'healing' (힐링), a popular concept in modern Korea referring to finding peace and stress relief in small, natural things.
While 지저귀다 is a specific and beautiful word, learners often make a few common errors in its usage. The most frequent mistake is over-generalization—using it for sounds that don't fit the 'twittering' or 'chirping' profile. Because English often uses 'singing' or 'crying' for many animal sounds, learners might get confused about when to switch to this more specialized Korean verb.
- Mistake 1: Using it for Large Birds
- You wouldn't typically say a crow (까마귀) or an eagle (독수리) '지저귀다'. Their sounds are too harsh, deep, or singular. For a crow, you would use '까악까악 울다'. '지저귀다' is reserved for the rapid, melodic sounds of smaller birds. Using it for a crow would sound very strange or even sarcastic to a native speaker.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with '울다' (Ulda)
- While '새가 울다' (the bird cries/sings) is perfectly correct and very common, '지저귀다' is more specific. The mistake is not in using '울다', but in failing to use '지저귀다' when trying to be more descriptive. However, remember that '울다' can also mean 'to cry' (shed tears), so in some contexts, '새가 울다' might sound sad, whereas '지저귀다' almost always sounds happy or neutral.
까마귀가 숲에서 지저귀고 있어요.
Another mistake involves the metaphorical use. While you can say children '지저귀다' (like sparrows), you shouldn't use it for adults in a serious context. If you say a group of businessmen are '지저귀다', it sounds incredibly belittling or suggests they are being very trivial and high-pitched. Stick to using it for children or close friends in a lighthearted, descriptive way.
회의실에서 어른들이 지저귀고 있었다. (Awkward usage)
Grammatically, some learners forget that '지저귀다' is an intransitive verb. You cannot '지저귀다' a song. You can '노래를 부르다' (sing a song) or '지저귀며 노래하다' (sing while chirping), but the verb itself doesn't take an object. For example, saying '새가 노래를 지저귀다' is grammatically incorrect.
새가 예쁜 노래를 지저귀어요.
Finally, watch out for the conjugation. Because '귀' ends in the vowel '위', adding '-어' (for the polite present) results in '지저귀어' which is often contracted to '지저귀어' or sounds like '지저귀어요'. Some learners mistakenly try to conjugate it like an 'ㅡ' irregular verb or a 'ㅂ' irregular verb, but it is a regular verb in this regard.
To truly master Korean, you need to know the nuances between 지저귀다 and its close relatives. While they all relate to sounds made by birds or people, they are not always interchangeable. Choosing the right one depends on the specific sound you are describing and the level of formality or emotion you want to convey.
- 울다 (Ulda) vs. 지저귀다
- 울다 is the general term for any animal sound. '새가 울다' could mean a bird is singing, chirping, or even screeching. 지저귀다 is more specific to the 'twittering' of small birds. If you hear a beautiful melody, '지저귀다' is better. If you just hear a bird making a sound, '울다' is safe.
- 짹짹거리다 (Jjaek-jjaek-georida)
- This is a more informal, onomatopoeic version. '짹짹' is the Korean equivalent of 'tweet-tweet' or 'chirp-chirp'. 짹짹거리다 sounds more casual and mimics the sound directly. You might use this when talking to children or describing a very specific, repetitive sparrow sound.
- 노래하다 (Noraehada)
- This means 'to sing'. When used for birds, it’s a personification. It implies the bird's sound is musical and intentional. 지저귀다 is more about the natural sound itself, while '노래하다' focuses on the beauty and melody.
참새가 짹짹거리며 모이를 먹고 있다.
When it comes to human chatter, the alternatives have very different vibes:
- 떠들다 (Tteodeulda)
- This is the standard word for 'to be noisy' or 'to talk loudly'. It is neutral to slightly negative. Unlike 지저귀다, it doesn't imply a high-pitched or bird-like quality; it just means people are being loud.
- 수다 떨다 (Suda tteolda)
- This means 'to chat' or 'to gossip'. It's very common for friends talking. While 지저귀다 focuses on the *sound* of the talking, '수다 떨다' focuses on the *act* of socializing.
카페에서 친구들이 즐겁게 수다를 떨고 있어요.
In summary, 지저귀다 is your go-to word for a descriptive, pleasant, and specifically avian sound. If you want to be more general, go with 울다. If you want to be casual and mimic the sound, use 짹짹거리다. Understanding these boundaries will make your Korean sound much more sophisticated.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The 'ji-jeo' part of the word is so effective at mimicking birds that it is often used in Korean comic books (Manhwa) as a sound effect for birds, written as '짹짹' or '지저지저'.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'eo' (어) as 'oh' (오).
- Pronouncing 'wi' (위) as just 'ee' (이).
- Over-aspirating the 'j' (ㅈ) sounds.
- Pronouncing it as four distinct syllables with equal gaps, rather than a smooth flow.
- Confusing 'gwi' with 'gu'.
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to recognize in context, often associated with '새' (bird).
Requires correct conjugation and understanding of when to use it over '울다'.
The 'gwi' sound and the 'eo' vowel require some practice for clear pronunciation.
Very distinct sound, usually easy to hear in nature-related audio.
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Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Present Progressive (-고 있다)
새들이 지저귀고 있어요. (The birds are chirping.)
Noun Modifying Form (-는)
지저귀는 새를 보았어요. (I saw a chirping bird.)
Simultaneous Action (-면서)
새들이 지저귀면서 날아갔어요. (The birds flew away while chirping.)
Causative Form (-게 하다)
새소리가 나를 웃게 지저귀어요. (The bird sound makes me smile while chirping - slightly poetic/awkward but grammatically possible.)
Nominalization (-기, -ㅁ)
새들의 지저귐이 듣기 좋아요. (The birds' chirping is nice to hear.)
Ejemplos por nivel
새가 지저귀어요.
The bird chirps.
Basic present tense conjugation of 지저귀다.
작은 새가 지저귀어요.
A small bird chirps.
Adding an adjective '작은' (small) to the subject.
새들이 지저귀어요.
Birds are chirping.
Plural subject '새들' (birds).
여기에서 새가 지저귀어요.
A bird chirps here.
Using the location particle '-에서'.
새가 예쁘게 지저귀어요.
The bird chirps prettily.
Using the adverb '예쁘게' (prettily).
아침에 새가 지저귀어요.
The bird chirps in the morning.
Time particle '-에' with '아침' (morning).
나무에서 새가 지저귀어요.
A bird chirps in the tree.
Location '나무' (tree) with '-에서'.
새가 지저귀고 있어요.
The bird is chirping.
Present progressive '-고 있다'.
창밖에서 새들이 지저귀는 소리가 들려요.
I hear the sound of birds chirping outside the window.
Noun modifying form '지저귀는' with '소리' (sound).
공원에 가면 새들이 많이 지저귀어요.
If you go to the park, many birds chirp.
Conditional '-면' (if/when).
어제는 새들이 하루 종일 지저귀었어요.
Yesterday, the birds chirped all day long.
Past tense '지저귀었어요'.
새가 지저귀는 것을 좋아하세요?
Do you like birds chirping?
Object nominalization '-는 것' with '좋아하다'.
숲속에서 새들이 즐겁게 지저귀고 있네요.
The birds are chirping happily in the forest.
Exclamatory ending '-네요' with progressive '-고 있다'.
참새들이 지저귀면서 날아갔어요.
The sparrows chirped as they flew away.
Simultaneous action '-면서' (while).
새가 지저귀지 않아요.
The bird is not chirping.
Long negation '-지 않다'.
저기 예쁜 새가 지저귀고 있어요.
A pretty bird is chirping over there.
Demonstrative '저기' (over there).
창문을 열자마자 새들이 지저귀는 소리가 방 안으로 들어왔다.
As soon as I opened the window, the sound of birds chirping came into the room.
'-자마자' (as soon as).
아이들이 교실에서 참새처럼 지저귀며 놀고 있어요.
The children are playing and chirping like sparrows in the classroom.
Metaphorical use with '처럼' (like).
새들이 지저귀는 소리에 잠을 깼지만 기분이 좋았어요.
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, but I felt good.
'-지만' (but) connecting two clauses.
이른 아침부터 새들이 끊임없이 지저귀고 있네요.
The birds have been chirping incessantly since early morning.
Adverb '끊임없이' (incessantly).
새들의 지저귐은 마음을 편안하게 해 줘요.
The chirping of birds makes my mind feel comfortable.
Noun form '지저귐' as the subject.
어디선가 이름 모를 새가 지저귀고 있었다.
From somewhere, an unknown bird was chirping.
Indefinite pronoun '어디선가' (from somewhere).
봄이 되면 새들이 더 자주 지저귀는 것 같아요.
It seems like birds chirp more often when spring comes.
'-는 것 같다' (it seems like).
새가 지저귀는 소리를 녹음해서 듣고 싶어요.
I want to record the sound of birds chirping and listen to it.
'-고 싶다' (want to) with sequential action '-어서'.
고요한 숲속의 적막을 깨는 것은 오직 새들의 지저귐뿐이었다.
The only thing breaking the silence of the quiet forest was the chirping of birds.
'-뿐이다' (only/nothing but).
그녀는 아이들이 지저귀는 소리를 들으며 미소를 지었다.
She smiled as she listened to the sound of children chirping (chatting).
Metaphorical use for children's chatter.
새들이 지저귀는 것을 보니 정말 봄이 왔나 봐요.
Seeing the birds chirping, I guess spring has really come.
'-나 보다' (it seems/I guess).
산책로를 따라 걷다 보면 새들이 지저귀는 소리를 만끽할 수 있다.
If you walk along the trail, you can fully enjoy the sound of birds chirping.
'-다 보면' (if one keeps doing something).
새들이 지저귀는 소리가 마치 오케스트라 연주처럼 들렸다.
The sound of birds chirping sounded like an orchestra performance.
Simile with '마치 ~처럼' (just like).
어린 시절 고향 집 마당에서 지저귀던 새들이 그립다.
I miss the birds that used to chirp in the yard of my childhood home.
Retrospective modifier '-던' (used to).
새들은 무엇이 그리 즐거운지 아침부터 지저귀고 있다.
The birds are chirping since morning, as if wondering what is so joyful.
Indirect question '-ㄴ지' (wondering if/what).
지저귀는 새소리에 맞춰 콧노래를 흥얼거렸다.
I hummed along to the sound of the chirping birds.
'-에 맞춰' (in time with/according to).
도시의 소음 속에서도 새들의 지저귐은 생명력을 느끼게 한다.
Even amidst the noise of the city, the chirping of birds makes one feel the power of life.
Causative '-게 하다' (make/let).
작가는 자연의 평화로움을 묘사하기 위해 새들이 지저귀는 장면을 삽입했다.
The author inserted a scene of birds chirping to describe the peacefulness of nature.
'-기 위해' (in order to).
새들이 지저귀는 소리는 그 어떤 음악보다도 감미롭게 들려온다.
The sound of birds chirping sounds sweeter than any other music.
Comparative '보다도' (even more than).
그의 시에는 늘 새들이 지저귀고 꽃이 피는 서정적인 풍경이 등장한다.
In his poems, lyrical landscapes where birds chirp and flowers bloom always appear.
Attributive clauses modifying '풍경'.
아무도 없는 산사에서 들려오는 새들의 지저귐이 고즈넉한 분위기를 더했다.
The chirping of birds heard in a deserted mountain temple added to the quiet, serene atmosphere.
Advanced adjective '고즈넉하다' (quiet and peaceful).
새들이 지저귀는 소리가 귓가를 간지럽히며 잠을 깨웠다.
The sound of birds chirping tickled my ears and woke me up.
Personification with '간지럽히다' (to tickle).
새벽 공기를 가르며 지저귀는 새들의 노래가 하루의 시작을 알린다.
The song of birds chirping through the dawn air announces the start of the day.
Metaphorical '가르다' (to cut through/divide).
사람들은 저마다의 사연을 품고 새들이 지저귀는 공원을 거닐었다.
People, each carrying their own stories, strolled through the park where birds were chirping.
'-를 거닐다' (to stroll/wander).
만물의 영성이 깨어나는 이른 아침, 새들의 지저귐은 우주의 화답처럼 들린다.
In the early morning when the spirituality of all things awakens, the chirping of birds sounds like a response from the universe.
Abstract philosophical subject '만물의 영성'.
세상의 번잡함을 뒤로하고 산에 오르니 비로소 새들의 지저귐이 선명하게 다가왔다.
Leaving the world's complexities behind and climbing the mountain, the chirping of birds finally came to me clearly.
'-고' (leaving behind) and '비로소' (at last).
지저귀는 새들의 노랫소리에는 자연의 섭리와 생명의 경외감이 깃들어 있다.
The singing of chirping birds contains the providence of nature and a sense of awe for life.
Advanced vocabulary '섭리' (providence) and '경외감' (awe).
문명의 이기 속에 잊혀졌던 새들의 지저귐이 이 고요한 마을에서는 여전히 살아 숨 쉰다.
The chirping of birds, forgotten amidst the conveniences of civilization, still breathes and lives in this quiet village.
Passive form '잊혀졌던' and metaphor '살아 숨 쉬다'.
새들이 지저귀는 소리는 인간의 언어로 다 표현할 수 없는 태초의 순수함을 간직하고 있다.
The sound of birds chirping preserves a primordial purity that cannot be fully expressed in human language.
Advanced modifier '태초의' (primordial/beginning of time).
계절의 변화를 가장 먼저 알리는 것은 대지를 적시는 비와 숲을 채우는 새들의 지저귐이다.
What announces the change of seasons first is the rain that soaks the earth and the chirping of birds that fills the forest.
Noun clause as the subject '알리는 것'.
그의 문장은 마치 숲속에서 지저귀는 새들처럼 경쾌하면서도 깊은 울림을 주었다.
His sentences, like birds chirping in the forest, were lighthearted yet gave a deep resonance.
Metaphor comparing writing style to bird song.
새들이 지저귀는 소리가 잦아들고 어둠이 내리면 숲은 또 다른 침묵의 언어를 구사한다.
When the sound of birds chirping fades and darkness falls, the forest speaks another language of silence.
Personification '언어를 구사하다' (to command a language).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A morning where birds are chirping. Used to describe a peaceful, ideal start to the day.
새가 지저귀는 아침은 언제나 상쾌해요.
— To wake up to the sound of chirping. A very common experience in rural or park-adjacent areas.
오늘 아침에는 새들이 지저귀는 소리에 잠을 깼어요.
— Like sparrows chirping. Used to describe people talking quickly and lively.
학생들이 참새가 지저귀듯 수다를 떨고 있었다.
— To be full of birds' chirping. Describes a lively natural environment.
공원에는 새들의 지저귐이 가득했다.
— The chirping of an unknown bird. Often used in poetic or mystery contexts.
어디선가 이름 모를 새의 지저귐이 들려왔다.
— To see a chirping bird. A simple observational phrase.
나뭇가지 위에서 지저귀는 새를 보았어요.
— Beautiful chirping. Used to praise the quality of a bird's song.
새들의 아름다운 지저귐을 감상하세요.
— To fly around while chirping. Describes active birds.
새들이 하늘을 지저귀며 날아다녀요.
— To listen to the sound of chirping. A common leisure activity.
벤치에 앉아 새들이 지저귀는 소리를 들었다.
— To chirp every morning. Describes a routine in nature.
우리 집 마당에서는 새들이 매일 아침 지저귀어요.
Se confunde a menudo con
General sound vs. specific chirping. '울다' can also mean to cry tears.
Chatter/babble. Usually negative or rude, unlike the pleasant '지저귀다'.
To shout/yell. '지저귀다' is high-pitched but usually soft or melodic.
Modismos y expresiones
— To chatter incessantly like a sparrow. Usually refers to children or a group of people talking excitedly.
아이들이 소풍 가는 버스 안에서 참새처럼 지저귀고 있었다.
Informal/Affectionate— A general observation that birds chirping more actively signifies the arrival of spring.
새들이 지저귀는 걸 보니 이제 정말 봄이 오나 봅니다.
Common Saying— Even a chirping bird takes a break. Implies that everyone needs rest, no matter how energetic.
열심히 일하는 것도 좋지만 지저귀는 새도 쉬어간다는데 좀 쉬어라.
Metaphorical— A forest where chirping has stopped. Symbolizes silence, tension, or a change in the environment.
폭풍이 오기 전, 지저귐이 멈춘 숲은 무서울 정도로 조용했다.
Literary— The chirping that wakes up the morning. Refers to the first sounds of dawn.
아침을 깨우는 지저귐은 우리에게 희망을 줍니다.
Poetic— A mouth that chirps. Often refers to someone who talks a lot in a high-pitched way.
그녀의 지저귀는 입은 쉴 줄을 몰랐다.
Descriptive/Slightly Negative— A village where bird sounds chirp. Describes a peaceful, rural idyllic setting.
나는 나중에 새소리가 지저귀는 마을에서 살고 싶다.
Descriptive— The sound of chirping is like music. Used to express how pleasant the sound is.
숲속의 새들이 지저귀는 소리가 정말 음악 같아요.
Expressive— To chase a chirping bird. Can mean chasing something elusive or beautiful.
그는 어린 시절 지저귀는 새를 쫓아 숲을 헤매곤 했다.
Narrative— The sound of chirping is cut off. Indicates a sudden silence or interruption.
총소리에 새들이 지저귀는 소리가 뚝 끊겼다.
DramaticFácil de confundir
Both mean birds chirping.
짹짹거리다 is onomatopoeic and more casual, mimicking the specific 'jjaek' sound. 지저귀다 is a more formal, descriptive verb.
참새가 짹짹거려요 (Casual/Specific sound) vs. 새들이 지저귀어요 (Descriptive/General chirping).
Both describe high-pitched chatter.
지저귀다 is primarily for birds and metaphorically for people. 조잘거리다 is primarily for people chatting in small voices.
아이들이 조잘거려요 (Focus on human chatter).
Both describe melodic bird sounds.
노래하다 is 'to sing' (personification). 지저귀다 is the natural verb for the sound itself.
새가 노래해요 (Focus on the melody) vs. 새가 지저귀어요 (Focus on the act of chirping).
Both are animal sounds.
짖다 is only for dogs barking. 지저귀다 is only for birds chirping.
개는 짖고 새는 지저귄다.
Both are bird sounds.
우짖다 is more literary/archaic and implies a louder, more forceful sound than 지저귀다.
산새가 숲에서 우짖는다 (Literary tone).
Patrones de oraciones
새가 [Adverb] 지저귀어요.
새가 예쁘게 지저귀어요.
[Location]에서 새가 지저귀고 있어요.
나무 위에서 새가 지저귀고 있어요.
지저귀는 [Noun] 소리가 들리다.
지저귀는 새 소리가 들려요.
[Person]이/가 참새처럼 지저귀다.
아이들이 참새처럼 지저귀고 있어요.
새들의 지저귐이 [Verb].
새들의 지저귐이 숲을 가득 채웠다.
지저귀던 새가 [Action].
지저귀던 새가 갑자기 날아갔다.
[Abstract Noun] 속에서도 지저귐은 [Effect].
도시의 소음 속에서도 새들의 지저귐은 평화를 준다.
[Poetic Subject], 새들의 지저귐은 [Metaphor].
만물이 깨어나는 아침, 새들의 지저귐은 생명의 찬가다.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Common in descriptive contexts, nature-related talk, and literature. Less common in technical or purely functional speech.
-
Using it for a dog barking.
→
개는 짖어요 (Dogs bark).
'지저귀다' is exclusively for birds and small-voiced chatter.
-
Conjugating as '지저궈요'.
→
지저귀어요.
It's a regular verb ending in 'ㅣ', so you add '-어요'. Some people confuse it with 'ㅜ' endings.
-
Using it for a crow's harsh sound.
→
까마귀가 울어요.
'지저귀다' implies a melodic or high-pitched twitter, not a harsh caw.
-
Saying '노래를 지저귀다'.
→
노래를 부르다 or 예쁘게 지저귀다.
'지저귀다' is intransitive; it cannot take 'song' as a direct object.
-
Using it for adults in a formal meeting.
→
회의를 하다 or 수다를 떨다.
Calling adults' speech '지저귀다' can sound condescending or like you're calling them trivial.
Consejos
Pair with Nature
Always use '지저귀다' when you want to create a peaceful nature scene in your writing. It's much more evocative than '울다'.
Noun Modifying
Master the form '지저귀는 소리' (the sound of chirping). This is the most common way to use the word in daily life.
Metaphor for Kids
Use '참새처럼 지저귀다' (chirp like sparrows) to describe a lively group of children. It sounds very natural and native-like.
The 'Gwi' Sound
Practice 'gwi' (귀) by starting with a 'u' shape and quickly moving to 'i'. It shouldn't sound like two separate vowels.
Literary Flair
In stories, use '지저귐' (the noun) to describe the background ambiance. '새들의 지저귐이 숲을 채웠다' is a great sentence.
Drama Cues
In K-Dramas, when you hear birds chirping, listen for the characters saying '새 소리' or '지저귀다' to set the morning mood.
Sparrows and Spring
Remember that '참새' (sparrow) is the bird most commonly associated with this verb in Korean culture.
Not for Dogs!
Never use '지저귀다' for dogs, cats, or large animals. It is strictly for birds (and metaphorically for small children).
Happy Vibes
Use this word when the bird sounds are pleasant. If a bird is screeching or sounds distressed, '울다' or '비명을 지르다' is better.
Daily Routine
Every time you hear a bird, think '새가 지저귀어요' to lock the word into your long-term memory.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a bird named 'Ji-Ji' who is always 'jeo-guing' (going) around chirping. Ji-jeo-gwi-da!
Asociación visual
Imagine a small sparrow (Ji-jeo) sitting on a guitar (gwi-da) and singing a song.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use '지저귀다' in a sentence describing your favorite park. Then, try to use it to describe a group of friends talking in a cafe.
Origen de la palabra
The word '지저귀다' is an indigenous Korean word (pure Korean) that has evolved from onomatopoeic roots. It mimics the repetitive and high-pitched sounds of small birds. Historical forms of the word show a consistent use of the 'ji-jeo' sound to represent avian vocalization.
Significado original: To make continuous, repetitive sounds (specifically for birds).
KoreanicContexto cultural
None. The word is entirely neutral and positive.
In English, we have many words like 'chirp', 'twitter', 'warble', and 'sing'. '지저귀다' covers most of these for small birds but is less formal than 'warble' and more descriptive than 'chirp'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Describing the Morning
- 새가 지저귀는 아침
- 지저귀는 소리에 잠을 깨다
- 상쾌한 아침의 지저귐
- 창밖에서 지저귀다
Walking in Nature
- 숲속에서 새들이 지저귀다
- 지저귀는 소리를 감상하다
- 새소리가 지저귀는 산책로
- 이름 모를 새의 지저귐
Describing Children
- 참새처럼 지저귀는 아이들
- 교실에서 지저귀다
- 즐겁게 지저귀는 소리
- 지저귀며 노는 모습
Literature and Poetry
- 지저귀는 새들의 노래
- 봄을 알리는 지저귐
- 고즈넉한 산사의 지저귐
- 생명력이 느껴지는 지저귐
Daily Observation
- 새가 예쁘게 지저귀네요
- 어디서 새가 지저귀지?
- 지저귀는 소리가 들려요
- 매일 지저귀는 새
Inicios de conversación
"오늘 아침에 새들이 지저귀는 소리 들으셨어요? (Did you hear the birds chirping this morning?)"
"이 공원은 새들이 정말 아름답게 지저귀네요. (The birds in this park chirp so beautifully.)"
"아이들이 참새처럼 지저귀는 걸 보니 정말 귀엽지 않나요? (Don't you think the children are cute chirping like sparrows?)"
"새들이 왜 저렇게 지저귀고 있을까요? (Why do you think the birds are chirping like that?)"
"지저귀는 새소리를 들으면 마음이 편안해지지 않나요? (Doesn't your mind feel at ease when you hear the sound of birds chirping?)"
Temas para diario
오늘 아침 나를 깨운 것은 무엇인가요? 지저귀는 새소리였나요? (What woke you up this morning? Was it the sound of birds chirping?)
지저귀는 새소리가 가득한 숲속을 걷는 기분을 묘사해 보세요. (Describe the feeling of walking in a forest full of bird chirping.)
내 주변에서 '참새처럼 지저귀는' 사람들은 누구인가요? (Who are the people around you who 'chirp like sparrows'?)
도시의 소음과 새들의 지저귐 중 어떤 소리를 더 좋아하나요? 그 이유는? (Which do you prefer: city noise or birds chirping? Why?)
봄이 왔음을 알리는 자연의 소리에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the sounds of nature that announce the arrival of spring.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot usually. '지저귀다' is for small birds with melodic or high-pitched calls. For a crow, which has a harsh 'caw', you should use '울다' (까마귀가 울다).
It's similar to 'twittering' or 'chirping'. While it can be translated as 'singing' in a poetic sense, '노래하다' is the literal word for singing. '지저귀다' focuses on the natural sound.
Only if you are being very descriptive, slightly poetic, or perhaps a bit patronizing. It implies a high-pitched, incessant chatter. It's much more common for children.
The noun form is '지저귐', which means 'chirping' or 'twittering'. Example: '새들의 지저귐' (the chirping of birds).
It's a regular verb. The past tense is '지저귀었어요' (polite) or '지저귀었다' (plain).
Almost always positive or neutral. It evokes peace, nature, and vitality. If used for people, it's usually affectionate, though it can imply 'noisy' in some contexts.
'짹짹' (jjaek-jjaek) is the sound effect (onomatopoeia), while '지저귀다' is the verb describing the action of making that sound.
Yes, if the parrot is making chirping or twittering sounds. If it's mimicking human speech, you'd use '말하다' (to speak) or '흉내 내다' (to mimic).
Yes, it is a standard Korean word used in both the North and South to describe bird sounds.
You can add adverbs like '시끄럽게' (noisily) or '크게' (loudly), but '우짖다' is a more literary term for loud bird cries.
Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas
Write a sentence in Korean: 'The bird is chirping in the tree.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '지저귀는 소리'.
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Describe a morning scene using '지저귀다'.
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Use '참새처럼 지저귀다' to describe children.
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Write a sentence about hearing birds in a forest.
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Translate: 'I woke up to the sound of birds chirping.'
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Write a sentence using the past tense of 지저귀다.
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Describe a park scene with birds.
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Translate: 'Many birds are chirping outside.'
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Use '명랑하게' (cheerfully) with '지저귀다'.
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Write a sentence about spring using '지저귀다'.
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Translate: 'The sound of birds chirping is like music.'
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Write a sentence about a sparrow.
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Translate: 'I want to hear the birds chirping.'
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Describe a quiet village using '지저귀다'.
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Write a sentence using the formal form '지저귑니다'.
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Translate: 'The birds chirped all day long.'
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Use '끊임없이' with '지저귀다'.
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Write a sentence about a bird on a branch.
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Translate: 'The birds are chirping happily.'
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Pronounce '지저귀다' clearly.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The birds are chirping' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I like the sound of birds chirping' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe your morning using '지저귀다'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Pronounce '지저귀는 소리'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Explain what '지저귀다' means in Korean to a friend.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The bird chirped beautifully' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Use '지저귀다' metaphorically in a sentence about children.
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Dijiste:
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Pronounce '새들의 지저귐'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Birds are chirping on the tree' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask someone if they heard the birds chirping.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Spring birds chirp' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Pronounce the past tense '지저귀었어요'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The forest is full of chirping' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'A small bird is chirping' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Don't chirp so much' (to a child, jokingly).
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Pronounce '명랑하게 지저귀다'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Birds chirp in the morning' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'I woke up because of the chirping' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'The chirping sounds like a song' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and transcribe: '새가 지저귀어요.'
Listen and transcribe: '지저귀는 소리가 들려요.'
Listen and identify the verb: '새들이 나무에서 지저귀고 있습니다.'
Listen and identify the subject: '아이들이 참새처럼 지저귀고 있네요.'
Listen and transcribe: '새들의 지저귐이 듣기 좋아요.'
Listen and identify the location: '창밖에서 새가 지저귀어요.'
Listen and identify the tense: '새들이 지저귀었어요.'
Listen and transcribe: '아름답게 지저귀는 새.'
Listen and identify the adverb: '새가 명랑하게 지저귀어요.'
Listen and transcribe: '작은 새가 지저귀고 있어요.'
Listen and identify: '지저귀는 소리에 잠이 깼어요.' What woke them up?
Listen and transcribe: '숲속의 지저귐.'
Listen and identify: '새들이 끊임없이 지저귀네요.' How are they chirping?
Listen and transcribe: '새가 지저귀지 않아요.'
Listen and identify the bird: '참새가 지저귀어요.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '지저귀다' is the essential verb for describing the melodic chirping of small birds, offering a more descriptive and poetic alternative to the general verb '울다'. It evokes a sense of peace and vitality. Example: '새들이 숲속에서 아름답게 지저귀고 있어요' (The birds are chirping beautifully in the forest).
- 지저귀다 is a specific Korean verb used to describe birds chirping, twittering, or singing, usually implying a pleasant and melodic sound associated with nature.
- It is primarily used for small birds like sparrows and nightingales, and it carries a positive, peaceful connotation often found in morning descriptions.
- Metaphorically, it can describe the high-pitched, lively chatter of children or close friends, comparing them to the rhythmic sound of sparrows.
- Grammatically, it is a regular intransitive verb that conjugates to 지저귀어요, 지저귀었어요, and is often used as a noun-modifying adjective: 지저귀는.
Pair with Nature
Always use '지저귀다' when you want to create a peaceful nature scene in your writing. It's much more evocative than '울다'.
Noun Modifying
Master the form '지저귀는 소리' (the sound of chirping). This is the most common way to use the word in daily life.
Metaphor for Kids
Use '참새처럼 지저귀다' (chirp like sparrows) to describe a lively group of children. It sounds very natural and native-like.
The 'Gwi' Sound
Practice 'gwi' (귀) by starting with a 'u' shape and quickly moving to 'i'. It shouldn't sound like two separate vowels.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de nature
~에 대한
A2Una expresión gramatical que significa 'sobre' o 'acerca de'.
~게
A2Sufijo que convierte adjetivos en adverbios, equivalente a '-mente' en español.
공기
A1El aire que respiramos. 'El aire de la montaña es muy fresco.'
몽땅
B1몽땅 significa 'todo', 'enteramente'. Se usa cuando algo está completamente consumido, desaparecido o involucrado. Enfatiza la totalidad.
온갖
B1Toda clase de, todo tipo de. Se usa antes de un sustantivo para indicar una gran variedad.
~을/를 따라서
A2Indica movimiento o acción a lo largo de algo o siguiendo un modelo. 'Caminar a lo largo del río' o 'seguir las instrucciones'.
동물
A1Un ser vivo que siente y se mueve por su propia voluntad. El término coreano para animal es muy común en la ciencia.
개미
A1Un insecto pequeño y común que vive en grandes grupos llamados colonias. Son conocidos por ser muy ocupados y trabajadores.
주위에
A2Hay muchos parques alrededor de mi casa. (주위에)
그대로
A2Tal como está; sin cambios. Se usa para indicar que algo permanece en su estado original o que una acción sigue exactamente un modelo.