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A1 noun 7 min de lecture

지우개

jiugae

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 지우개 en 30 secondes

Explication 지우개 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '지우개' is one of the first classroom objects you will learn. You should focus on identifying the object and using it in simple 'Subject + Particle + Verb' sentences. For example, '지우개가 있어요' (There is an eraser) or '지우개를 주세요' (Please give me an eraser). You should be able to recognize it in a list of stationery items like 연필 (pencil) and 공책 (notebook). At this stage, the most important thing is to remember that it is a noun and to associate it with the physical object found in a pencil case. You will mostly use it with the basic politeness level (-요 style). Practice saying the word clearly with three syllables: ji-u-gae.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '지우개' with instrumental particles like '-로' to describe how you perform an action. You should be able to say '지우개로 지워요' (I erase with an eraser). You will also learn to use counters, such as '지우개 두 개' (two erasers). At this stage, you might start using it in slightly more complex social interactions, such as asking to borrow one: '지우개 좀 빌려줄 수 있어요?' (Can you lend me an eraser?). You should also be familiar with related adjectives like '작다' (small) or '좋다' (good) to describe the eraser's quality.

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At the B1 level, you can use '지우개' in more descriptive contexts and understand its role in passive constructions. For instance, you can say '이 지우개는 잘 안 지워져요' (This eraser doesn't erase well), using the passive form '지워지다'. You might also use the word in the context of shopping, discussing different types or brands of erasers at a '문구점' (stationery store). You can describe a situation where you lost your eraser ('지우개를 잃어버렸어요') and explain why you need a new one. Your sentences will become longer, incorporating conjunctions like '그래서' (so) or '때문에' (because).

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At the B2 level, you start to encounter '지우개' in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts. You might read about the 'eraser of the mind' in literature or see it used in news articles about erasing records or footprints. You should be able to distinguish between '지우개' and more technical terms like '수정테이프' (correction tape) or '삭제' (deletion). At this level, you can participate in discussions about the importance of being able to correct mistakes in the learning process. You'll also be comfortable using various formality levels, from formal '하십시오체' to informal '반말', depending on the social situation.

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At the C1 level, you understand the deeper cultural and philosophical implications of the word '지우개'. You might analyze how the concept of 'erasing' is used in Korean cinema, such as the film '내 머리 속의 지우개'. You can use the word in complex sentence structures to discuss abstract concepts like 'erasing the past' or 'erasing one's identity'. You are also familiar with specific types of erasers used in professional fields like architecture or fine arts. Your vocabulary includes synonyms and related Hanja-based words like '말소' (annulment/erasure) or '소거' (elimination), and you know when to use them instead of the simpler '지우개'.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word '지우개' and its various connotations. You can use it in academic writing, creative literature, or high-level professional debates. You might discuss the etymology of the suffix '-개' and how it functions in the Korean language. You can interpret subtle nuances in dialogue where '지우개' is used as a metaphor for forgiveness or the transient nature of memory. You are capable of explaining the cultural significance of stationery culture in Korea to others and can use the word flawlessly in any grammatical construction, including highly complex honorifics and poetic forms.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

지우개 en 30 secondes

지우개 means 'eraser'. It is used to remove pencil or chalk marks. It is a very common word for students and office workers.
The word is formed from '지우다' (to erase) and '-개' (tool suffix). This makes it easy to remember if you know the verb.
In sentences, use '지우개로' to mean 'with an eraser'. Common verbs include '지우다' (erase), '빌리다' (borrow), and '사다' (buy).
It has cultural significance in Korea, appearing in movie titles and metaphors about memory loss or wanting to forget the past.

The Korean word 지우개 (ji-u-gae) is a common noun that translates to "eraser" in English. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical tool used to remove pencil marks from paper or chalk from a blackboard. However, understanding its structure provides deeper insight into the Korean language. The word is a combination of the verb stem 지우- (from 지우다, meaning 'to erase' or 'to wipe away') and the suffix -개, which is used to transform a verb into a noun representing a tool or instrument. This pattern is seen in other common words like 날개 (wing, from 'to fly') and 베개 (pillow, from 'to rest one's head').

Primary Function: A tool for correcting mistakes made while writing or drawing with graphite or chalk.
Material Composition: Typically made of rubber (고무), plastic, or felt for larger board versions.

In South Korea, the 지우개 is a staple in every student's pencil case (필통). Because the Korean education system emphasizes precision and neatness, having a high-quality eraser that doesn't smudge is considered essential. You will hear this word most frequently in educational environments, offices, and art studios. Beyond the physical object, the term is occasionally used metaphorically to describe the act of forgetting or wanting to remove past mistakes from one's memory, a concept popularized in Korean cinema and literature.

연필로 쓰고 지우개로 지워요. (I write with a pencil and erase with an eraser.)

The versatility of the word extends to various types of erasers. For instance, a chalkboard eraser is specifically called 칠판지우개. In modern digital contexts, the 'eraser tool' in software like Photoshop is also referred to as 지우개 도구. Despite the rise of digital tablets, the physical 지우개 remains a symbol of the learning process—the ability to make mistakes and start over.

새 지우개를 샀어요. (I bought a new eraser.)

Cultural Nuance: In Korea, giving cute or uniquely shaped erasers as small gifts among friends is common.

Using 지우개 correctly involves pairing it with the right particles and verbs. As a noun ending in a vowel, it takes the subject particle -가 (지우개가) and the object particle -를 (지우개를). The most common verb associated with it is 지우다 (to erase), but you will also frequently see it with 사용하다 (to use), 빌리다 (to borrow), and 잃어버리다 (to lose).

With Instrumental Particle '-로': To express 'with an eraser' or 'using an eraser', use 지우개로. Example: 지우개로 지우세요 (Erase it with an eraser).

When counting erasers, the general counter for objects, 개, is used. For example, 'one eraser' is 지우개 한 개. It is important to note that in natural conversation, the particle is often dropped if the meaning is clear from the context. For example, instead of saying "지우개를 주세요," one might simply say "지우개 주세요."

이 지우개는 아주 부드러워요. (This eraser is very soft.)

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the passive form of the verb, 지워지다 (to be erased). You might say, "잘 안 지워져요" (It doesn't erase well), referring to either a poor-quality eraser or a stubborn mark. This demonstrates how the noun 지우개 is conceptually tied to the efficiency of the action it performs.

책상 위에 지우개가 없어요. (There is no eraser on the desk.)

Finally, when discussing the state of an eraser, you might use adjectives like 작다 (small), 크다 (big), or 더럽다 (dirty). A 'dirty eraser' (더러운 지우개) is a common complaint among students because it tends to leave black smudges rather than cleaning the paper.

The most natural setting to hear 지우개 is within the four walls of a South Korean classroom. From elementary school to university, students are constantly borrowing and lending stationery. You will hear phrases like "지우개 좀 빌려줄 수 있어?" (Can you lend me an eraser?) in informal settings among peers. In a more formal setting, a teacher might say, "지우개로 깨끗이 지우고 다시 쓰세요" (Erase it cleanly with an eraser and write again).

At the Stationery Store (문구점): "가장 잘 지워지는 지우개가 뭐예요?" (Which eraser erases the best?)

Another common place is the 문구점 (mungu-jeom), or stationery store. These stores are ubiquitous near schools in Korea. You might hear a parent asking a clerk, "지우개는 어디에 있나요?" (Where are the erasers?). The clerk might respond by pointing to a specific section filled with various brands, including the famous 'Ain' (아인) erasers which are highly popular in Korea for their performance.

내 지우개 못 봤어? (Have you seen my eraser?)

In pop culture, 지우개 took on a poignant meaning due to the 2004 film 내 머리 속의 지우개 (A Moment to Remember). The title literally translates to "The Eraser in My Head," referring to the protagonist's battle with Alzheimer's disease. Since then, the phrase "내 머리 속에 지우개가 있나 봐" (I must have an eraser in my head) is sometimes used jokingly or sadly when someone is being particularly forgetful.

칠판 지우개 좀 가져다줄래? (Could you bring the chalkboard eraser?)

Lastly, in the world of art and design, professional artists discuss different types of 지우개 like 떡지우개 (kneaded erasers) which are used for shading and highlighting. Hearing the word in an art supply store usually involves technical discussions about paper texture and graphite grades.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 지우개 is confusing it with the verb 지우다. Remember that 지우개 is the object (the eraser), while 지우다 is the action (to erase). You cannot say "지우개해요" to mean "I am erasing." Instead, you must say "지우개로 지워요" (I erase with an eraser).

Spelling Error: Mistaking 지우개 for 지우게. While they sound similar, -게 is a different suffix used for making adverbs or certain sentence endings.

Another common error involves the counter. English speakers might say "한 지우개" (one eraser), but in Korean, the counter must follow the noun: "지우개 한 개." Additionally, beginners often confuse 지우개 with 휴지 (tissue) or 걸레 (rag) because all three are used for cleaning or wiping. However, 지우개 is strictly for marks on paper or boards.

Wrong: 지우개 지워요.
Right: 지우개로 지워요.

Using the wrong particle with the verb 빌리다 (to borrow) is also common. To say "borrow an eraser FROM someone," use -한테(서) or -에게(서). For example: "친구한테 지우개를 빌렸어요" (I borrowed an eraser from a friend). Some learners incorrectly use the possessive particle -의 here.

Wrong: 지우개 한 개를 사다. (Correct grammar, but often omitted in speech)
Better: 지우개 하나만 주세요.

Finally, be careful with the word 화이트 (White-out). While it serves a similar purpose, it is a loanword specifically for correction fluid or tape. Using 지우개 when you actually need 수정테이프 (correction tape) might lead to confusion if you are writing in pen.

While 지우개 is the standard term for an eraser, several related words exist depending on the context and the specific tool being used. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

수정테이프 (Sujeong-teipeu): Literally "correction tape." Used for covering up mistakes made with pens. It is much more common than liquid correction fluid in modern Korea.
화이트 (Hwaiteu): The loanword for "White-out." It can refer to both the liquid and the tape version.
칠판지우개 (Chilpan-jiugae): A chalkboard or whiteboard eraser. It is specifically larger and made of felt or foam.

In terms of verbs, 삭제하다 (sakje-hada) is a common alternative when talking about deleting data or text on a computer. While you use a 지우개 to 지우다 (erase) pencil marks, you 삭제 (delete) a file. Another verb is 닦다 (dak-da), which means to wipe. You might use 걸레 (a rag) to 닦다 a spill, but you wouldn't typically use 지우개 for that purpose.

볼펜은 지우개로 안 지워져요. (Ballpoint pen marks don't get erased with an eraser.)

For artists, the 떡지우개 (kneaded eraser) is an essential alternative. The name comes from its dough-like (떡 - rice cake) consistency. It is used to lift graphite without damaging the paper. If you are in an art class, specifying the type of 지우개 is crucial for the desired effect.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-개' is a productive noun-forming suffix in Korean that specifically indicates a tool used for the action of the preceding verb. This is why many household items end in '-개'.

Guide de prononciation

UK d͡ʑi.u.ɡɛ

US d͡ʒi.u.ɡeɪ

In Korean, syllables generally have equal stress, but a slight emphasis on the first syllable is common in isolation.

Rime avec

날개 (nal-gae) 베개 (be-gae) 덮개 (deop-gae) 지게 (ji-ge) 배개 (bae-gae) 시계 (si-gye - near rhyme) 찌개 (jji-gae) 조개 (jo-gae)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'u' like the 'u' in 'cut'. It must be 'oo'.
Pronouncing 'gae' as 'guy'.
Adding an extra 'r' sound (e.g., 'ji-u-ger').
Merging 'u' and 'gae' into two syllables instead of three.
Pronouncing the 'j' as a hard 'z'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to read. Consists of simple Hangul characters with no complex batchim.

Écriture 1/5

Simple to write. The stroke order is straightforward.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy, but requires clear vowel distinction between 'u' and 'gae'.

Écoute 1/5

Distinctive sound, unlikely to be confused with other common words once learned.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

연필 (pencil) 쓰다 (to write) 있다 (to have) 없다 (to not have) 주다 (to give)

Apprends ensuite

필통 (pencil case) 공책 (notebook) 수정테이프 (correction tape) 빌리다 (to borrow) 지우다 (to erase - verb)

Avancé

삭제 (deletion) 말소 (erasure/annulment) 망각 (forgetfulness) 수정 (revision/correction) 마찰 (friction)

Grammaire à connaître

Instrumental Particle '-로/으로'

지우개로 지워요. (Erase with an eraser.)

Object Particle '-를/을'

지우개를 사요. (Buy an eraser.)

Subject Particle '-가/이'

지우개가 없어요. (There is no eraser.)

Noun Counting (Number + Counter)

지우개 한 개. (One eraser.)

Passive Voice '-아/어지다'

잘 지워져요. (It erases well / It is erased well.)

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Exemples par niveau

지우개가 있어요.

I have an eraser.

Uses the subject particle '-가' with the verb '있다' (to have/exist).

지우개를 주세요.

Please give me an eraser.

Uses the object particle '-를' with the imperative '주세요'.

이것은 지우개입니다.

This is an eraser.

Formal '입니다' ending for identification.

지우개 어디 있어요?

Where is the eraser?

A basic question structure 'Where is [noun]?'

내 지우개예요.

It is my eraser.

Uses '내' (my) and the identification '예요'.

지우개 한 개.

One eraser.

The counter '개' is used for general objects.

연필과 지우개.

Pencil and eraser.

The conjunction '과' joins two nouns ending in vowels/consonants.

지우개가 작아요.

The eraser is small.

Simple adjective '작다' (to be small).

지우개로 이름을 지워요.

I erase the name with an eraser.

Instrumental particle '-로' indicates the tool used.

지우개 좀 빌려주세요.

Please lend me an eraser.

'좀' makes the request more polite and natural.

새 지우개를 사고 싶어요.

I want to buy a new eraser.

'-고 싶다' expresses desire.

필통에 지우개가 없어요.

There is no eraser in the pencil case.

'-에' indicates location.

지우개를 잃어버렸어요.

I lost my eraser.

Past tense of '잃어버리다'.

이 지우개는 백 원이에요.

This eraser is 100 won.

Stating the price using '이에요'.

지우개를 두 개 샀어요.

I bought two erasers.

Number + counter '개'.

지우개가 아주 깨끗해요.

The eraser is very clean.

Adverb '아주' (very) modifying the adjective.

이 지우개는 잘 안 지워져요.

This eraser doesn't erase well.

Passive form '지워지다' (to be erased).

지우개 찌꺼기가 너무 많아요.

There are too many eraser shavings.

'찌꺼기' refers to the residue or shavings.

지우개를 빌려줘서 고마워요.

Thank you for lending me the eraser.

'-어서 고맙다' (Thank you for doing...).

부드러운 지우개가 필요해요.

I need a soft eraser.

Noun modifying form '부드러운' from '부드럽다'.

지우개로 지운 자국이 남았어요.

A mark from erasing remains.

'자국' means mark or trace.

어떤 지우개가 가장 좋나요?

Which eraser is the best?

Superlative '가장' (most/best).

지우개를 안 가져와서 큰일이에요.

It's a big problem because I didn't bring an eraser.

'-어서' indicating cause or reason.

컴퓨터용 지우개도 있나요?

Are there also erasers for computer (OMR) cards?

'-용' indicates the purpose or use.

실수를 지우개로 지울 수만 있다면 좋겠어요.

I wish I could just erase my mistakes with an eraser.

'-을 수만 있다면' (If only I could...).

그 영화의 제목은 '내 머리 속의 지우개'입니다.

The title of that movie is 'A Moment to Remember'.

Metaphorical use of '지우개'.

지우개 가루를 치우는 것이 귀찮아요.

It's annoying to clean up eraser dust.

'-는 것' turns a verb into a noun phrase.

칠판 지우개를 털어서 먼지가 많이 나요.

There is a lot of dust because I shook out the chalkboard eraser.

'털다' means to shake out or dust off.

그는 과거의 기억을 지우개로 지우듯 잊고 싶어 했다.

He wanted to forget the memories of the past as if erasing them with an eraser.

'-듯' (as if/like).

지우개도 종류에 따라 성능이 다릅니다.

Erasers have different performances depending on the type.

'-에 따라' (depending on).

미술 시간에는 떡지우개를 주로 사용합니다.

In art class, kneaded erasers are mainly used.

'주로' (mainly/primarily).

지우개가 다 닳아서 새로 사야 해요.

The eraser is all worn out, so I have to buy a new one.

'닳다' means to wear down or wear out.

역사의 오점을 지우개로 지울 수는 없는 법이다.

It is a rule that one cannot erase the stains of history with an eraser.

'-는 법이다' indicates a natural law or inevitable truth.

망각은 신이 주신 마음의 지우개라고들 한다.

People say that forgetfulness is the eraser of the mind given by God.

'-라고들 한다' (They say that...).

그 화가는 지우개를 단순히 수정 도구가 아닌 표현 기법으로 활용한다.

The painter utilizes the eraser as a technique of expression, not just a correction tool.

'A가 아닌 B' (B, not A).

세월이라는 지우개가 그의 얼굴에 새겨진 슬픔을 희미하게 만들었다.

The eraser called time made the sadness carved on his face fade.

Metaphorical personification of '세월' (time/years).

지우개 똥이 나오지 않는 깔끔한 제품을 선호하는 경향이 있다.

There is a tendency to prefer clean products that do not produce eraser 'poop' (shavings).

'지우개 똥' is a colloquial term for shavings.

디지털 시대에도 아날로그 지우개의 촉감은 대체 불가능하다.

Even in the digital age, the tactile feel of an analog eraser is irreplaceable.

'대체 불가능하다' (irreplaceable).

그녀는 일기장의 문장들을 지우개로 문질러 지워버렸다.

She rubbed and erased the sentences in her diary with an eraser.

'문지르다' (to rub).

지우개의 마찰력이 종이의 표면을 상하게 할 수도 있다.

The friction of the eraser may damage the surface of the paper.

'마찰력' (friction force).

인간의 기억력은 완벽하지 않기에, 망각이라는 지우개가 존재함에 감사해야 할지도 모른다.

Since human memory is not perfect, we might have to be thankful for the existence of the eraser called forgetfulness.

Complex conditional and causative structure.

작가는 원고 위의 글자들을 지우개로 지워가며 완벽한 문장을 찾아 헤맸다.

The writer wandered in search of the perfect sentence, erasing characters on the manuscript as they went.

'-어가며' indicates an action progressing alongside another.

지우개라는 도구의 발명은 인류의 기록 문화에 있어 혁신적인 전환점이었다.

The invention of the tool called the eraser was an innovative turning point in the recording culture of mankind.

'-에 있어' (in/regarding).

어린 시절의 실수는 지우개로 지울 수 있지만, 성인이 된 후의 과오는 쉽게 지워지지 않는다.

Mistakes of childhood can be erased with an eraser, but the errors after becoming an adult are not easily erased.

Contrastive structure using '하지만'.

그의 뇌세포가 파괴되면서 기억들이 마치 지우개로 지운 듯 사라져 갔다.

As his brain cells were destroyed, his memories faded away as if erased with an eraser.

Simile and progressive aspect.

칠판지우개에서 쏟아지는 분진은 교실 안의 공기를 탁하게 만들곤 했다.

The dust pouring out of the chalkboard eraser used to make the air in the classroom murky.

'-곤 했다' describes a habitual past action.

정밀한 소묘를 위해서는 지우개의 모서리를 날카롭게 깎아 사용하기도 한다.

For precise sketching, one might even cut the edge of the eraser sharply to use it.

'-기도 한다' (also does...).

지우개로 지운 자리에 다시 쓰인 글씨는 이전보다 더 신중해 보였다.

The writing rewritten in the place erased with an eraser looked more cautious than before.

Passive participle '지운' modifying '자리'.

Collocations courantes

지우개로 지우다

지우개를 빌리다

지우개가 닳다

지우개 똥

지우개 가루

지우개를 잃어버리다

지우개 한 개

지우개를 사다

지우개가 부드럽다

지우개 자국

Phrases Courantes

지우개 있어요?

— Do you have an eraser? Used when you need to borrow one.

저기, 혹시 지우개 있어요?

지우개 좀 빌려줘.

— Lend me an eraser. Informal request to a friend.

나 지우개 좀 빌려줘, 금방 돌려줄게.

지우개로 깨끗이 지워.

— Erase it cleanly with an eraser. Advice for neatness.

이름을 지우개로 깨끗이 지워.

지우개가 다 됐어요.

— The eraser is finished/worn out. Used when it's too small to use.

지우개가 거의 다 됐네, 새로 사야겠다.

지우개 어디 갔지?

— Where did the eraser go? Used when searching for it.

아까 여기 뒀는데, 지우개 어디 갔지?

지우개 좀 줄래?

— Can you give/pass me the eraser? Casual request.

민수야, 거기 있는 지우개 좀 줄래?

지우개 똥 치워.

— Clean up the eraser shavings. Common command in school.

다 공부했으면 지우개 똥 치워.

지우개 성능이 좋아요.

— The eraser's performance is good. Referring to how well it erases.

이 브랜드 지우개 성능이 정말 좋아요.

지우개 하나 살게요.

— I will buy one eraser. Used in a store.

여기요, 지우개 하나 살게요.

지우개로 문지르다.

— To rub with an eraser. Describing the action.

지우개로 너무 세게 문지르지 마세요.

Souvent confondu avec

지우개 vs 지우다

This is the verb meaning 'to erase'. 지우개 is the noun meaning 'eraser'.

지우개 vs 수정테이프

This is correction tape for pen marks, while 지우개 is typically for pencil marks.

지우개 vs 칠판지우개

Specifically for blackboards; standard '지우개' usually implies the small one for paper.

Expressions idiomatiques

"머릿속의 지우개"

— A metaphor for extreme forgetfulness or Alzheimer's disease.

요즘 자꾸 깜빡깜빡하는 게 머릿속에 지우개가 있나 봐요.

Metaphorical

"기억을 지우개로 지우다"

— To intentionally try to forget something painful or unwanted.

안 좋은 기억은 지우개로 지우고 싶어요.

Poetic

"지우개로 지운 듯"

— To disappear completely without a trace.

눈이 오니 발자국이 지우개로 지운 듯 사라졌어요.

Descriptive

"마음의 지우개"

— The ability to forgive or let go of grudges.

그는 마음의 지우개로 친구의 실수를 지워주었다.

Literary

"지우개 같은 사람"

— Someone who helps fix or hide others' mistakes.

그는 팀에서 지우개 같은 역할을 하며 갈등을 해결한다.

Metaphorical

"지우개 똥만큼"

— A very tiny, insignificant amount.

월급이 지우개 똥만큼 올랐어요.

Slang/Humorous

"지우개가 닳도록"

— Doing something repeatedly until the tool is exhausted.

그는 지우개가 닳도록 스케치를 수정했다.

Hyperbolic

"지우개로 지운 인생"

— A life that has been reset or where past history is hidden.

그는 과거를 지우개로 지운 인생을 살고 싶어 했다.

Dramatic

"지우개 도둑"

— Someone who frequently 'borrows' and never returns erasers.

우리 반에는 지우개 도둑이 한 명 있어요.

School Slang

"지우개 찬스"

— A second chance to fix a mistake.

이번 시험에서 지우개 찬스는 없으니 신중히 쓰세요.

Casual

Facile à confondre

지우개 vs 지우게

Sounds identical in casual speech.

지우개 is the noun (tool). -게 is a suffix used for adverbs or sentence endings. They are grammatically unrelated.

지우개를 샀어요. (I bought an eraser.) vs 깨끗하게 지우세요. (Erase it cleanly.)

지우개 vs 휴지

Both are used for cleaning/wiping.

휴지 is tissue/toilet paper used for liquids or hygiene. 지우개 is a solid tool for graphite marks.

코를 휴지로 닦아요. vs 연필을 지우개로 지워요.

지우개 vs 삭제

Both mean removing something.

삭제 is 'deletion' used for digital data or formal records. 지우개 is the physical tool for paper marks.

파일을 삭제했어요. vs 지우개로 글씨를 지웠어요.

지우개 vs 걸레

Both are 'wiping tools'.

걸레 is a rag/mop used for floors or tables with water. 지우개 is for paper.

바닥을 걸레로 닦아요.

지우개 vs 비누

Both are small blocks used to clean.

비누 is soap for washing hands/body. 지우개 is for marks on paper.

비누로 손을 씻어요.

Structures de phrases

[Noun]가/이 있어요.

지우개가 있어요.

[Noun]를 주세요.

지우개를 주세요.

[Noun]로 [Verb].

지우개로 지워요.

[Noun] 좀 빌려주세요.

지우개 좀 빌려주세요.

[Noun]는 잘 [Verb-Passive].

이 지우개는 잘 안 지워져요.

[Noun]를 잃어버려서 [Result].

지우개를 잃어버려서 하나 더 사야 해요.

[Abstract Noun]라는 지우개.

망각이라는 지우개.

[Noun]로 지운 듯 [Verb].

지우개로 지운 듯 흔적도 없이 사라졌다.

Famille de mots

Noms

지우개 (eraser)

지움 (erasure - nominalized verb)

칠판지우개 (chalkboard eraser)

Verbes

지우다 (to erase/wipe)

지워지다 (to be erased)

지워버리다 (to erase completely)

Apparenté

연필 (pencil)

수정 (correction)

흔적 (trace)

삭제 (deletion)

청소 (cleaning)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in educational and office domains.

Erreurs courantes

지우개해요 (Jiugae-haeyo) → 지우개로 지워요 (Jiugaero jiwoyo)
You cannot turn the noun '지우개' into a verb by adding '하다'. You must use the verb '지우다' with the tool.
한 지우개 (Han jiugae) → 지우개 한 개 (Jiugae han gae)
In Korean, the counter follows the noun. You cannot place the number directly before the noun like in English.
지우게 (Jiuge) → 지우개 (Jiugae)
The spelling '지우게' is incorrect for the noun 'eraser'. It must be '개' (ae vowel).
지우개로 파일을 삭제해요. → 파일을 삭제해요.
Don't use the physical tool '지우개' for digital deletion. '삭제' is sufficient for files.
지우개의 빌려주세요. → 지우개를 빌려주세요.
Use the object particle '-를' when requesting the object, not the possessive particle '-의'.

Astuces

Using the Instrumental Particle

Always pair '지우개' with '-로' when it's the tool you're using. '지우개로 지워요' is the standard way to say 'I erase with an eraser'.

Art Class Essentials

If you are drawing, learn the word '떡지우개' (kneaded eraser). It is essential for charcoal and pencil drawings in Korea.

Stationery Etiquette

In Korea, borrowing stationery is a common social interaction. Lending a '지우개' is a small but kind gesture among students.

Don't confuse '개' and '게'

Remember that '개' (gae) with the 'ae' vowel is for tools and dogs. '게' (ge) is for adverbs or crabs. '지우개' always uses '개'.

Three Distinct Syllables

Ensure you pronounce all three syllables clearly: Ji-u-gae. Don't skip the middle 'u' sound.

Buying in Bulk

If you want to buy a pack of erasers, you can say '지우개 한 세트' (one set) or '지우개 한 묶음' (one bundle).

Digital vs. Physical

Avoid using '지우개' for deleting files on a computer. Use '삭제' (deletion) instead. '지우개' is for physical marks.

Handling 'Eraser Poop'

In a casual setting, '지우개 똥' is perfectly fine to use. It's how every Korean student refers to the shavings.

The Movie Connection

Associate '지우개' with the movie 'A Moment to Remember' to remember its meaning through the metaphor of erasing memories.

Pencil vs. Pen

Remember that a '지우개' only works for pencils. If you use a pen, you need '수정테이프' (correction tape).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 'J' in 'Ji-u-gae' as 'Just' and the 'U' as 'Undo'. An eraser is 'Just an Undo' tool for your mistakes! Gae sounds like 'Gear'. Just Undo Gear.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant pink eraser (지우개) wiping away a big letter 'J' on a blackboard.

Word Web

연필 (pencil) 공책 (notebook) 필통 (pencil case) 학교 (school) 실수 (mistake) 수정 (correction) 종이 (paper) 가루 (powder/dust)

Défi

Try to find three different erasers in your house and label them '지우개' with a sticky note. Every time you use one, say '지우개로 지워요' out loud.

Origine du mot

Native Korean word. It is formed by the verb stem '지우-' from '지우다' (to erase) and the suffix '-개'.

Sens originel : A tool used for wiping or erasing marks.

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using '지우개 똥' (eraser poop) in very formal or academic writing as it is considered slightly vulgar/childish.

In English-speaking countries, 'eraser' (US) and 'rubber' (UK) are distinct. In Korea, only '지우개' is used, regardless of the English dialect you know.

내 머리 속의 지우개 (Movie: A Moment to Remember) 지우개 (Song by ALi - a famous Korean singer) 지우개 (Song by Heize)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

School/Classroom

지우개 빌려줘
지우개 어디 있어?
지우개 좀 주실래요?
지우개 똥 치워

Stationery Store

지우개 한 개 주세요
지우개 얼마예요?
잘 지워지는 지우개 추천해 주세요
지우개 세트 있어요?

Art Studio

떡지우개 필요해요
지우개로 하이라이트 줘
종이가 지우개 때문에 상했어요
전동지우개 써보세요

Office

지우개 남는 거 있어요?
지우개로 지우고 다시 스캔할게요
서류에 지우개 자국이 있네요
지우개 좀 빌려갈게요

Daily Life (Metaphorical)

기억을 지우개로 지우고 싶다
머릿속에 지우개가 있나 봐
과거를 지우개로 지우다
실수를 지우개로 지우다

Amorces de conversation

"혹시 지우개 남는 거 하나 더 있어? (Do you happen to have an extra eraser?)"

"이 지우개 어디서 샀어? 디자인이 예쁘다. (Where did you buy this eraser? The design is pretty.)"

"어떤 브랜드 지우개가 가장 잘 지워지는 것 같아? (Which brand of eraser do you think erases the best?)"

"시험 볼 때 지우개 꼭 챙겨야 해. (You must bring an eraser for the exam.)"

"내 지우개 본 사람 있어? 아까 여기 뒀는데. (Has anyone seen my eraser? I put it here earlier.)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 학교에서 지우개를 빌려준 친구에 대해 써보세요. (Write about a friend who lent you an eraser at school today.)

만약 과거의 실수를 지우개로 지울 수 있다면, 무엇을 지우고 싶나요? (If you could erase a past mistake with an eraser, what would you want to erase?)

내가 가장 좋아하는 지우개는 어떤 모양인가요? (What shape is your favorite eraser?)

지우개 가루를 치우는 것이 귀찮았던 경험에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an experience when cleaning up eraser dust was annoying.)

기억을 지우는 지우개가 있다면 사용하시겠습니까? 그 이유는 무엇입니까? (If there was an eraser that erases memories, would you use it? Why?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

지우개 is used for pencil (graphite) marks, while 수정테이프 (correction tape) is used to cover up ink from pens. You cannot erase pen marks with a standard 지우개.

The most common colloquial term is '지우개 똥' (literally eraser poop). A more formal or polite term is '지우개 가루' (eraser powder/dust).

Yes, but it is more specific to call it '칠판지우개' or '화이트보드 지우개'. If you just say '지우개', people might think of the small one for paper.

Yes, use the general counter '개'. For example: 지우개 한 개 (one), 지우개 두 개 (two).

The most common verb is '지우다' (to erase). You use the instrumental particle: 지우개로 지우다.

It means 'The Eraser in My Head'. It's a famous movie title and a metaphor for losing one's memory, like in Alzheimer's disease.

Yes, it is a native Korean word formed from the verb '지우다' and the suffix '-개'.

You can say '지우개 좀 빌려주세요' (Please lend me an eraser) or '지우개 좀 빌려줄 수 있어요?' (Can you lend me an eraser?).

It depends on the material. Plastic erasers (플라스틱 지우개) are generally better for modern paper, while rubber erasers (고무 지우개) are softer but might smudge more.

No, 지우개 is strictly a noun. To express the action, you must use the verb '지우다'.

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