기대다 en 30 secondes
- 기대다 means 'to lean' physically against a wall or shoulder, or 'to rely' metaphorically on someone's help.
- Use the particle -에 for physical objects (walls, doors) and -에게 for people you lean on emotionally.
- It is commonly seen in subway warnings ('기대지 마시오') and heard in romantic contexts in Korean dramas.
- Distinguish it from '기다리다' (to wait) and '기대하다' (to expect) to avoid common learner mistakes.
The Korean verb 기대다 (Gidaeda) is a versatile word that fundamentally describes the act of placing one's weight or trust upon something or someone else. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical action of leaning against a surface, such as a wall or a chair, to support one's body. However, as you progress in Korean, you will find that its metaphorical applications—leaning on someone for emotional support or relying on external factors for success—are equally common and vital for natural communication.
- Physical Support
- Using an object like a wall, a pillar, or another person's shoulder to rest your body.
- Emotional Reliance
- Depending on a friend, family member, or partner for comfort during difficult times.
- Abstract Dependency
- Relying on luck, hope, or specific circumstances to achieve a goal.
"지하철 문에 기대지 마세요." (Please do not lean on the subway doors.)
In daily life, you'll see this word on warning signs in public transport, hear it in romantic K-drama dialogues, and use it when discussing your personal struggles. It captures a sense of vulnerability and the human need for support, whether that support is concrete or abstract.
벽에 기대어 책을 읽고 있어요.
힘들 때는 나에게 기대도 돼.
그는 운에 기대어 성공하려고 한다.
나무 그늘 아래 기대어 쉬었다.
Using 기대다 correctly requires understanding the particles that accompany it. The most common particle used with this verb is -에 for inanimate objects and -에게 (or the polite -께) for people.
- [Object] + 에 기대다
- Used for physical surfaces like walls (벽), doors (문), or chairs (의자).
- [Person] + 에게/한테 기대다
- Used for leaning on someone physically (shoulder) or emotionally.
The verb follows standard '다' verb conjugation rules. In the present tense, it becomes 기대요 (polite) or 기대 (casual). In the past tense, it is 기댔어요. When you want to express the state of being leaned against something, you use the -어 있다 form: 기대어 있다.
For example, if you see someone currently leaning against a wall, you would say '벽에 기대어 있네요'. If you are telling someone not to lean, use the imperative: '기대지 마세요'.
You will encounter 기대다 in various contexts, from the mundane to the deeply emotional. Public safety is perhaps the most common place for beginners to see this word. In Seoul's subway system, stickers on the glass doors warn passengers: '기대면 위험합니다' (It is dangerous if you lean).
In the world of Korean media, particularly romance dramas, '기대다' is a keyword for intimacy. A common trope involves a character falling asleep on another's shoulder (어깨에 기대다), symbolizing trust and burgeoning affection. Lyrics in K-pop ballads often use this verb to describe a desire for a 'shoulder to cry on' or a person to rely on during life's storms.
In literature and news, the word might appear in a more critical context, such as a country's economy leaning too heavily on exports (수출에 기대다) or a politician relying on populism. Understanding these nuances helps you transition from basic physical descriptions to complex societal discussions.
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 기대다 with 기다리다 (to wait) due to their similar phonetic start. Always remember that '기대다' involves support, while '기다리다' involves time.
Another mistake is using the wrong particle. English speakers often want to use 'on' or 'against', but in Korean, you must use -에. Saying '벽을 기대다' (using the object particle) is grammatically incorrect because '기대다' is an intransitive verb in this context; you aren't 'leaning the wall', you are leaning *against* it.
Lastly, learners often confuse 기대다 with 기대하다 (to expect). While they share the same first two syllables, '기대하다' is about anticipation, whereas '기대다' is about support. Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'I am leaning for the movie' instead of 'I am expecting the movie'.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 기대다 with its synonyms and related terms. The most direct synonym for emotional or financial reliance is 의지하다 (uijihada). While '기대다' can be physical, '의지하다' is almost exclusively abstract and suggests a deeper, more permanent dependency.
- 의지하다
- To rely on or depend on (mostly emotional/financial).
- 받치다
- To support or prop up (the object providing the support).
- 신세 지다
- To be indebted to someone (often used when you 'lean' on someone's help).
If you are talking about leaning in a slanted position without necessarily touching a support, you might use 기울다 (to tilt/slant). However, for the specific act of resting your weight against something, 기대다 remains the most precise and commonly used term in the Korean language.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
-지 마세요 (Prohibition)
-어 있다 (State)
-(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (Possibility)
-에게/에 (Particles)
-어서 (Sequence)
Exemples par niveau
벽에 기대지 마세요.
Don't lean on the wall.
-지 마세요 (Don't...)
의자에 기대요.
I lean on the chair.
Present tense: 기대요
나무에 기대어 쉬어요.
I lean against a tree and rest.
-어 (connecting two actions)
어깨에 기대세요.
Lean on my shoulder.
-세요 (polite command/request)
문에 기대지 마.
Don't lean on the door.
Informal: -지 마
여기에 기대도 돼요?
Can I lean here?
-아/어도 돼요? (May I...?)
책상에 기댔어요.
I leaned on the desk.
Past tense: 기댔어요
기대지 마시오.
Do not lean (formal warning).
-지 마시오 (Formal imperative)
힘들 때 친구에게 기대요.
I lean on my friend when it's hard.
-(으)ㄹ 때 (When...)
엄마 어깨에 기대어 잤어요.
I slept leaning on my mom's shoulder.
Compound action: 기대어 자다
누구에게 기대고 싶어요?
Who do you want to lean on?
-고 싶다 (Want to...)
지하철 문에 기대면 안 돼요.
You shouldn't lean on the subway doors.
-(으)면 안 되다 (Should not...)
벽에 기대서 기다렸어요.
I leaned against the wall and waited.
-어서 (Reason/Sequence)
그는 지팡이에 기대어 걸어요.
He walks leaning on a cane.
Physical support
나한테 기대도 괜찮아.
It's okay to lean on me.
Casual: 괜찮아
기둥에 기대어 사진을 찍었어요.
I took a photo leaning against a pillar.
Action sequence
그는 부모님께 경제적으로 기대고 있다.
He is leaning on his parents financially.
-고 있다 (Progressive state)
외로울 때는 가족에게 기대게 돼요.
I end up leaning on my family when I'm lonely.
-게 되다 (To end up...)
벽에 기대어 있는 남자가 제 형이에요.
The man leaning against the wall is my brother.
Noun modifying clause: -어 있는
운에 기대지 말고 열심히 하세요.
Don't rely on luck; work hard.
-지 말고 (Instead of...)
그녀는 창틀에 기대어 밖을 보았다.
She leaned against the window frame and looked out.
Literary description
서로 기대며 사는 것이 인생이다.
Life is about living while leaning on each other.
-(으)며 (While...ing)
자전거를 벽에 기대어 놓았어요.
I leaned the bicycle against the wall.
-어 놓다 (Resultant state)
그 소식에 기대어 하루를 버텼다.
I endured the day leaning on that news (hope).
Metaphorical usage
이 정책은 과거의 데이터에만 기대고 있다.
This policy relies only on past data.
Abstract reliance
그는 아내에게 정신적으로 많이 기댄다.
He leans on his wife a lot mentally.
Adverbial use: 정신적으로
담벼락에 기대어 핀 꽃이 아름답다.
The flower blooming while leaning on the wall is beautiful.
Personification/Metaphor
너무 남에게 기대려고 하지 마세요.
Don't try to lean on others too much.
-(으)려고 하다 (Try to...)
우리는 서로의 어깨에 기대어 울었다.
We cried leaning on each other's shoulders.
Shared experience
과거의 영광에 기대어 살 수는 없다.
You cannot live leaning on past glory.
Philosophical context
그는 술에 기대어 괴로움을 잊으려 했다.
He tried to forget his pain by leaning on alcohol.
Negative reliance
벽에 기대어 서 있는 모습이 화보 같다.
The way he stands leaning against the wall looks like a photoshoot.
Simile: - 같다
현대인은 기술에 지나치게 기대어 살고 있다.
Modern people live leaning excessively on technology.
Societal critique
작가는 자신의 경험에 기대어 소설을 썼다.
The author wrote the novel leaning on their own experiences.
Creative process
그 이론은 빈약한 근거에 기대고 있다.
That theory is leaning on weak evidence.
Academic criticism
노인은 지팡이 하나에 기대어 평생을 걸어왔다.
The old man has walked through life leaning on a single cane.
Symbolic narrative
전통에만 기대어서는 발전을 기대할 수 없다.
We cannot expect progress by only leaning on tradition.
Contrastive usage
그는 권력에 기대어 부당한 이득을 취했다.
He took unfair profits by leaning on power.
Political/Ethical context
서로 기대어 선 나무들이 숲을 이룬다.
Trees standing while leaning on each other form a forest.
Poetic imagery
그의 말은 논리보다는 감정에 기대고 있다.
His words lean on emotion rather than logic.
Rhetorical analysis
인간의 실존은 타자와의 관계에 기대어 존재한다.
Human existence exists by leaning on relationships with others.
Existential philosophy
문명은 자연의 혜택에 기대어 번영해 왔다.
Civilization has prospered by leaning on the benefits of nature.
Historical/Environmental context
그의 예술 세계는 고독이라는 근원적 정서에 기대어 있다.
His artistic world leans on the fundamental emotion of solitude.
Artistic critique
법치주의는 공정성이라는 가치에 기대어 서야 한다.
The rule of law must stand by leaning on the value of fairness.
Legal philosophy
언어는 사회적 약속에 기대어 그 의미를 획득한다.
Language acquires its meaning by leaning on social agreements.
Linguistic theory
그는 찰나의 기억에 기대어 긴 세월을 견뎌냈다.
He endured long years by leaning on a momentary memory.
Emotional depth
국가의 안보는 국민의 신뢰에 기대어 유지된다.
National security is maintained by leaning on the trust of the people.
Political science
진리는 주관적 해석에 기대지 않는 객관성을 지녀야 한다.
Truth must possess objectivity that does not lean on subjective interpretation.
Epistemological statement
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Famille de mots
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
'기대어 있다' is the preferred way to describe someone currently in a leaning position.
Physical uses are more common in daily life; mental uses are more common in deep conversations.
- Using -을/를 instead of -에.
- Confusing with '기다리다' (wait).
- Confusing with '기대하다' (expect).
- Using it for 'leaning' a ladder (use '세워 놓다' or '기대어 놓다').
- Forgetting the '어' in '기대어 있다'.
Astuces
Particle Choice
Always use -에 for objects and -에게 for people. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
State vs Action
Use '기대어 있다' to describe the state of leaning. '기대다' often implies the action of moving into that position.
Subway Safety
Look for the word '기대지' on subway doors. It's a great real-world reading practice.
Comforting Others
Saying '내 어깨에 기대' is a very warm way to offer support in Korean.
Descriptive Writing
Use '기대어' to create a relaxed or tired atmosphere in your stories.
Song Lyrics
Many K-pop ballads use '기대' in the chorus. Try to spot it!
Abstract Use
Don't be afraid to use it for things like 'leaning on hope' (희망에 기대다).
Clear 'Dae'
Make sure the '대' doesn't sound like '데'. It's a slightly wider vowel.
Synonym Check
Compare it with '의지하다' to understand the depth of reliance.
Daily Action
Every time you lean on something today, say '벽에 기대요' in your head.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'Key' (기) leaning against a 'Door' (대 - sounds like 'dae' in 'door' if you stretch it). You lean the Key on the Door.
Origine du mot
Native Korean word
Contexte culturel
Historically, parents leaned on their children in old age, though this is changing.
The 'shoulder lean' is a classic K-drama moment.
Leaning on doors is considered rude and dangerous in Korea.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"힘들 때 누구에게 기대고 싶어요?"
"지하철에서 문에 기대는 사람을 본 적 있어요?"
"가장 기댈 수 있는 친구는 누구예요?"
"벽에 기대어 책 읽는 거 좋아하세요?"
"우리는 왜 서로에게 기대며 살아야 할까요?"
Sujets d'écriture
오늘 내가 기댔던 것들에 대해 써보세요.
누군가 나에게 기대었을 때 어떤 기분이 들었나요?
내가 가장 기댈 수 있는 장소는 어디인가요?
운에 기대어 성공하는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?
미래의 나에게 기댈 수 있는 사람이 되기 위해 무엇을 해야 할까요?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can say '자전거를 벽에 기대어 놓았다' (I leaned the bike against the wall).
It is a neutral verb; its politeness depends on the ending (e.g., 기대요 vs 기대다).
기대다 can be physical or mental; 의지하다 is almost always mental/financial and suggests a stronger need.
You can say '나한테 기대' (casual) or '저에게 기대세요' (polite).
No, for opinions, '기울다' is better.
Yes, to describe a company relying on a certain market.
Yes, '책상에 기대다'.
Use '어깨에 기대다'.
Yes, it follows regular conjugation rules.
Yes, '강아지가 내 다리에 기대어 자요'.
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Summary
기대다 is a core Korean verb that bridges the physical act of leaning for rest and the emotional act of relying on others for support. Mastering its use with the correct particles (-에 vs -에게) is essential for expressing both physical actions and deep human connections.
- 기대다 means 'to lean' physically against a wall or shoulder, or 'to rely' metaphorically on someone's help.
- Use the particle -에 for physical objects (walls, doors) and -에게 for people you lean on emotionally.
- It is commonly seen in subway warnings ('기대지 마시오') and heard in romantic contexts in Korean dramas.
- Distinguish it from '기다리다' (to wait) and '기대하다' (to expect) to avoid common learner mistakes.
Particle Choice
Always use -에 for objects and -에게 for people. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
State vs Action
Use '기대어 있다' to describe the state of leaning. '기대다' often implies the action of moving into that position.
Subway Safety
Look for the word '기대지' on subway doors. It's a great real-world reading practice.
Comforting Others
Saying '내 어깨에 기대' is a very warm way to offer support in Korean.
Exemple
벽에 기대어 쉬고 싶어요.
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