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B1 verb #4,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

자극하다

jagukada Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 자극하다 en 30 secondes

Explication 자극하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '자극하다' as a word that describes how your body feels when something strong touches it. Imagine eating a very spicy pepper or smelling a very strong perfume. That 'feeling' in your mouth or nose is what '자극하다' describes. For beginners, it is easiest to learn this word in the context of food and basic senses. For example, '매운 음식이 혀를 자극해요' (Spicy food stimulates the tongue). You don't need to worry about complex psychological meanings yet. Just remember that it's an action where one thing makes another thing react quickly. It's like a 'poke' that makes you jump or notice something immediately. In simple sentences, you can use it to talk about why you like or dislike certain smells or tastes. It's a useful word for explaining physical reactions in a very basic way.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '자극하다' to talk about interests and simple emotions. You might hear this word when people talk about advertisements or movies. For example, '이 광고는 호기심을 자극해요' (This ad stimulates curiosity). Here, it's not just a physical feeling, but a mental one. You are learning that '자극하다' can move from the body to the mind. You should also learn the adjective form '자극적이다' (to be stimulating/strong). You can use this to describe food that has a very strong taste or a movie that is very intense. At this stage, try to use the pattern '[Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 자극해요' to describe things that catch your attention. It's also a good time to learn the phrase '피부 자극' (skin irritation), which you will see on many Korean soap and lotion bottles.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '자극하다' in a variety of contexts, including motivation and competition. This is the level where the word becomes very useful for discussing self-improvement. For example, you can say '친구의 열정이 나를 자극했다' (My friend's passion stimulated/motivated me). It implies that seeing someone else do well made you want to work harder. You will also encounter this word in news articles or more formal settings, such as '정부가 소비를 자극하고 있다' (The government is stimulating consumption). You should understand that the word has a neutral to slightly positive nuance here, meaning 'to boost' or 'to revitalize.' You should also be aware of the passive form '자극받다' (to be stimulated/inspired), which is very common when talking about your own feelings or reactions to external events.

At the B2 level, you can use '자극하다' to describe complex social and psychological phenomena. You might use it to discuss how certain political moves '자극하다' another country, or how a specific artistic style '자극하다' the public's sensibilities. You should be able to distinguish '자극하다' from similar words like '고무하다' (to encourage) or '선동하다' (to instigate). For instance, while '자극하다' is a general spark, '선동하다' has a much more negative, manipulative meaning. At this level, you can also use the word in academic or professional discussions, such as describing how a chemical '자극하다' a specific receptor in the brain. Your ability to use '자극하다' with abstract nouns like '상상력' (imagination), '도전 정신' (spirit of challenge), and '잠재의식' (subconscious) will show a high level of fluency.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of the etymological roots of '자극하다' and how they influence its usage in literature and high-level discourse. You can use it to describe the subtle interplay between external stimuli and internal cognitive processes. For example, in a literary analysis, you might discuss how an author uses sensory language to '자극하다' the reader's empathy. You should also be familiar with the word in the context of economic theory, such as '수요를 자극하는 정책' (policies that stimulate demand), and be able to explain the long-term implications of such actions. At this stage, you can use the word to describe complex biological feedback loops or sophisticated marketing psychological tactics. You should be able to use it effortlessly in both formal presentations and nuanced social debates, recognizing the fine line between 'stimulating' and 'provoking' in sensitive situations.

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At the C2 level, '자극하다' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it to discuss the philosophical implications of human reaction to the environment or the intricate ways in which historical events '자극하다' nationalistic sentiments across generations. You are likely to encounter and use this word in highly specialized fields, such as neuro-linguistics or macro-economics, where the exact nature of the 'stimulus' and the 'response' must be clearly defined. You can masterfully employ the word in creative writing to create vivid imagery, or in diplomatic settings where the distinction between 'stimulating growth' and 'provoking conflict' requires extreme linguistic precision. Your understanding of the word includes its most obscure Hanja-based synonyms and its role in the evolution of modern Korean terminology. You can analyze how the word's meaning has shifted in the digital age, particularly in the context of 'sensationalism' and 'information overload.'

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

자극하다 en 30 secondes

자극하다 means to stimulate or provoke a reaction, whether physical (like senses) or mental (like curiosity).
It is a versatile verb used in science, marketing, cooking, and daily conversations about motivation.
The word can have both positive (inspiring) and negative (irritating) connotations depending on the context.
Commonly used with objects like curiosity, pride, the economy, skin, and the nervous system.

The Korean verb 자극하다 (jagukhada) is a dynamic and multifaceted term that translates most commonly to 'to stimulate,' 'to provoke,' or 'to irritate.' Derived from the Hanja 자 (刺 - to pierce) and 극 (戟 - a spear), the word literally suggests a sharp, pointed action that elicits a reaction. In a modern context, this 'piercing' action is metaphorical, referring to how external forces affect our senses, emotions, or even the economy. Whether you are talking about spicy food tingling your tongue, a motivational speech firing up your ambition, or a government policy boosting the market, 자극하다 is the go-to verb for describing that spark of activation.

Physical Sensation: This refers to any external stimulus that causes a bodily reaction. For example, bright lights stimulating the eyes or allergens irritating the skin. In skincare, Koreans often discuss whether a product '자극하다' the skin, meaning it causes redness or itching.
Psychological Motivation: This usage involves sparking interest, curiosity, or a desire to act. Advertisements are specifically designed to 자극하다 a consumer's desire to buy. A teacher might try to 자극하다 a student's curiosity through a challenging puzzle.
Economic and Social Impact: In news and business, the word is used to describe actions that revitalize a stagnant system. Lowering interest rates is a common way to 자극하다 the economy by encouraging spending and investment.

매운 향기가 코를 자극하다. (The spicy scent stimulates the nose.)

Understanding the nuance of 자극하다 requires recognizing that it is not always positive. While it can mean 'to inspire,' it can also mean 'to provoke' in a negative sense, such as poking at someone's insecurities or anger. When a person's pride is '자극받다' (the passive form, meaning to be stimulated/provoked), they might react defensively or with renewed vigor. This versatility makes it a staple in both scientific journals and daily gossip.

그의 말은 나의 호기심을 자극했다. (His words stimulated my curiosity.)

Grammatically, 자극하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particles ~을 or ~를. The structure follows the pattern: [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 자극하다. Depending on the context, the subject can be a physical substance, an abstract concept, or a person.

With Sensory Objects: When used with body parts or senses, it often describes an involuntary reaction. '시각을 자극하다' (to stimulate the sense of sight) or '피부를 자극하다' (to irritate the skin) are common phrases. Note that in skincare, '자극이 없는' (non-irritating) is a key marketing term.
With Emotional Objects: When the object is an emotion or a mental state, like '감성' (sensibility) or '경쟁심' (competitive spirit), the verb implies a spark. '감성을 자극하는 영화' refers to a movie that touches your heart or makes you feel sentimental.

새로운 광고는 소비자의 구매 욕구를 자극한다. (The new advertisement stimulates consumers' desire to purchase.)

In more advanced usage, 자극하다 can be used to describe triggering a specific response in a system. For instance, '신경을 자극하다' can literally mean stimulating a nerve in a medical sense, but idiomatically, it can also mean 'to get on someone's nerves' (though '신경 쓰이게 하다' is more common for the latter). The beauty of this verb lies in its ability to transition from the laboratory to the living room without losing its core meaning of 'causing a reaction.'

커피는 중추 신경을 자극하여 잠을 깨운다. (Coffee stimulates the central nervous system and wakes you up.)

You will encounter 자극하다 in a wide variety of settings, from the mundane to the professional. In daily life, it often appears in conversations about food and health. If a dish is particularly spicy or sour, someone might say, '맛이 너무 자극적이에요' (The taste is too stimulating/strong), using the adjective form 자극적이다. In the beauty industry, almost every product claims to be 'low-irritation' (저자극), emphasizing that it doesn't 자극하다 the skin.

In Media and Advertising: Marketing professionals frequently use this word when discussing how to '자극하다' the market or consumer interest. If a news headline is 'clickbaity' or sensational, it is often described as '자극적인 제목' (a stimulating/sensational headline).
In Education and Self-Help: Teachers and motivational speakers use it to describe the process of awakening a student's potential or desire to learn. '학구열을 자극하다' (to stimulate a passion for learning) is a common phrase in academic counseling.

저 영화는 사람들의 공포심을 자극한다. (That movie stimulates people's sense of fear.)

In the news, you'll hear it during economic briefings. '정부는 내수 시장을 자극하기 위해 대책을 마련했다' (The government prepared measures to stimulate the domestic market). Here, it carries a sense of revitalization. Similarly, in political discourse, one country might '자극하다' another through military exercises or provocative statements, leading to increased tension.

지나친 소음은 신경을 자극해서 스트레스를 준다. (Excessive noise stimulates the nerves and causes stress.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 자극하다 is failing to distinguish between its positive ('inspire') and negative ('irritate/provoke') connotations. While in English 'stimulate' is usually positive, 자극하다 can be quite harsh. If you say you '자극' someone during a conversation, it might sound like you are intentionally annoying them or picking a fight.

Confusing with '부추기다': While both mean to incite, '부추기다' is almost always negative, implying egging someone on to do something bad. '자극하다' is more neutral and describes the mechanism of the reaction itself.
Misusing the Adjective form '자극적': Learners often use '자극적이다' to mean 'exciting' in a fun way. However, '자극적이다' usually implies something is 'too much'—too spicy, too violent, or too sensational. For a 'fun' kind of exciting, use '신나다' or '흥미진진하다' instead.

상대방의 자존심을 자극하지 마세요. (Don't provoke/hurt the other person's pride.)

Another mistake is the incorrect use of particles. Because 자극하다 is an active verb, you must use the object particle. If you want to say 'I was stimulated by the book,' you shouldn't use '책을 자극했다' (I stimulated the book), but rather '책에 의해 자극받았다' or simply '책이 나를 자극했다' (The book stimulated me).

이 로션은 피부를 전혀 자극하지 않아요. (This lotion does not irritate the skin at all.)

Depending on what you are trying to 'stimulate,' there are several other verbs that might be more precise than 자극하다. Choosing the right one will make your Korean sound much more natural and sophisticated.

자극하다 vs. 고무하다: While 자극하다 is a general spark, 고무하다 (gomuhada) specifically means to encourage or inspire someone to have courage or high spirits. Use this for pep talks and leadership.
자극하다 vs. 촉진하다: 촉진하다 (chokjinhada) means to accelerate or promote a process. While you can '자극하다' the economy to wake it up, you '촉진하다' growth to make it happen faster. It's more about speed and efficiency.
자극하다 vs. 유발하다: 유발하다 (yubalhada) means 'to cause' or 'to trigger' a specific result, often a negative one like a disease or an accident. '자극하다' is the action of poking; '유발하다' is the resulting consequence.

그의 성공담은 많은 청년들을 고무했다. (His success story encouraged many young people.)

If you want to focus on the 'irritation' side of the word, you might use 건드리다 (geondeurida), which means 'to touch' or 'to nudge,' but is often used idiomatically to mean 'to annoy' or 'to provoke' someone's temper. For example, '자존심을 건드리다' is a very common way to say 'to hurt someone's pride.'

신제품 개발은 시장의 성장을 촉진한다. (New product development accelerates market growth.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The combination of 'stabbing' and 'spearing' creates a vivid image of something sharp piercing through a surface to get a reaction. In ancient times, it might have referred to physical prodding, but today it's mostly metaphorical.

Guide de prononciation

UK /t͡ɕa.ɡuk.ha.da/

US /t͡ɕa.ɡuk.ha.da/

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis can be placed on '자' (ja).

Rime avec

지각하다 (jigakhada - to be late) 생각하다 (saenggakhada - to think) 합격하다 (hapgyeokhada - to pass) 심각하다 (simgakhada - to be serious) 도착하다 (dochakhada - to arrive) 부탁하다 (butakhada - to request) 수확하다 (suhwakhada - to harvest) 정착하다 (jeongchakhada - to settle)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing '자' like 'za' (English 'z' sound). It should be 'j' as in 'jar'.
Making the 'guk' sound too long, like 'goook'.
Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'hada' clearly.
Pronouncing '극' like 'geuk' with an English 'g'—it's closer to a soft 'k' sound.
Missing the liaison between 'guk' and 'ha', which often sounds like 'ja-gu-ka-da'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in news and science, requires understanding Hanja roots for deep comprehension.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct use of object particles and understanding nuances between 'stimulate' and 'irritate'.

Expression orale 3/5

Frequently used in daily life regarding food and feelings.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but often spoken quickly in news contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

하다 (to do) 맛 (taste) 마음 (mind/heart) 피부 (skin) 관심 (interest)

Apprends ensuite

자극제 (stimulant) 반응하다 (to react) 유발하다 (to trigger) 촉진하다 (to accelerate) 영향을 주다 (to influence)

Avancé

상호작용 (interaction) 피드백 (feedback) 활성화 (activation) 시너지 (synergy) 파급 효과 (ripple effect)

Grammaire à connaître

Object Particles 을/를

호기심을 자극하다 (Stimulate curiosity)

Passive Form ~받다

나는 그의 말에 자극받았다 (I was stimulated/inspired by his words)

Adjective Form ~적이다

자극적인 음식 (Stimulating food)

Causative ~게 하다

그는 나를 자극하게 했다 (He made me be stimulated/provoked)

Noun-modifying ~하는

상상력을 자극하는 책 (A book that stimulates imagination)

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Exemples par niveau

매운 라면이 혀를 자극해요.

Spicy ramen stimulates the tongue.

Simple present tense with object particle '를'.

꽃 향기가 코를 자극해요.

The scent of flowers stimulates the nose.

Using '코' (nose) as the object.

레몬은 입안을 자극해요.

Lemon stimulates the inside of the mouth.

Focus on physical sensation.

밝은 빛이 눈을 자극해요.

Bright light stimulates the eyes.

Involuntary physical reaction.

이 비누는 피부를 자극해요.

This soap irritates the skin.

Negative physical stimulus (irritation).

찬 바람이 얼굴을 자극해요.

Cold wind stimulates the face.

Environmental stimulus.

소금이 상처를 자극해요.

Salt stimulates the wound.

Direct physical interaction.

커피 향이 나를 자극해요.

The smell of coffee stimulates me.

General stimulation.

이 광고는 호기심을 자극해요.

This ad stimulates curiosity.

Abstract object '호기심' (curiosity).

그 영화는 공포심을 자극해요.

That movie stimulates fear.

Emotional object '공포심' (fear).

선생님은 학생들의 질문을 자극해요.

The teacher stimulates students' questions.

Stimulating an action/response.

음식 사진이 배고픔을 자극해요.

Food photos stimulate hunger.

Visual stimulus leading to physical feeling.

이 노래는 슬픔을 자극해요.

This song stimulates sadness.

Music as a stimulus.

색깔이 화려해서 눈을 자극해요.

The colors are bright, so they stimulate the eyes.

Adjective '화려하다' combined with '자극하다'.

그의 성공은 나의 경쟁심을 자극해요.

His success stimulates my competitiveness.

Social stimulus.

새로운 환경은 뇌를 자극해요.

A new environment stimulates the brain.

Cognitive stimulation.

정부는 시장 경제를 자극하기 위해 노력하고 있다.

The government is trying to stimulate the market economy.

Purpose form '~하기 위해'.

이 책은 독자들의 상상력을 자극한다.

This book stimulates the readers' imagination.

Literary context.

그의 말은 내 자존심을 자극했다.

His words stimulated (provoked) my pride.

Negative/Provocative nuance.

운동은 혈액 순환을 자극합니다.

Exercise stimulates blood circulation.

Health/Biological context.

카페인은 신경계를 자극하여 잠을 깨운다.

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and wakes you up.

Sequential action '~하여'.

경쟁은 성장을 자극하는 중요한 요소다.

Competition is an important factor that stimulates growth.

Noun-modifying form '~하는'.

지나친 소음은 스트레스를 자극할 수 있다.

Excessive noise can stimulate stress.

Potential form '~할 수 있다'.

향수 냄새가 옛 추억을 자극했다.

The smell of perfume stimulated old memories.

Psychological/Memory trigger.

이 다큐멘터리는 사회적 의식을 자극하려는 의도로 제작되었다.

This documentary was produced with the intention of stimulating social consciousness.

Intention form '~하려는 의도'.

금리 인하는 소비를 자극하는 효과가 있다.

Lowering interest rates has the effect of stimulating consumption.

Economic terminology.

작가의 독특한 문체는 비평가들의 호기심을 자극했다.

The author's unique style stimulated the critics' curiosity.

Professional/Artistic context.

특정 호르몬이 세포의 분열을 자극한다.

A specific hormone stimulates cell division.

Scientific/Biological context.

그 정치인의 발언은 국민들의 분노를 자극했다.

The politician's remarks stimulated the public's anger.

Social/Political provocation.

창의적인 교육은 아이들의 잠재력을 자극한다.

Creative education stimulates children's potential.

Educational development.

외부의 충격이 경제 위기를 자극할 우려가 있다.

There is a concern that external shocks might stimulate an economic crisis.

Speculative form '~할 우려가 있다'.

이 화장품은 피부를 자극하지 않는 성분으로 만들어졌다.

This cosmetic is made of ingredients that do not irritate the skin.

Negative noun-modifying form '~하지 않는'.

본능을 자극하는 마케팅 기법은 현대 사회에서 매우 흔하다.

Marketing techniques that stimulate instincts are very common in modern society.

Complex subject with noun-modifying clause.

예술은 인간의 근원적인 감성을 자극하는 매개체이다.

Art is a medium that stimulates fundamental human sensibilities.

Philosophical definition.

그의 도발적인 행동은 양국 간의 긴장을 자극했다.

His provocative actions stimulated tension between the two countries.

Diplomatic/Political context.

뇌의 특정 부위를 자극하면 기억력이 향상될 수 있다는 연구 결과가 있다.

There are research results showing that stimulating certain parts of the brain can improve memory.

Conditional clause '~하면'.

고전 문학은 시대를 초월하여 인간의 지적 욕구를 자극한다.

Classical literature stimulates human intellectual desire, transcending time.

Abstract intellectual context.

과도한 정보 노출은 현대인의 피로감을 자극하는 원인이 된다.

Excessive exposure to information becomes a cause that stimulates modern people's sense of fatigue.

Sociological analysis.

이 영화는 관객의 도덕적 양심을 자극하여 깊은 울림을 준다.

This movie stimulates the audience's moral conscience and gives a deep resonance.

Ethical/Emotional context.

시장의 불확실성은 투자자들의 불안 심리를 자극한다.

Market uncertainty stimulates the anxiety of investors.

Psychological/Economic interplay.

문명 간의 충돌은 필연적으로 문화적 정체성을 자극하게 마련이다.

Clashes between civilizations are bound to stimulate cultural identity.

Inevitability form '~하게 마련이다'.

언어의 미묘한 차이가 화자의 무의식을 어떻게 자극하는지에 대한 고찰이 필요하다.

A consideration of how subtle differences in language stimulate the speaker's subconscious is necessary.

Indirect question form '~하는지'.

기술의 진보는 인간의 편의를 넘어 윤리적 딜레마를 자극하고 있다.

Technological progress is stimulating ethical dilemmas beyond human convenience.

Progressive form with abstract contrast.

그 철학자의 이론은 당대 지식인들의 비판 정신을 강렬하게 자극했다.

The philosopher's theory intensely stimulated the critical spirit of the intellectuals of the time.

Historical/Intellectual context.

시각적 자극이 뇌 가소성에 미치는 영향에 대해 심도 있게 논의되었다.

The impact of visual stimulation on brain plasticity was discussed in depth.

Scientific/Academic passive '논의되었다'.

자본주의 체제는 끊임없이 인간의 소유욕을 자극함으로써 유지된다.

The capitalist system is maintained by constantly stimulating human possessiveness.

Instrumental form '~함으로써'.

음악의 선율은 언어로 표현할 수 없는 영혼의 깊은 곳을 자극한다.

The melody of music stimulates the deep parts of the soul that cannot be expressed in words.

Poetic/Metaphysical context.

역사적 트라우마는 때때로 집단적 민족주의를 자극하는 기제로 작용한다.

Historical trauma sometimes acts as a mechanism that stimulates collective nationalism.

Sociological mechanism '기제로 작용한다'.

Synonymes

촉진하다 고무하다 유발하다 일깨우다 부추기다

Antonymes

진정시키다 억제하다

Collocations courantes

호기심을 자극하다

경쟁심을 자극하다

피부를 자극하다

경제를 자극하다

말초 신경을 자극하다

구매 욕구를 자극하다

상상력을 자극하다

감성을 자극하다

식욕을 자극하다

자존심을 자극하다

Phrases Courantes

자극을 주다

— To give a stimulus. Often used when providing motivation or a spark to someone.

그의 성공은 나에게 큰 자극을 주었다.

자극을 받다

— To receive a stimulus. To be inspired or affected by something external.

나는 친구의 열심히 하는 모습에 자극을 받았다.

자극적인 맛

— A stimulating taste. Refers to food that is very spicy, salty, or sour.

나는 자극적인 맛보다는 담백한 맛을 좋아한다.

저자극 화장품

— Low-irritation cosmetics. Products designed for sensitive skin.

민감한 피부에는 저자극 화장품이 좋다.

자극 요인

— A stimulating factor. Something that causes a specific reaction.

스트레스는 만성 두통의 주요 자극 요인이다.

감각 자극

— Sensory stimulation. Actions that engage the five senses.

아이들에게는 다양한 감각 자극이 필요하다.

자극 전파

— Propagation of stimulus. Used in science to describe how signals travel.

신경을 통해 자극 전파가 일어난다.

심리적 자극

— Psychological stimulus. Something that affects the mind or emotions.

공포 영화는 심리적 자극이 강하다.

시각적 자극

— Visual stimulus. Something that catches the eye.

요즘 광고는 시각적 자극에 집중한다.

외부 자극

— External stimulus. Forces from outside the body or system.

식물은 외부 자극에 반응하여 자란다.

Souvent confondu avec

자극하다 vs 흥분시키다

Specifically means to make someone excited or worked up, often with high energy.

자극하다 vs 격동시키다

A much stronger word meaning to stir up or agitate emotions violently.

자극하다 vs 일으키다

To cause or give rise to something (like a fire or a reaction), but less focused on the 'poke' mechanism.

Expressions idiomatiques

"잠자는 사자의 코털을 건드리다 (자극하다)"

— To touch the whiskers of a sleeping lion. To provoke someone powerful or dangerous.

그를 화나게 하는 건 잠자는 사자의 코털을 자극하는 격이다.

Informal

"역린을 건드리다 (자극하다)"

— To touch the 'inverted scale' of a dragon. To provoke someone by touching their most sensitive spot.

왕의 역린을 자극하는 발언은 위험하다.

Literary

"아픈 곳을 찌르다 (자극하다)"

— To poke a sore spot. To bring up a topic that someone is sensitive about.

그는 내 아픈 곳을 자극하여 나를 화나게 했다.

Neutral

"벌집을 건드리다 (자극하다)"

— To poke a beehive. To cause a huge problem or provoke a group of people.

그 문제는 벌집을 자극하는 것과 같아서 아무도 나서지 않는다.

Informal

"불난 집에 부채질하다 (자극하다)"

— To fan the flames of a burning house. To make a bad situation worse by provoking it.

화난 사람 앞에서 그런 말은 불난 집에 부채질하는 격이다.

Informal

"긁어 부스럼을 만들다 (자극하여)"

— To make a sore by scratching. To create a problem by unnecessarily stimulating a quiet situation.

가만히 있으면 될 것을 자극해서 긁어 부스럼을 만들었다.

Informal

"콧대를 꺾다 (자존심을 자극하다)"

— To break someone's high nose bridge. To humble someone by stimulating their pride.

그의 콧대를 자극하여 겸손하게 만들었다.

Informal

"귀를 솔깃하게 하다 (호기심을 자극하다)"

— To make one's ears perk up. To stimulate someone's interest.

그 제안은 내 귀를 솔깃하게 자극했다.

Informal

"피를 끓게 하다 (열정을 자극하다)"

— To make the blood boil. To stimulate intense passion or anger.

그의 연설은 청년들의 피를 끓게 자극했다.

Informal

"찬물을 끼얹다 (자극을 멈추다)"

— To throw cold water. To dampen enthusiasm or stop a positive stimulus.

흥겨운 분위기에 찬물을 끼얹는 자극을 주지 마라.

Informal

Facile à confondre

자극하다 vs 부추기다

Both involve inciting a reaction.

부추기다 is almost always used for bad actions (egging someone on), whereas 자극하다 is more neutral and describes the mechanism.

친구를 자극해서 공부하게 했다 (Good) vs 친구를 부추겨서 싸우게 했다 (Bad).

자극하다 vs 촉진하다

Both can be used for economic growth.

촉진하다 focuses on the 'speed' and 'acceleration' of a process, while 자극하다 focuses on the 'start' or 'trigger' of the reaction.

성장을 촉진하다 vs 경제를 자극하다.

자극하다 vs 유발하다

Both mean causing a reaction.

유발하다 focuses on the end result (triggering a disease/accident), while 자극하다 focuses on the input stimulus.

암을 유발하다 vs 신경을 자극하다.

자극하다 vs 고무하다

Both mean to inspire.

고무하다 is specifically about encouraging spirit and courage, often in a group or leadership context.

사기를 고무하다 vs 호기심을 자극하다.

자극하다 vs 건드리다

Both can mean to provoke.

건드리다 is more informal and literally means 'to touch.' It often implies an annoying or unnecessary poke.

자존심을 건드리다 vs 자존심을 자극하다.

Structures de phrases

[Food]이/가 [Body Part]을/를 자극해요.

고추가 혀를 자극해요.

[Media]이/가 [Emotion]을/를 자극해요.

이 영화가 호기심을 자극해요.

[Person]의 [Action]이/가 나를 자극했다.

그의 노력이 나를 자극했다.

[Subject]은/는 [Object]을/를 자극하는 효과가 있다.

커피는 신경을 자극하는 효과가 있다.

[Policy]은/는 [Economy]을/를 자극하기 위해 시행되었다.

이 정책은 소비를 자극하기 위해 시행되었다.

[Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 자극할 우려가 있다.

그 발언이 갈등을 자극할 우려가 있다.

[Subject]은/는 [Abstract Noun]을/를 자극하는 매개체이다.

예술은 인간의 본능을 자극하는 매개체이다.

[Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 자극함으로써 [Result]을/를 이끌어내다.

정부는 시장을 자극함으로써 성장을 이끌어냈다.

Famille de mots

Noms

자극 (jageuk) Stimulus, irritation, impulse.

자극제 (jageukje) A stimulant, a catalyst.

자극성 (jageukseong) Stimulating property, pungency.

Verbes

자극받다 (jageukbatda) To be stimulated, to be inspired (passive).

자극되다 (jageukdoeda) To be stimulated (passive, system-oriented).

Adjectifs

자극적이다 (jageukjeogida) To be stimulating, sensational, pungent.

저자극의 (jeojageuk-ui) Low-irritation, hypoallergenic.

Apparenté

충격 (shock)

반응 (reaction)

유발 (trigger)

흥분 (excitement)

동기 (motivation)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High (Top 3000 words in Korean).

Erreurs courantes

나를 자극해요 (for 'I am excited') → 나는 자극받았어요 / 신나요
'자극하다' is something something else does to you. To say you are the one feeling it, use the passive '자극받다' or '신나다' (to be excited).
피부가 자극해요 → 피부가 자극을 받아요 / 제품이 피부를 자극해요
The skin doesn't do the stimulating; the product stimulates the skin.
자극적인 친구 → 재미있는 친구 / 열정적인 친구
Calling a friend '자극적인 친구' sounds like they are 'pungent' or 'sensationalist.' Use '재미있는' (fun) or '열정적인' (passionate) instead.
자극을 해요 (instead of 자극해요) → 자극해요
While '자극을 하다' is grammatically possible, '자극하다' is the standard verb form.
Using '자극하다' for 'to encourage' in all cases. → 고무하다 / 격려하다
'자극하다' is a spark; '격려하다' is verbal support. Don't use '자극' when you just mean 'saying nice things to help.'

Astuces

Describing Food

If you find Korean food too spicy, use '너무 자극적이에요.' It's a polite way to say the taste is too strong for you.

Using '자극받다'

Tell your Korean friends '자극받았어요' when they do something impressive. It's a great way to show respect for their hard work.

Particle Choice

Always use '을/를' with '자극하다.' If you use '이/가,' the sentence will mean the stimulus itself is doing the action.

Skincare Shopping

Look for the characters '저자극' (low irritation) if you have sensitive skin while shopping in Korea.

Psychological Spark

Use it with '호기심' (curiosity) or '상상력' (imagination) to sound more sophisticated in your descriptions of books or art.

Avoiding Conflict

Be careful not to '자극하다' someone's '자존심' (pride). It's a common phrase for hurting someone's feelings by being too critical.

News Keywords

When you hear '자극' on the news, look for words like '금리' (interest rate) or '수출' (export) nearby.

Creative Writing

Use '자극하다' to describe how the atmosphere of a place affects the protagonist's senses.

Hanja Memory

Remembering '刺' (to prick) helps you understand why the word is used for both physical pain and mental sparks.

Intonation

Keep the tone neutral. Rising intonation at the end can make it sound like a question about whether something is irritating.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'JAG' (as in a jagged spear) that 'U' (you) feel when someone 'K' (kicks) your interest. JAG-U-K-hada.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright red lightning bolt hitting a brain. The lightning bolt is the '자극' and the brain's reaction is the result of '자극하다'.

Word Web

Sense Motivation Irritation Spark Reaction Economy Nerves Curiosity

Défi

Try to find three things today that '자극하다' your senses. Is it the smell of lunch? The cold air? A news headline? Say the sentence out loud in Korean.

Origine du mot

Composed of the Hanja characters 刺 (자) and 戟 (극).

Sens originel : 刺 (ja) means 'to prick' or 'to stab', and 戟 (geuk) refers to a 'spear' or 'halberd'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using '자극하다' in a romantic context, as it can occasionally imply physical arousal depending on the tone and setting.

In English, 'stimulate' is often positive (e.g., stimulating conversation). In Korean, '자극하다' is more neutral and frequently used for negative physical irritation (skin, eyes).

The phrase '자극적인 제목' is often used to describe 'K-Trash' or sensationalist tabloids in Korea. Many K-pop idols mention '자극을 받다' when they see other artists performing well. Skincare brands like 'Etude House' or 'Innisfree' often market 'Non-irritating' (비자극) products.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Cooking & Food

자극적인 맛 (stimulating taste)
식욕을 자극하다 (stimulate appetite)
매운 맛이 혀를 자극하다 (spiciness stimulates the tongue)
후각을 자극하는 냄새 (smell that stimulates the sense of smell)

Skincare & Health

피부 자극 테스트 (skin irritation test)
저자극 로션 (low-irritation lotion)
상처를 자극하다 (stimulate/irritate a wound)
신경을 자극하다 (stimulate nerves)

Marketing & Business

소비 심리를 자극하다 (stimulate consumer sentiment)
구매 욕구를 자극하다 (stimulate desire to buy)
시장을 자극하다 (stimulate the market)
경제 자극책 (economic stimulus measure)

Psychology & Motivation

호기심을 자극하다 (stimulate curiosity)
도전 정신을 자극하다 (stimulate spirit of challenge)
열정을 자극하다 (stimulate passion)
자존심을 자극하다 (provoke pride)

Media & Arts

감성을 자극하다 (stimulate sensibilities)
상상력을 자극하다 (stimulate imagination)
공포를 자극하다 (stimulate fear)
자극적인 뉴스 (sensational news)

Amorces de conversation

"어떤 음식이 당신의 식욕을 가장 자극하나요? (What food stimulates your appetite the most?)"

"최근에 당신을 자극해서 열심히 공부하게 만든 것이 있나요? (Is there something recently that stimulated you to study hard?)"

"이 광고가 당신의 구매 욕구를 자극한다고 생각하세요? (Do you think this ad stimulates your desire to buy?)"

"영화에서 어떤 장면이 당신의 감성을 가장 자극했나요? (Which scene in the movie stimulated your emotions the most?)"

"피부가 민감해서 자극적인 화장품을 피하시나요? (Is your skin sensitive, so you avoid irritating cosmetics?)"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 나를 가장 강렬하게 자극했던 순간에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the moment that stimulated you most intensely today.)

자극적인 맛의 음식과 담백한 음식 중 무엇을 더 선호하나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (Do you prefer stimulating tastes or mild tastes? Why?)

누군가의 성공이 당신을 자극했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you had an experience where someone's success stimulated you?)

인터넷의 자극적인 뉴스들이 우리 사회에 어떤 영향을 미친다고 생각하나요? (What impact do you think sensationalist internet news has on our society?)

당신의 상상력을 자극하는 가장 좋아하는 취미는 무엇인가요? (What is your favorite hobby that stimulates your imagination?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is neutral. It can be positive when stimulating curiosity or the economy, but negative when irritating the skin or provoking someone's anger.

'자극하다' is the verb (to stimulate), while '자극적이다' is the adjective (to be stimulating/pungent/sensational). You use the adjective to describe food or movies.

Yes, but be careful. If you say '그가 나를 자극했어,' it usually means he provoked you or motivated you. Context is key.

You can say '이 제품은 피부를 자극하지 않아요' or '이 제품은 저자극이에요' (This product is low-irritation).

In many cases, yes. It's often used when seeing someone else's hard work makes you want to work hard too. '나는 그에게 자극받았다' is 'I was inspired/motivated by him.'

It translates to 'Study Stimulation.' It refers to anything (quotes, videos) that motivates a student to study by 'stimulating' their competitive spirit or guilt.

Absolutely. It's the standard word for stimulating nerves, muscles, or chemical receptors in biology and medicine.

It's a noun meaning 'stimulant' or 'catalyst.' It can be a physical drug (like caffeine) or a metaphorical spark (like a prize money).

You use '자극적인 제목.' It implies the headline is designed to 'poke' at people's emotions to get clicks.

Yes. '도발하다' is much more aggressive and specifically means 'to provoke' or 'to challenge' in a hostile way, like starting a fight or war.

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