When we say something is '독하다,' we mean it's strong or potent. Think about a really strong coffee that wakes you right up, or medicine that has a powerful effect. It's often used for things like alcohol, strong-smelling chemicals, or even very spicy food.
For example, if you're drinking soju and it feels particularly strong, you could say '이 소주 정말 독하네요!' (This soju is really strong!). Or if a cleaning product has a very strong smell, you might describe it as '독하다.'
It's a useful word to know for describing intensity, especially when it comes to taste, smell, or effect.
When Koreans say something 독하다 (dok-ha-da), they usually mean it's strong in a way that can be a bit harsh or intense. Imagine a medicine that's very potent – it might have a strong effect. Or a type of alcohol that's quite high in proof and has a kick.
It's not always negative; for example, a strong smell that really hits you could be described as 독하다. It simply conveys a sense of potency or intensity that stands out.
독하다 en 30 secondes
- Use 독하다 to describe strong alcohol or medicine.
- Can also describe a strong, pungent smell.
- Sometimes used for a harsh or determined personality.
§ What does 독하다 mean and when do people use it?
The Korean adjective 독하다 (dokada) is a really useful word to know because it has a few different shades of meaning, all revolving around the idea of something being 'strong' or 'potent.' It's not a difficult word, but understanding its nuances will help you sound much more natural when speaking Korean. Let's break it down.
- DEFINITION
- To be strong or potent (e.g., medicine or alcohol).
At its core, 독하다 describes something that has a powerful effect, often physically. Think of things that are intense, concentrated, or sharp. It's frequently used for things you consume or come into contact with.
Let's look at some common situations where you'll hear 독하다:
- Alcohol: This is probably one of the most frequent uses. If a drink has a high alcohol content and hits you hard, it's 독하다.
- Medicine: A strong medicine that has a powerful effect, sometimes with side effects, can be described as 독하다.
- Smells/Tastes: Very pungent or sharp smells and tastes, like strong coffee, vinegar, or even a chemical smell, can be 독하다.
- Pesticides/Chemicals: Any chemical that is potent and potentially harmful will be called 독하다.
- Weather/Conditions: Sometimes, extreme weather conditions like a scorching sun or a biting cold wind can be described as 독하다 because of their intense effect.
- Personality/Determination (figurative): In a more figurative sense, someone who is very determined, fierce, or has a strong will to succeed can be called 독하다. This implies they are 'strong-willed' or 'tough.'
Let's dive into some examples to really cement your understanding.
이 술 정말 독하다고 느꼈어요. (This alcohol felt really strong.)
Here, the speaker is talking about alcohol with a high proof or intense effect.
감기약이 너무 독해서 잠이 계속 와요. (This cold medicine is so strong that I keep getting sleepy.)
In this case, the medicine has a potent side effect, making the person drowsy.
이 커피는 맛이 정말 독하네요. (This coffee has a really strong taste.)
Here, 독하다 describes the intense flavor of the coffee, perhaps very bitter or concentrated.
Understanding the context is key with 독하다. It's not just 'strong' but 'powerfully strong' or 'intensely strong,' often with a noticeable effect that can be a bit much. Keep practicing these examples, and you'll quickly get a feel for when to use 독하다 like a native speaker!
§ Understanding 독하다 (dokada)
The Korean adjective 독하다 (dokada) is used to describe something that is strong, potent, or harsh. It's often used for things that have a powerful effect on your senses or body. Think of strong flavors, smells, or even medicine.
- Korean Word
- 독하다 (dokada)
- Meaning
- To be strong, potent, or harsh (e.g., medicine or alcohol).
§ Common Uses of 독하다
You'll frequently hear 독하다 used in a few key contexts:
- Alcohol: When talking about drinks with a high alcohol content.
- Medicine/Drugs: For medication that is very strong or has potent effects.
- Smells/Tastes: To describe very strong or pungent odors and flavors.
- Personality (less common for A2): Sometimes it can describe a strong or tough personality, but this is less common for beginner learners.
§ Examples in Sentences
이 술은 정말 독하네요. (This alcohol is really strong.)
감기약이 독해서 졸려요. (The cold medicine is strong, so I'm sleepy.)
냄새가 너무 독해서 머리가 아파요. (The smell is so strong, my head hurts.)
§ Similar Words and When to Use 독하다 vs. Alternatives
While 독하다 is often translated as 'strong,' it's important to know when to use it versus other Korean words that also mean 'strong' in different contexts. Here are a few comparisons:
- 힘이 세다 (him-i se-da)
- This literally means 'to have strong power.' Use this for physical strength (e.g., a strong person, a strong wind). You wouldn't say 술이 힘이 세다 (sul-i him-i se-da) for strong alcohol.
그는 팔 힘이 세요. (He has strong arm strength.)
- 강하다 (gang-ha-da)
- This is a more general word for 'strong' and can apply to various situations like strong will, strong competition, strong impact, or even strong wind. While it can sometimes overlap with 독하다 for things like medicine, 독하다 specifically emphasizes the potency or harshness that affects your senses or body.
그 팀은 정말 강해요. (That team is really strong.)
- 진하다 (jin-ha-da)
- Use this for 'strong' colors or 'strong' coffee/tea where 'strong' means concentrated or dark. You wouldn't use 독하다 for a strong color.
커피가 진해서 잠이 안 와요. (The coffee is strong, so I can't sleep.)
By understanding these differences, you can use 독하다 more accurately in your Korean conversations. Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time!
Guide de prononciation
- Mispronouncing the 'ㅗ' (o) as a long 'o' instead of a short one.
- Not aspirating the 'ㅎ' (h) sound enough.
Grammaire à connaître
Can be used with nouns like 약 (yak, medicine) or 술 (sul, alcohol) to describe their potency.
이 약은 너무 독해요. (I yak-eun neomu dok-haeyo. - This medicine is too strong.)
Can describe a strong smell or taste.
커피 향이 독하다. (Keopi hyang-i dok-hada. - The coffee smell is strong.)
Can also be used to describe a person's personality as being tough, stubborn, or harsh.
그는 마음이 독하다. (Geu-neun ma-eum-i dok-hada. - He is strong-willed / hard-hearted.)
Can be used with the adverb '정말' (jeongmal, really) or '너무' (neomu, too) to intensify the meaning.
이 술은 정말 독하다. (I sul-eun jeongmal dok-hada. - This alcohol is really strong.)
In its most literal sense, it can refer to something being poisonous or toxic, though this usage is less common in everyday conversation for general 'strong' substances.
독한 약물 (dok-han yak-mul - a toxic drug)
Exemples par niveau
이 커피 독해요.
This coffee is strong.
독하다 (dokada) is the adjective,독해요 (dokaeyo) is the polite present tense form.
이 술은 독하지 않아요.
This alcohol is not strong.
독하지 않아요 (dokaji anayo) means 'is not strong'.
그 약은 좀 독했어요.
That medicine was a bit strong.
독했어요 (dokaesseoyo) is the polite past tense form.
이 음식은 맛이 독해요.
This food has a strong taste.
맛이 독해요 (masi dokaeyo) means 'the taste is strong'.
너무 독한 술은 싫어요.
I don't like alcohol that is too strong.
독한 (dokhan) is the descriptive form of the adjective used before a noun.
독한 냄새가 나요.
There is a strong smell.
냄새가 나요 (naemsaega nayo) means 'there is a smell'.
매운 음식이 독할 수 있어요.
Spicy food can be strong.
독할 수 있어요 (dokhal su isseoyo) means 'can be strong'.
이 세제는 독해요. 조심하세요.
This detergent is strong. Be careful.
조심하세요 (josimhaseyo) means 'be careful'.
이 술은 정말 독해요.
This alcohol is really strong.
독하다 (to be strong) + -아요/어요 (polite ending)
약이 너무 독해서 잠이 와요.
The medicine is so strong that I'm sleepy.
너무 독하다 (to be too strong) + -아서/어서 (because, so)
독한 커피는 저를 잠 깨워줘요.
Strong coffee wakes me up.
독한 (strong, adjectival form of 독하다) + 커피 (coffee)
그 향수는 향이 독해요.
That perfume has a strong scent.
향이 독하다 (scent is strong)
이 김치는 맛이 독해요.
This kimchi has a strong taste.
맛이 독하다 (taste is strong)
독한 감기약이 필요해요.
I need strong cold medicine.
독한 (strong) + 감기약 (cold medicine)
그는 독한 술을 잘 마셔요.
He drinks strong alcohol well.
독한 (strong) + 술 (alcohol) + -을/를 (object particle)
이 소스는 좀 독해요.
This sauce is a bit strong.
좀 독하다 (to be a bit strong)
Souvent confondu avec
General strength vs. potent/harsh strength.
Physical force/intensity vs. potent/harsh quality.
Concentration/richness vs. potent/harsh nature.
Facile à confondre
Both '독하다' and '강하다' can mean 'strong'. However, '강하다' is a more general term for strength, applying to physical strength, willpower, or even a strong flavor.
'독하다' specifically implies a potent, sometimes harsh, or even toxic strength, often used for things like alcohol, medicine, or a strong smell. '강하다' is broader and generally positive or neutral.
이 술은 너무 강해서 한 잔만 마셔도 취해요. (This alcohol is so strong that I get drunk after just one glass.)
'세다' also translates to 'strong' and can be used for physical strength or power, similar to '강하다'.
'세다' is often used for physical power, force, or intensity (e.g., strong wind, strong punch). While it can overlap with '독하다' in contexts of intensity, '독하다' still carries the nuance of potency or harshness, whereas '세다' is more about general might.
바람이 너무 세서 우산이 뒤집혔어요. (The wind was so strong that my umbrella turned inside out.)
'진하다' means 'dark' or '浓 (thick/rich)' and can refer to the intensity of a color or flavor, which might be confused with 'strong' in the sense of '독하다'.
While '독하다' refers to the potent/harsh nature, '진하다' refers to the concentration or richness. A coffee can be '진하다' (strong/rich in flavor) but not '독하다' (harsh/bitter to drink).
커피가 너무 진해서 잠이 안 와요. (The coffee is so strong/rich that I can't sleep.)
'매섭다' means 'fierce' or 'sharp' and can describe something intense or harsh, similar to the feeling of '독하다'.
'매섭다' is usually used for eyes, a stare, a cold wind, or criticism – things that are severe or sharp in nature. '독하다' is more about the inherent potency or harshness of a substance or a personality.
그녀의 눈빛이 매섭게 느껴졌어요. (Her gaze felt fierce/sharp.)
This phrase directly contains '독' (poison/venom) and means to be venomous or malevolent, which shares the root of '독하다'.
While '독하다' describes something as potent or harsh (like strong alcohol), '독기 있다' specifically refers to having venom, malice, or a spiteful nature, usually for people or their actions. It's about a 'poisonous' intent rather than a 'potent' quality.
그녀의 말에는 독기가 느껴졌어요. (I felt malice/venom in her words.)
Comment l'utiliser
독하다 is commonly used to describe the strength or potency of things that can be consumed or inhaled. For example, a strong medicine or a strong alcoholic drink. It can also describe a strong smell.
While it translates to 'strong,' it's not used for physical strength (like a strong person or a strong table). For physical strength, you would use words like 힘세다 (for people/animals) or 튼튼하다 (for objects).
A common mistake is using 독하다 for physical strength.
For instance, saying '그 남자는 독해요' to mean 'That man is strong' is incorrect. Instead, you should say '그 남자는 힘세다' (That man is physically strong) or '그 남자는 튼튼해요' (That man is sturdy/well-built).
Remember, 독하다 refers to potency or intensity, not physical might.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a doctor (독, 'dok') giving you really strong (하다, 'hada') medicine. It's so potent, it feels like it's doing a lot of work!
Association visuelle
Picture a bottle of very strong cough syrup, so potent that steam is coming off it. Or imagine a shot of very strong Korean soju, making your eyes water just looking at it.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe different things as '독하다'. For example, if you smell something very pungent, you could say '냄새가 독하다!' (The smell is strong!). Or if you try a very strong drink, '술이 독하네요!' (The alcohol is strong!).
Teste-toi 30 questions
The correct order is '이 약은 독해요.' (This medicine is strong.)
The correct order is '술이 아주 독하네요.' (The alcohol is very potent.)
The correct order is '독한 결심을 했어요.' (I made a strong decision.)
The correct order forms the sentence 'The alcohol is strong, so I can't drink it.'
The correct order forms the sentence 'That medicine is potent.'
The correct order forms the sentence 'The coffee is too strong, so I can't sleep.'
The medicine is too strong for young children.
He drank strong alcohol but didn't get drunk at all.
I caught a bad cold and have severe body aches.
Read this aloud:
독한 냄새가 나서 머리가 아파요.
Focus: 독한 (dok-han)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
이번 시험은 정말 독하게 공부해야 해요.
Focus: 독하게 (dok-ha-ge)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
그 사람은 독한 마음을 먹고 성공했어요.
Focus: 독한 (dok-han)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'The medicine is so strong that I'm sleepy.' It describes a common effect of strong medication.
This sentence translates to 'This alcohol is really strong, so even if you drink just a little, you'll get drunk.' It highlights the potency of the drink.
This sentence means 'He showed no sign of being affected by even strong alcohol.' It implies a high tolerance to strong drinks.
Write a short paragraph about a time you encountered something particularly '독하다' (strong/potent), describing the experience and your reaction. Focus on using vivid adjectives and descriptive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
지난 주말, 한 친구가 직접 담근 약주를 마실 기회가 있었습니다. 한 모금 마시자마자 목구멍이 타는 듯한 강렬한 느낌이 들었습니다. 그 약주는 정말 독해서, 몇 잔만 마셔도 몸이 후끈 달아올랐습니다. 평소 약한 술만 마시던 저에게는 아주 특별하고도 인상 깊은 경험이었습니다. 처음에는 너무 독해서 마시기 힘들었지만, 시간이 지날수록 몸에 좋은 기운이 퍼지는 것을 느꼈습니다.
Imagine you are a food critic. Describe a dish or drink that had a very '독하다' (strong/potent) flavor profile. Explain how this strong flavor contributed to or detracted from the overall culinary experience. Use advanced vocabulary to articulate your thoughts.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
최근 방문한 레스토랑에서 맛본 전통 한국 요리는 그야말로 독특한 풍미를 자랑했습니다. 특히, 고추장 양념을 베이스로 한 메인 요리는 매우 독해서, 한 입 맛보는 순간 입안 가득 강렬한 맛이 퍼졌습니다. 이러한 독한 맛은 재료 본연의 맛을 더욱 돋보이게 하는 한편, 섬세한 미각을 가진 이들에게는 다소 부담스럽게 느껴질 수도 있을 것 같았습니다. 하지만 저는 이러한 강렬함이 이 요리의 정체성을 명확히 한다고 보았고, 전체적인 미식 경험에 깊이와 개성을 더했다고 평가합니다.
Write a short story (3-4 sentences) where the term '독하다' is used in a figurative sense to describe a person's personality or resolve. Emphasize the character's traits and how their '독하다' nature influences their actions or decisions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
김 박사는 연구에 있어서는 그야말로 독한 사람이었다. 한번 목표를 정하면 밤샘 연구도 마다하지 않았고, 어떤 어려움에도 굴하지 않았다. 그의 독한 의지 덕분에 아무도 성공하지 못했던 난해한 프로젝트를 결국 완수해낼 수 있었다. 주변 사람들은 그의 집념에 혀를 내둘렀지만, 그만큼 존경심을 표했다.
화자가 마신 물이 '독하다'고 표현된 이유는 무엇입니까?
Read this passage:
한여름 무더위 속에서 산을 오르던 그는 목이 말라 죽을 것 같았다. 마침 약수터를 발견하고 급하게 물을 마셨는데, 그 물은 보통 물과 달리 알 수 없는 약초 향이 강하게 풍겼다. 물맛이 워낙 독해서 처음에는 인상을 찌푸렸지만, 곧 온몸에 기운이 돌고 정신이 맑아지는 것을 느꼈다. 그는 그 독한 약수가 자신에게 새로운 활력을 불어넣어 주었다고 생각했다.
화자가 마신 물이 '독하다'고 표현된 이유는 무엇입니까?
지문에 '그 물은 보통 물과 달리 알 수 없는 약초 향이 강하게 풍겼다. 물맛이 워낙 독해서 처음에는 인상을 찌푸렸지만'이라는 내용이 있습니다. 이는 물에 약초 향이 강하게 나서 그 맛이 독하게 느껴졌다는 것을 의미합니다.
지문에 '그 물은 보통 물과 달리 알 수 없는 약초 향이 강하게 풍겼다. 물맛이 워낙 독해서 처음에는 인상을 찌푸렸지만'이라는 내용이 있습니다. 이는 물에 약초 향이 강하게 나서 그 맛이 독하게 느껴졌다는 것을 의미합니다.
이 글에서 '독하다'는 어떤 의미로 사용되었습니까?
Read this passage:
오랜만에 만난 친구가 직접 담근 복분자주를 대접했다. 한 잔을 받아 마시자마자 입안에 강렬한 베리 향과 함께 톡 쏘는 듯한 알코올 기운이 퍼졌다. 친구는 이 술이 도수가 꽤 독하니 조심하라고 경고했지만, 그 특유의 깊고 강한 맛에 매료되어 연거푸 잔을 비웠다. 다음 날 아침, 독한 술의 후유증으로 머리가 지끈거렸지만, 잊지 못할 추억으로 남았다.
이 글에서 '독하다'는 어떤 의미로 사용되었습니까?
지문에 '톡 쏘는 듯한 알코올 기운이 퍼졌다', '이 술이 도수가 꽤 독하니 조심하라'는 내용이 명시되어 있습니다. 이는 복분자주가 알코올 도수가 높고 강하다는 의미로 '독하다'가 사용되었음을 나타냅니다.
지문에 '톡 쏘는 듯한 알코올 기운이 퍼졌다', '이 술이 도수가 꽤 독하니 조심하라'는 내용이 명시되어 있습니다. 이는 복분자주가 알코올 도수가 높고 강하다는 의미로 '독하다'가 사용되었음을 나타냅니다.
김 대표의 어떤 면모를 '독하다'고 표현하고 있습니까?
Read this passage:
김 대표는 사업을 시작한 이래 단 한 번도 나약한 모습을 보인 적이 없다. 수많은 위기와 실패 속에서도 그는 늘 독한 마음을 먹고 일어섰다. 그의 독한 추진력과 끈기 덕분에 회사는 결국 큰 성공을 거둘 수 있었다. 직원들은 그의 카리스마와 독한 결단력에 때로는 두려움을 느끼기도 했지만, 동시에 깊은 신뢰와 존경을 표했다.
김 대표의 어떤 면모를 '독하다'고 표현하고 있습니까?
지문에 '독한 마음을 먹고 일어섰다', '독한 추진력과 끈기', '독한 결단력' 등의 표현을 통해 김 대표의 강한 의지, 끈기, 그리고 결단력을 '독하다'고 묘사하고 있음을 알 수 있습니다.
지문에 '독한 마음을 먹고 일어섰다', '독한 추진력과 끈기', '독한 결단력' 등의 표현을 통해 김 대표의 강한 의지, 끈기, 그리고 결단력을 '독하다'고 묘사하고 있음을 알 수 있습니다.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
독하다 describes something with intense strength, potency, or harshness, often perceived as powerful or difficult.
- Use 독하다 to describe strong alcohol or medicine.
- Can also describe a strong, pungent smell.
- Sometimes used for a harsh or determined personality.
Exemple
이 술은 도수가 독하다.
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A2Indicating the topic or subject; about, concerning.
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2General body aches and fatigue, often accompanying a cold or flu.
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1To have a dull, throbbing pain; to ache.
에취
A2Achoo! (onomatopoeia for sneezing).
급성적이다
A2To be acute or sudden (e.g., an illness).
급성이다
A2Having a rapid onset and short course; to be acute (illness).
