At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic verbs for everyday actions. 찢다 at this stage would be understood as a simple action of tearing paper or fabric. Examples would be very concrete and focus on the physical act. Sentences would be short and direct, like '종이를 찢어요' (I tear paper). The focus is on recognizing the word in simple contexts and associating it with the visual of tearing.
For A2 learners, 찢다 is used in more varied, though still common, everyday situations. They can understand and use it to describe tearing objects like envelopes, packaging, or clothes. The concept of past tense (찢었다) and the passive form (찢어지다) become important. Learners are expected to use it in simple sentences to describe personal experiences or observations. Examples might include '내 옷이 찢어졌어' (My clothes got torn) or '편지 봉투를 찢었어' (I tore the letter envelope).
At the B1 level, learners can use 찢다 more flexibly. They can describe situations involving tearing with more detail and nuance. They might also start encountering or using it in slightly more figurative ways, though the literal meaning remains dominant. The ability to differentiate it from similar verbs like 자르다 (to cut) and 뜯다 (to tear off) is expected. Sentences can be more complex, incorporating conjunctions and clauses.
B2 learners can use 찢다 with a good degree of accuracy and fluency. They can handle more complex sentence structures and understand its use in a wider range of contexts, including idiomatic expressions or more abstract descriptions of damage or separation. They are expected to have a solid grasp of its various conjugations and passive forms, and to be able to choose the most appropriate verb for the situation.
C1 learners have a sophisticated understanding of 찢다. They can use it precisely in formal and informal settings, and are aware of its subtle connotations. They can easily distinguish it from near-synonyms and employ it effectively in descriptive or argumentative writing and speech. They might also be able to interpret its metaphorical uses with ease.
C2 learners possess native-like proficiency. They understand all nuances of 찢다, including its historical usage, regional variations, and highly figurative or literary applications. They can use it effortlessly in any context, demonstrating a complete mastery of the word and its semantic field.
Core Meaning
The fundamental meaning of 찢다 is to cause a material to separate into two or more pieces by applying force, resulting in a tear or rip. This verb is very direct and describes a physical action of damage or separation.
Common Objects
You will frequently hear 찢다 used with objects that are easily torn. This includes paper (종이), fabric or cloth (천), plastic bags (비닐봉지), envelopes (봉투), and even food packaging (포장지). For example, someone might rip open a letter or tear a page from a notebook.
Beyond Simple Tearing
While the most common usage involves physical objects, 찢다 can also be used metaphorically, though this is less frequent at the A2 level. For instance, one might 'tear apart' an argument or 'rip' into someone verbally, but these are more advanced uses. For learners at this stage, focus on the literal meaning of tearing physical items.
Everyday Scenarios
Imagine opening a stubborn bag of chips – you might need to 찢다 it. If a child draws on a book and tears the page, they 찢었다 the page. When you receive mail, you might 찢다 the envelope to get the letter out. It's a verb associated with forceful, often abrupt, separation of materials.

종이를 찢다.

This means 'to tear paper'.

옷이 찢어졌어요.

This means 'My clothes got torn.' (using the passive form).
Contextual Usage
You'll use 찢다 when describing an action that results in a tear. For instance, if someone accidentally rips their jeans, they 찢었다 their jeans. When you open a package forcefully, you might 찢다 the plastic. It’s a verb that implies a direct, often destructive, action on an object.
Grammatical Notes
찢다 is an irregular verb. Its past tense is 찢었다. The passive form, meaning 'to be torn', is 찢어지다 (e.g., 옷이 찢어졌다 - the clothes were torn). Understanding the difference between the active (찢다) and passive (찢어지다) forms is crucial.
Basic Sentence Structure
The standard structure for using 찢다 is Subject + Object + 찢다 (conjugated). The subject is the one performing the tearing action, and the object is what is being torn. For example: 나는 종이를 찢었다 (I tore the paper).
Using the Past Tense
The most common tense you'll encounter for 찢다 is the past tense, 찢었다. This is because tearing is usually an action that has already happened when you describe it. Example: 그는 편지 봉투를 찢었다 (He tore open the letter envelope).
Describing an Accident
When describing something that was torn unintentionally, you often use the passive form 찢어지다. Example: 실수로 책 페이지를 찢어버렸어요 (I accidentally tore the book page).
Imperative and Suggestive Forms
While less common for this verb at the A2 level, you might hear commands like '찢지 마!' (Don't tear it!). Or suggestions like '이걸 찢을까요?' (Shall we tear this?).
Future Tense
To talk about tearing something in the future, you would use the future tense: 찢을 것이다 or 찢을 거예요. Example: 내일 이 서류를 찢을 거예요 (I will tear this document tomorrow).

학생이 종이를 찢었어요.

The student tore the paper.
Practical Examples
1. 봉투를 찢어서 편지를 꺼냈어요. (I tore the envelope open and took out the letter.)
2. 어린이가 포스터를 찢어 놓았어요. (The child tore up the poster.)
3. 이 옷은 너무 낡아서 쉽게 찢어져요. (These clothes are so old they tear easily. - using passive form 찢어지다)
4. 포장지를 찢어서 내용물을 확인했어요. (I tore open the packaging to check the contents.)
5. 실수로 종이를 찢었어요. (I accidentally tore the paper.)
Everyday Conversations
You'll hear 찢다 in casual conversations among friends and family. For instance, if someone is opening mail, they might say, '봉투를 찢어야겠어요.' (I need to tear the envelope.) Or if a child has damaged something, a parent might say, '얘가 이걸 찢었어!' (This kid tore this!).
At Home
In a household setting, 찢다 can come up when dealing with packaging for food or products. '이 과자 봉지를 찢어줘.' (Tear this snack bag for me.) Or when something gets damaged: '내 치마가 찢어졌네.' (My skirt got torn.)
In School or Office
Students might talk about tearing pages from notebooks (노트 페이지를 찢다) or teachers might reprimand students for damaging textbooks. In an office, someone might tear a document that is no longer needed.
Describing Damage
When describing wear and tear on clothes or items, the passive form 찢어지다 is very common. '오래돼서 옷이 찢어졌어요.' (The clothes got torn because they are old.) This is a frequent topic in discussions about clothing or household goods.
Media and Entertainment
You might hear 찢다 in dramas or movies when characters are handling physical objects, especially if there's a need to open something quickly or if something gets damaged in a scene. It's a common verb for describing physical interaction with materials.

이 포장지를 찢어서 내용물을 확인했어요.

I tore open this packaging to check the contents.
Confusing with '자르다' (to cut)
A common mistake is using 찢다 when '자르다' (to cut) is more appropriate. 찢다 implies tearing, often unevenly or forcefully, whereas 자르다 implies a clean cut, usually with a tool like scissors or a knife. For example, you 'cut' paper with scissors (가위로 종이를 자르다), but you 'tear' paper by hand (손으로 종이를 찢다).
Incorrect Passive Form Usage
Learners might incorrectly use 찢다 when they mean 'to be torn'. The correct passive form is 찢어지다. So, instead of saying '옷이 찢다' (which is grammatically incorrect), you should say '옷이 찢어졌다' (The clothes were torn).
Overuse in Metaphorical Contexts
While 찢다 can be used metaphorically (e.g., '마음을 찢다' - to break someone's heart), this is an advanced usage. At the A2 level, it's best to stick to the literal meaning. Using it metaphorically incorrectly can lead to unnatural-sounding Korean.
Incorrect Conjugation
Like many Korean verbs, 찢다 can be misconjugated, especially in its past tense form. Ensure you remember that the past tense is 찢었다, not something like 찢었어 or 찢었따.
Ignoring the Tense
Forgetting to conjugate the verb for tense is a common issue for beginners. Always remember to add the appropriate tense ending (e.g., -었/았어요 for past tense) to 찢다.

Mistake: 저는 가위로 종이를 찢었어요.

Incorrect: Using 'tear' with scissors.
찢다 vs. 자르다 (to cut)
찢다 (to tear): Implies ripping or rending, often by hand, resulting in an uneven or jagged edge. The force is usually pulling apart. Example: 손으로 종이를 찢다 (to tear paper by hand).
자르다 (to cut): Implies a clean division, typically done with a tool like scissors, a knife, or a blade. The action is slicing. Example: 가위로 천을 자르다 (to cut cloth with scissors).
찢다 vs. 뜯다 (to tear off, to pull off)
찢다 (to tear): Generally refers to tearing something into pieces or making a significant rip. The material is often destroyed or significantly damaged.
뜯다 (to tear off, to pull off): Often refers to detaching a part from a whole, or opening something by tearing off a piece. It can also mean to pluck or pick. Example: 봉지를 뜯다 (to open a bag by tearing off the top), 껌을 뜯다 (to peel off gum).
찢다 vs. 해체하다 (to dismantle, to disband)
찢다 (to tear): Primarily a physical action of rending materials.
해체하다 (to dismantle, to disband): This is a more abstract or formal verb used for taking apart structures, organizations, or groups. It means to break something down into its constituent parts or to dissolve a collective. Example: 회사를 해체하다 (to dissolve a company), 기계를 해체하다 (to dismantle a machine).
찢다 vs. 부수다 (to break, to destroy)
찢다 (to tear): Specific to making a tear or rip.
부수다 (to break, to destroy): A general term for breaking something into pieces or rendering it unusable. It can involve shattering, crushing, or breaking. Example: 장난감을 부수다 (to break a toy).
찢다 vs. 구기다 (to crumple)
찢다 (to tear): Creates a split or rip.
구기다 (to crumple): To crush or wrinkle something, typically paper, into a ball. Example: 종이를 구기다 (to crumple paper).

가위로 종이를 자르다, 손으로 종이를 찢다.

Cut paper with scissors, tear paper with hands.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The tense consonant 'ㅉ' in 찢다 often indicates a stronger or more forceful action compared to its non-tense counterpart 'ㅈ'. This suggests that the act of tearing is perceived as more intense or decisive than a simple action. The verb's sound itself might evoke the sharp, forceful action of ripping.

Guide de prononciation

UK /t͡ɕ͈it̚.t͈a/
US /t͡ɕ͈it̚.t͈a/
Stress in Korean is generally not as pronounced as in English and is often secondary to syllable length and intonation. In 찢다, the emphasis tends to be slightly more on the first syllable due to the tense consonant, but it's not a strong stress.
Rime avec
있다 없다 받다 안다 앉다 믿다 걷다 듣다 묻다 찾다
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'ㅉ' as a regular 'ㅈ' (j) or aspirated 'ㅊ' (ch).
  • Releasing the final 'ㄷ' sound instead of keeping it unreleased.
  • Incorrectly pronouncing the vowel 'ㅣ' as a short 'i' sound.
  • Adding an extra syllable or sound.
  • Confusing the tense 'ㅉ' with other consonants.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

At the A2 level, reading texts will often contain 찢다 in straightforward contexts, describing physical actions or states of damage. Learners should be able to comprehend its meaning when used literally with common objects like paper, clothes, or packaging. Recognizing the passive form '찢어지다' is also important for understanding descriptions of damaged items.

Écriture 2/5

Learners at A2 can attempt to use 찢다 in simple sentences to describe tearing actions or damaged items. They should focus on using the correct past tense (찢었다) and the passive form (찢어지다) in basic sentence structures. Overuse of metaphorical meanings should be avoided.

Expression orale 2/5

Speaking requires learners to recall and use 찢다 in response to prompts or in describing simple events. They should practice saying sentences like 'I tore the paper' or 'My shirt got torn'. Focusing on clear pronunciation of the tense consonant 'ㅉ' is beneficial.

Écoute 2/5

Understanding 찢다 in spoken Korean at the A2 level means recognizing it in everyday conversations, especially when people talk about opening packages, damaged clothes, or accidents involving tearing. The pronunciation of the tense consonant 'ㅉ' and the unreleased final 'ㄷ' are key identifiers.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

종이 (paper) 옷 (clothes) 천 (fabric) 가위 (scissors) 칼 (knife) 열다 (to open) 만들다 (to make) 붙이다 (to attach) 자르다 (to cut) 있다 (to exist, to have)

Apprends ensuite

뜯다 (to tear off) 구기다 (to crumple) 찢어지다 (to be torn - passive) 갈기갈기 찢다 (to tear to shreds) 마음이 찢어지다 (heartbreak - idiomatic)

Avancé

파손하다 (to damage) 해체하다 (to dismantle) 파열되다 (to rupture) 훼손하다 (to damage, to deface)

Grammaire à connaître

Passive Voice: 찢다 -> 찢어지다

나는 종이를 찢었다. (Active) -> 종이가 찢어졌다. (Passive)

Verb ending -어서 for sequential actions

편지 봉투를 찢어서 편지를 꺼냈다. (I tore the envelope open and took out the letter.)

Verb ending -어 버리다 for emphasis or finality

그는 화가 나서 편지를 찢어버렸다. (He got angry and tore up the letter completely.)

Using verbs as modifiers (e.g., 찢어진 + Noun)

찢어진 옷 (torn clothes)

Imperative forms (e.g., -지 마세요)

이것을 찢지 마세요. (Please do not tear this.)

Exemples par niveau

1

종이를 찢어요.

I tear paper.

Present tense, informal polite ending -어요.

2

이거 찢어.

Tear this.

Imperative, informal plain form.

3

찢었다.

Tore.

Past tense, plain form.

4

봉투 찢어.

Tear the envelope.

Imperative, informal plain form.

5

옷 찢어졌어요.

My clothes got torn.

Passive form (찢어지다), present tense, informal polite.

6

종이 찢었어.

I tore the paper.

Past tense, informal plain form.

7

이거 찢을까요?

Shall I tear this?

Suggestive, informal polite ending -ㄹ까요?

8

찢지 마세요.

Please don't tear it.

Negative imperative, formal polite ending -세요.

1

나는 어제 편지 봉투를 찢었어요.

I tore the letter envelope yesterday.

Past tense, informal polite.

2

이 포장지를 찢어서 내용물을 꺼냈어요.

I tore open this packaging and took out the contents.

Past tense, sequential action using -어서.

3

아이가 실수로 내 책을 찢었어요.

The child accidentally tore my book.

Past tense, informal polite.

4

이 옷은 너무 낡아서 쉽게 찢어져요.

These clothes are so old they tear easily.

Passive form (찢어지다), present tense, informal polite.

5

종이를 찢어서 작은 조각으로 만들었어요.

I tore the paper into small pieces.

Past tense, sequential action using -어서.

6

그는 화가 나서 서류를 찢어 버렸어요.

He got angry and tore up the documents.

Past tense, informal polite, with emphasis -어 버리다.

7

포스터가 찢어져서 다시 붙여야 해요.

The poster got torn, so I have to reattach it.

Passive form (찢어지다), present tense, informal polite.

8

이 비닐봉지는 너무 튼튼해서 찢기 힘들어요.

This plastic bag is too strong, so it's hard to tear.

Passive form (찢기다), present tense, informal polite.

1

그녀는 낡은 편지를 조심스럽게 찢었다.

She carefully tore the old letter.

Past tense, plain form.

2

찢어진 옷은 수선하는 것보다 새로 사는 것이 낫다.

It's better to buy new clothes than to mend torn ones.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

3

새로 산 책의 표지가 찢어져 있어서 실망했다.

I was disappointed because the cover of the new book I bought was torn.

Passive form (찢어지다), past tense, informal polite.

4

그는 협박 편지를 찢어서 쓰레기통에 버렸다.

He tore up the threatening letter and threw it in the trash.

Past tense, sequential action using -어서.

5

이 서류는 더 이상 필요 없으니 찢어도 괜찮습니다.

This document is no longer needed, so it's okay to tear it.

Suggestive/permissive form, formal polite.

6

찢어진 틈새로 바람이 새어 들어왔다.

Wind seeped in through the torn gap.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

7

그는 분노를 참지 못하고 종이를 갈기갈기 찢었다.

Unable to contain his anger, he tore the paper to shreds.

Past tense, informal polite, with emphasis on the extent of tearing.

8

이 텐트는 튼튼해 보이지만, 날카로운 것에 찢어질 수도 있다.

This tent looks strong, but it could be torn by sharp objects.

Passive form (찢어지다), present tense, informal polite.

1

그녀는 찢어진 옷가지들을 보며 한숨을 쉬었다.

She sighed while looking at the torn clothes.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

2

계약서의 일부 조항이 찢겨져 있어 효력이 없을 수도 있다.

Some clauses of the contract are torn, so they may not be effective.

Passive form (찢어지다), present tense, formal polite.

3

그는 찢어진 지도를 보며 목적지를 찾아 헤맸다.

He wandered looking for the destination while looking at the torn map.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

4

협상 결렬 후, 그는 모든 관련 서류를 찢어버렸다.

After the negotiations broke down, he tore up all the related documents.

Past tense, informal polite, with emphasis -어 버리다.

5

찢어진 청바지가 오히려 패션 아이템으로 인기를 얻고 있다.

Torn jeans are rather gaining popularity as fashion items.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

6

그는 찢어진 맹세처럼, 약속을 지키지 않았다.

Like a torn vow, he did not keep his promise.

Passive form (찢어지다), used metaphorically as a modifier.

7

오래된 천막이 바람에 찢어져서 임시방편으로 보수해야 했다.

The old tent was torn by the wind, so it had to be temporarily repaired.

Passive form (찢어지다), past tense, informal polite.

8

이 문제는 단순히 찢는다고 해결될 것이 아니라, 근본적인 원인을 파악해야 한다.

This problem cannot be solved by simply tearing it; the root cause must be identified.

Literal 'tear' is contrasted with a metaphorical problem.

1

찢어진 봉투 속에서 나온 것은 예상치 못한 경고장이었다.

What came out of the torn envelope was an unexpected warning letter.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

2

그의 연설은 듣는 이들의 마음을 찢는 듯한 감동을 주었다.

His speech gave a touching impression that seemed to tear at the listeners' hearts.

Metaphorical use of 찢다.

3

찢어진 역사의 한 페이지를 복원하려는 노력이 계속되고 있다.

Efforts to restore a torn page of history are ongoing.

Metaphorical use of 찢다.

4

그는 찢어진 신발을 신고 험난한 산길을 올랐다.

He climbed the rugged mountain path wearing torn shoes.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

5

찢어진 관계를 회복하기란 매우 어려운 일이다.

It is very difficult to restore a torn relationship.

Metaphorical use of 찢다.

6

찢어진 깃발은 전투의 치열함을 말해주고 있었다.

The torn flag spoke of the fierceness of the battle.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

7

그는 찢어진 꿈 조각들을 그러모아 새로운 희망을 만들었다.

He gathered the torn pieces of his dream and created new hope.

Metaphorical use of 찢다.

8

찢어진 조각천으로 만든 퀼트에는 이야기가 담겨 있었다.

The quilt made of torn fabric scraps contained stories.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier.

1

찢어진 맹세의 조각들이 그의 양심을 끊임없이 괴롭혔다.

The fragments of the torn oath incessantly tormented his conscience.

Metaphorical and literary use.

2

그녀는 찢어진 옷가지 사이로 드러난 상처를 애써 감추려 했다.

She tried hard to hide the wound revealed through the torn clothes.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier, implying vulnerability.

3

찢어진 시대의 아픔을 노래하는 시인의 작품은 깊은 울림을 주었다.

The poet's work, singing of the pain of a torn era, gave deep resonance.

Metaphorical use of 찢다 for societal division.

4

찢어진 신문 조각들은 그날의 비극을 말없이 증언하고 있었다.

The torn newspaper fragments silently testified to the tragedy of that day.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier, implying evidence.

5

찢어진 마음을 추스르며 그는 새로운 삶을 향해 나아갔다.

Gathering his torn heart, he moved towards a new life.

Metaphorical use of 찢다 for emotional distress.

6

찢어진 낡은 천막 아래에서 그들은 밤을 지새웠다.

Under the torn old tent, they spent the night.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier, emphasizing hardship.

7

그는 찢어진 운명의 실타래를 풀기 위해 고군분투했다.

He struggled to unravel the tangled threads of his torn fate.

Metaphorical use of 찢다 for fate.

8

찢어진 책갈피에 적힌 희미한 글씨는 비밀을 암시하고 있었다.

The faint writing on the torn bookmark hinted at a secret.

Passive form (찢어지다), used as a modifier, implying mystery.

Collocations courantes

종이를 찢다
봉투를 찢다
옷이 찢어지다
포장지를 찢다
찢어진 책
찢어진 종이
찢어진 틈
찢어진 편지
찢어진 서류
찢어진 마음

Phrases Courantes

종이 찢다

— To tear paper.

아이들이 색종이를 찢으며 놀고 있었다.

봉투 찢다

— To tear an envelope.

편지를 꺼내기 위해 봉투를 찢어야 했어요.

옷 찢어지다

— Clothes get torn.

넘어져서 바지가 찢어졌어요.

포장지 찢다

— To tear packaging.

새로 산 물건의 포장지를 찢어서 열었어요.

찢어진 편지

— A torn letter.

그는 찢어진 편지를 보며 옛 추억에 잠겼다.

찢어진 종이 조각

— Torn pieces of paper.

바람에 찢어진 종이 조각들이 날아다녔다.

찢어진 틈

— A torn gap or slit.

커튼에 찢어진 틈으로 햇빛이 들어왔다.

찢어진 청바지

— Ripped jeans.

그녀는 찢어진 청바지를 즐겨 입는다.

마음이 찢어지다

— To have one's heart broken or feel immense sadness.

그 소식을 듣고 정말 마음이 찢어지는 것 같았어요.

갈기갈기 찢다

— To tear something to shreds.

그는 분노를 참지 못하고 문서를 갈기갈기 찢었다.

Souvent confondu avec

찢다 vs 자르다

자르다 means 'to cut' and implies using a tool like scissors or a knife for a clean division. 찢다 means 'to tear' and usually involves using hands for a more forceful, often jagged, separation. You cut paper with scissors (가위로 종이를 자르다), but tear it by hand (손으로 종이를 찢다).

찢다 vs 뜯다

뜯다 means 'to tear off' or 'to peel off', often used for opening packaging or detaching a part. While it involves tearing, it's usually about separating a portion rather than ripping something into pieces like 찢다. For example, '봉지를 뜯다' (to open a bag) vs. '종이를 찢다' (to tear paper).

찢다 vs 구기다

구기다 means 'to crumple' or 'to wrinkle', typically paper. It's about crushing and wrinkling, not splitting or making a tear. You crumple paper (종이를 구기다), but you tear it (종이를 찢다).

Expressions idiomatiques

"찢어진 마음"

— A broken heart; deep emotional pain or sadness.

사랑하는 사람을 잃고 그녀는 찢어진 마음으로 하루하루를 보냈다.

Literary, Emotional
"찢어진 맹세"

— A broken promise or vow; a commitment that has been violated.

그는 찢어진 맹세처럼 약속을 지키지 않았다.

Figurative, Formal
"찢어진 시대"

— A divided or fractured era; a time of great social or political upheaval.

찢어진 시대를 살아가는 우리는 많은 어려움에 직면해 있다.

Figurative, Historical/Societal
"찢어진 그림"

— A fragmented or incomplete picture; a situation that is not fully understood or is broken.

사건의 진실은 마치 찢어진 그림처럼 조각나 있었다.

Figurative, Descriptive
"찢어진 운명"

— A twisted or unfortunate fate; a destiny that has been ruined or disrupted.

그는 찢어진 운명 속에서 벗어나려 발버둥 쳤다.

Figurative, Philosophical
"찢어진 깃발"

— A symbol of defeat, struggle, or a cause that has been damaged.

전투 후, 찢어진 깃발만이 남아 그날의 참상을 말해주었다.

Symbolic, Historical
"찢어진 종이처럼"

— Completely destroyed or rendered useless; utterly broken.

그의 명성은 찢어진 종이처럼 하루아침에 무너졌다.

Figurative, Comparative
"찢어진 틈새로"

— Through a small opening or opportunity; by a narrow margin.

찢어진 틈새로 희망의 빛이 보이기 시작했다.

Figurative, Hopeful
"찢어진 관계"

— A broken or estranged relationship.

그들의 찢어진 관계는 쉽게 회복되지 않았다.

Figurative, Interpersonal
"찢어진 꿈"

— Shattered dreams; aspirations that have been destroyed.

그는 찢어진 꿈 조각들을 그러모아 다시 시작하기로 결심했다.

Figurative, Emotional

Facile à confondre

찢다 vs 자르다

Both verbs involve separating materials.

찢다 refers to tearing, usually by hand, resulting in an uneven break. 자르다 refers to cutting, typically with a tool like scissors or a knife, for a cleaner division. The force and method are different.

가위로 종이를 자르세요. (Cut the paper with scissors.) vs. 손으로 종이를 찢지 마세요. (Don't tear the paper with your hands.)

찢다 vs 뜯다

Both involve tearing actions.

뜯다 usually means to tear off a part, like opening a bag or peeling something. 찢다 is more general for tearing something into pieces or making a rip. 뜯다 often implies detaching a portion, while 찢다 implies breaking the material itself.

과자 봉지를 뜯었어요. (I tore open the snack bag.) vs. 이 종이를 찢었어요. (I tore this paper.)

찢다 vs 찢어지다

It's the passive form of 찢다.

찢다 is the active verb meaning 'to tear'. 찢어지다 is the passive verb meaning 'to be torn' or 'to get torn'. You use 찢다 when you are the one doing the tearing, and 찢어지다 when something is torn on its own or by an unspecified agent.

내가 종이를 찢었다. (I tore the paper.) vs. 종이가 찢어졌다. (The paper got torn.)

찢다 vs 구기다

Both involve manipulating paper.

구기다 means to crumple or wrinkle paper. 찢다 means to tear paper, creating a rip or split. The resulting form of the paper is very different.

종이를 구겨서 쓰레기통에 버렸어요. (I crumpled the paper and threw it away.) vs. 종이를 찢어서 버렸어요. (I tore the paper and threw it away.)

찢다 vs 부수다

Both can result in damage or destruction.

부수다 is a general term for breaking or destroying something, which could involve shattering, crushing, or breaking into pieces. 찢다 specifically refers to the act of tearing or ripping a material.

장난감을 부수지 마세요. (Don't break the toy.) vs. 종이를 찢지 마세요. (Don't tear the paper.)

Structures de phrases

A2

Subject + Object + 를/을 + 찢다 (conjugated)

나는 종이를 찢었다.

A2

Object + 가/이 + 찢어지다 (conjugated)

내 옷이 찢어졌어요.

A2

Object + 를/을 + 찢어서 + Verb

봉투를 찢어서 편지를 꺼냈어요.

A2

Object + 를/을 + 찢어버리다 (conjugated)

그는 서류를 찢어버렸어요.

A2

Noun + 이/가 + 찢어지다 (conjugated)

책이 찢어졌어요.

B1

Object + 를/을 + 찢다 + -기 + 쉽다/어렵다

이 종이는 찢기 쉬워요.

B1

Object + 를/을 + 찢다 + -(으)ㄹ 수도 있다

이 천은 찢을 수도 있어요.

B1

Object + 를/을 + 찢다 + -(으)ㄹ 때

종이를 찢을 때 조심해야 해요.

Famille de mots

Noms

찢음 The act of tearing; a tear (noun form).
찢어진 것 Something that is torn; a torn item.

Verbes

찢다
찢어지다

Apparenté

뜯다 To tear off, to pull off, to peel off.
자르다 To cut.
구기다 To crumple.
붙이다 To stick, to attach.
수선하다 To mend, to repair.

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 찢다 with scissors. Use 자르다 (to cut) when using scissors or a knife.

    찢다 implies tearing by hand or force, resulting in a rough break. 자르다 implies a clean cut with a tool. Using 찢다 with scissors is incorrect.

  • Saying '옷이 찢다' instead of '옷이 찢어졌다'. '옷이 찢어졌어요.' (My clothes got torn.)

    This is a common error where learners use the active verb instead of the passive form when describing something that has been torn. The passive form 찢어지다 is used to indicate that the object itself is in a torn state.

  • Confusing 찢다 with 뜯다. Use 뜯다 for opening bags or peeling off parts; use 찢다 for tearing paper or fabric into pieces.

    While both involve tearing, 뜯다 often refers to detaching a portion (like opening a snack bag), whereas 찢다 refers to making a rip or tearing something into multiple pieces.

  • Using 찢다 for metaphorical meanings too early. Stick to the literal meaning of tearing physical objects at the A2 level.

    Metaphorical uses like '마음을 찢다' (to break one's heart) are more advanced. Using them incorrectly can sound unnatural.

  • Incorrectly conjugating the past tense. The past tense is 찢었다 (jjijeotda).

    Like other irregular verbs, 찢다 has a specific past tense form that learners need to memorize. Common errors include '찢었어' or '찢었따'.

Astuces

Master the Tense Consonant 'ㅉ'

The initial 'ㅉ' in 찢다 is a tense consonant, pronounced with more tension in the mouth than a regular 'ㅈ'. Practice saying '짜', '쩌', '쪼', '쭈' to get the feel. This will make your pronunciation much clearer and more native-like.

Distinguish Active vs. Passive

Remember that 찢다 is the active verb (to tear), while 찢어지다 is the passive form (to be torn). Use 찢다 when you are performing the action, and 찢어지다 when describing something that has become torn.

Visual Association

Imagine a piece of paper being violently ripped in half. Connect the sharp, tense sound of '찢다' with this visual of forceful separation.

Everyday Scenarios

Think about common situations where tearing occurs: opening mail, ripping packaging, or clothes getting damaged. Practice forming simple sentences around these scenarios.

Past Tense is Crucial

Most often, you'll describe tearing events that have already happened. Ensure you correctly conjugate 찢다 into its past tense form: 찢었다 (jjijeotda).

Related Verbs

Learn similar verbs like 뜯다 (to tear off) and 구기다 (to crumple) to expand your vocabulary and understand the nuances of separating materials.

Sentence Building

Create your own sentences using 찢다 and 찢어지다. Start with simple Subject-Object-Verb structures and gradually add more detail.

Passive Voice in Damage

In Korean, it's very common to use the passive form 찢어지다 when talking about clothes or items getting torn due to wear and tear or accidents. Pay attention to this pattern.

Figurative Meanings

Once you're comfortable with the literal meaning, explore figurative uses like '마음을 찢다' (to break one's heart). This shows a deeper understanding of the verb's emotional impact.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'zipper' (sounds a bit like '찢') that is broken and you have to violently 'tear' it open to get your jacket closed. The 'zipper' sound reminds you of '찢', and the action of 'tearing' is the meaning.

Association visuelle

Picture a piece of paper being forcefully ripped in half by two hands. Focus on the jagged edges and the sound of the rip. Visualize the word '찢다' appearing on the torn paper.

Word Web

Tear Rip Paper Clothes Envelope Packaging Fabric Hole Split Force Damage Accident Open Break Hand Scissors (contrast) Cut (contrast) Mend (opposite) Attach (opposite)

Défi

Try to describe five different objects in your room that could be torn. For each object, write a simple Korean sentence using 찢다 or 찢어지다 (e.g., '이 커튼은 찢어지기 쉬워요' - This curtain tears easily).

Origine du mot

The verb 찢다 is believed to be of native Korean origin. It belongs to a class of verbs that describe physical actions and often have onomatopoeic or mimetic qualities, though its exact etymological root is not definitively traced to a single ancient source. It has been used in its current form for a significant period in the Korean language.

Sens originel : The original meaning likely referred to the physical act of splitting or rending materials.

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

The verb 찢다 itself is generally neutral. However, the context in which it is used can carry emotional weight. For example, describing a loved one's torn clothing might evoke sympathy, while describing someone tearing up important documents could imply anger or destruction.

In English, we have 'tear', 'rip', 'shred', 'rend', 'lacerate'. 'Tear' and 'rip' are the closest to 찢다 in everyday usage. 'Shred' implies tearing into very thin strips, and 'rend' is more literary. 'Lacerate' refers to tearing flesh.

The phrase '마음을 찢다' (to tear one's heart) is a common expression for causing deep emotional pain, similar to 'heartbreaking' in English. In historical contexts, '찢어진 깃발' (torn flag) can symbolize defeat or a broken cause. The concept of '찢어진 시대' (torn era) refers to periods of significant division or conflict within society.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Opening packages or mail

  • 봉투를 찢었어요.
  • 이걸 찢어서 열어볼게요.
  • 포장지가 잘 안 찢어져요.

Describing damaged clothing or items

  • 내 바지가 찢어졌어.
  • 이 옷은 너무 낡아서 찢어졌어요.
  • 찢어진 신발을 신고 있어요.

Children playing or making crafts

  • 종이를 찢으며 놀아요.
  • 색종이를 찢어서 붙여요.

Accidents or careless actions

  • 실수로 종이를 찢었어요.
  • 넘어져서 옷이 찢어졌어요.

Figurative language (more advanced)

  • 마음이 찢어지는 것 같아요.
  • 그의 말은 내 마음을 찢었다.

Amorces de conversation

"혹시 종이 찢어 본 적 있어요?"

"가장 최근에 찢었던 물건은 무엇이었나요?"

"옷이 찢어졌을 때 어떻게 하세요?"

"봉투를 찢을 때 어떤 도구를 사용하시나요?"

"찢어진 물건을 보면 어떤 생각이 드나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 하루 동안 찢었던 물건이 있다면 무엇이었고, 왜 그랬는지 자세히 써보세요.

가장 아끼는 옷이 찢어졌던 경험이 있다면, 그때의 기분과 상황을 묘사해보세요.

만약 당신의 마음이 찢어진다면, 그것은 어떤 모습일지 상상해서 그려보거나 글로 써보세요.

어떤 물건을 찢는 행위가 가장 통쾌하다고 생각하나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

찢어진 종이 조각들을 모아 새로운 것을 만들 수 있다면, 무엇을 만들고 싶으신가요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The main difference lies in the method and result. 찢다 means 'to tear', usually by hand, creating an uneven or jagged break. 자르다 means 'to cut', typically using a tool like scissors or a knife for a cleaner division. Think of tearing paper with your hands versus cutting it with scissors.

You would use the passive form: '내 옷이 찢어졌어요.' (Nae osi jjijeojyeosseoyo.) This means 'my clothes got torn' or 'my clothes were torn'.

Yes, but it's often more advanced. For example, '마음을 찢다' means 'to break someone's heart' or cause deep emotional pain. At the A2 level, focus on the literal meaning of tearing physical objects.

The past tense is 찢었다 (jjijeotda). In polite speech, you would say 찢었어요 (jjijeosseoyo) or 찢었습니다 (jjijeotseumnida).

Yes, 찢다 is considered an irregular verb in Korean. Its past tense conjugation changes from 찢- to 찢었- (e.g., 찢었다, not 찢atda).

뜯다 often means 'to tear off' or 'to peel off', commonly used for opening packages (like a snack bag) or detaching a part. 찢다 is more general for tearing something into pieces or making a rip. While both involve tearing, 뜯다 often implies removing a section, whereas 찢다 implies breaking the material itself.

While technically possible in very graphic descriptions, it's not the common term. For tearing flesh, words like '베다' (to cut) or '찢기다' (to be lacerated) might be used depending on the context and severity. 찢다 is primarily for inanimate objects.

'갈기갈기 찢다' is an idiom that means 'to tear into shreds' or 'to tear to pieces'. It emphasizes the extent and violence of the tearing action.

In polite informal speech: '이것을 찢지 마세요.' (Igeoseul jjijji maseyo.) In plain informal speech: '이거 찢지 마.' (Igeo jjijji ma.)

Commonly torn items include paper (종이), envelopes (봉투), packaging (포장지), clothes (옷), plastic bags (비닐봉지), and posters (포스터).

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