떨리다 en 30 secondes
- Describes involuntary trembling, shaking, or quivering.
- Often linked to emotions like fear, nervousness, or excitement.
- Can also describe physical states like cold or fatigue.
- Used for body parts, voices, and even inanimate objects.
- Core Meaning
- The Korean verb '떨리다' (tteollida) means to tremble, shake, or quiver. It describes an involuntary, rapid movement of the body or an object, often caused by strong emotions, physical conditions, or external forces. Think of it as a subtle, rhythmic shaking.
- Emotional Trembling
- One of the most common uses of '떨리다' is to describe the physical manifestation of strong emotions like fear, nervousness, excitement, or even deep sadness. When someone is very anxious before a presentation, their hands might tremble. If you're incredibly excited about something, your voice might quiver. This emotional trembling is a universal human experience, and '떨리다' captures it perfectly in Korean.
- Physical Conditions
- Beyond emotions, '떨리다' can also describe trembling due to physical reasons. This could include shivering from cold, shaking from fatigue, or even a slight tremor due to illness. For example, if someone has been out in the cold for too long, their whole body might start to tremble. A person who is extremely tired might feel their legs trembling.
- Object Movement
- The verb isn't limited to living beings. It can also describe the shaking or vibrating of inanimate objects. A loud noise might cause a window to tremble. A poorly balanced washing machine might shake violently during its cycle. Even the leaves on a tree can tremble in the wind.
- Subtle vs. Intense
- While '떨리다' can describe a noticeable tremble, it often implies a more subtle or involuntary shaking. It's not usually used for violent shaking like an earthquake (which would use a different word like '흔들리다'). Instead, it captures that delicate, sometimes almost imperceptible quiver.
Because I was so nervous, my hands began to 떨리다.
- Subject + Object (optional) + 떨리다
- The most basic structure is simply the subject experiencing the trembling. For example, '손이 떨리다' (my hand trembles). You can also add an object that is causing the trembling, although this is less common for the verb itself and more often described with other constructions. However, when describing the *effect* on something, you might see it used in relation to an object: '창문이 떨리다' (the window trembles).
- Adding Reasons with Particles
- To explain *why* something is trembling, you'll often use particles like '-서' (seo) or '-때문에' (ttaemune) attached to the cause. For emotions, you might say '긴장해서' (because of nervousness) or '무서워서' (because of fear). For physical sensations, '추워서' (because it's cold) or '피곤해서' (because I'm tired) are common.
- Describing the Manner of Trembling
- Adverbs can be used to further describe the trembling. For instance, '가늘게 떨리다' (to tremble thinly/slightly) or '심하게 떨리다' (to tremble severely). While '심하게' might lean towards stronger shaking, it can still be used with '떨리다' to indicate a significant tremble.
- Past Tense and Other Forms
- Like all Korean verbs, '떨리다' conjugates. The past tense is '떨렸다' (tteollyeotda). The present progressive form, indicating the trembling is happening now, is '떨리고 있다' (tteolligo itda). The future tense can be expressed using '-ㄹ 것이다' (l geosida) or similar future markers.
- Common Sentence Structures
- 1. Subject + [Reason]-서 + 떨리다: My hands tremble because I'm nervous. -> 손이 긴장해서 떨려요. (Soni ginjanghaeseo tteollyeoyo.) 2. Subject + [Cause Particle] + 떨리다: My voice trembles with excitement. -> 목소리가 흥분 때문에 떨려요. (Moksoriga heungbun ttaemune tteollyeoyo.) 3. Object + 이/가 + 떨리다: The leaves tremble in the wind. -> 나뭇잎이 바람에 떨려요. (Namunnipi barame tteollyeoyo.) 4. Subject + [Adverb] + 떨리다: His voice trembled slightly. -> 그의 목소리가 약간 떨렸어요. (Geuui moksoriga yakgan tteollyeosseoyo.)
Due to the cold, my whole body began to 떨리다.
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear '떨리다' frequently in casual conversations, especially when people are sharing their feelings or experiences. If a friend tells you about a nerve-wracking job interview, they might say, '면접 볼 때 손이 떨려서 혼났어요.' (My hands trembled during the interview, and it was tough.) Or if someone is talking about being excited for a concert, they might say, '드디어 내일 콘서트인데, 벌써부터 가슴이 떨려요.' (The concert is finally tomorrow, and my heart is already trembling.)
- Dramas and Movies
- Korean dramas and movies are a goldmine for hearing '떨리다'. It's often used to portray characters experiencing intense emotions. A character facing a dangerous situation might whisper, '온몸이 떨리기 시작했어요.' (My whole body started to tremble.) A romantic scene might feature a character whose voice trembles with emotion: '그의 목소리가 떨리는 것을 들었다.' (I heard his voice trembling.) It's a key verb for conveying vulnerability and raw emotion on screen.
- News and Documentaries
- While less common than in fiction, '떨리다' can appear in news reports or documentaries when describing specific events or physical phenomena. For example, a report on a minor earthquake might mention that '건물이 약하게 떨렸다' (the building trembled slightly), though '흔들리다' (to shake) is more typical for larger movements. It might also be used in documentaries discussing physiological responses to stress or cold.
- Literature and Poetry
- In literary works, '떨리다' is used to add depth and sensory detail. Poets might use it to describe the trembling of a leaf in the wind, the quivering of a candle flame, or the subtle trembling of a character's heart. It allows writers to evoke a sense of fragility, anticipation, or deep emotion.
- Describing Physical Sensations
- Beyond just emotions, people use '떨리다' to describe physical sensations. If you're feeling unwell and your hands are shaking, you might tell someone, '손이 좀 떨리는데, 감기 기운인가 봐요.' (My hands are trembling a bit; I think I'm catching a cold.) Or after a strenuous workout, '다리가 떨려서 제대로 걷기가 힘들었어요.' (My legs were trembling, so it was hard to walk properly.)
The singer's voice began to 떨리다 as she sang the emotional ballad.
- Confusing with '흔들리다' (Heundeullida)
- This is the most frequent mistake. '흔들리다' means to shake or sway, and it's typically used for more significant, broader movements. Think of a building shaking during an earthquake ('건물이 흔들리다'), or a tree swaying in the wind ('나무가 흔들리다'). '떨리다' implies a finer, more rapid, often involuntary tremor. Using '떨리다' for a large building shaking would sound incorrect.
- Overusing for Strong Emotions
- While '떨리다' is used for emotions like fear or excitement, it doesn't always mean extreme agitation. If someone is furious, they might not '떨리다' but rather be visibly angry. '떨리다' is more about a physical manifestation of nervousness, fear, or intense anticipation rather than outright rage or shock. For extreme shock, other words might be more appropriate.
- Applying to Unintended Subjects
- '떨리다' is generally used for things that can physically tremble. You wouldn't say a concept or an idea '떨리다'. It's for physical objects or living beings. For example, you can't say '내 생각은 떨렸다' (my thought trembled). You can say '내 심장이 떨렸다' (my heart trembled), as the heart is a physical organ.
- Using it for Voluntary Movements
- '떨리다' describes involuntary or uncontrollable shaking. If you intentionally shake your hand, you wouldn't use '떨리다'. You might use '흔들다' (to shake something intentionally). For instance, you wave your hand ('손을 흔들다'), but your hand trembles from nervousness ('손이 떨리다').
- Ignoring Conjugation
- Like any verb, '떨리다' needs to be conjugated correctly according to tense, politeness level, and sentence structure. Forgetting to conjugate it or using the wrong form (e.g., using the dictionary form '떨리다' in the middle of a sentence) is a common grammatical error for learners.
Incorrect: The building 떨리다 during the earthquake.
Correct: The building 흔들리다 during the earthquake.
- 흔들리다 (Heundeullida) - To shake, sway
- Difference: '흔들리다' refers to a more substantial, often broader shaking or swaying motion. It's used for larger objects or movements. '떨리다' is for finer, more rapid, involuntary tremors.
- Example: 떨리다 - His hand trembled from nervousness. (그의 손이 긴장해서 떨렸다.)
- Example: 흔들리다 - The tree swayed in the strong wind. (나무가 강한 바람에 흔들렸다.)
- 움찔하다 (Umjjilhada) - To flinch, startle
- Difference: '움찔하다' describes a sudden, brief jerk or flinch, usually in reaction to surprise, pain, or fear. It's a quick, involuntary movement of the whole body or a part of it, not a sustained tremble.
- Example: 떨리다 - Her voice trembled as she spoke. (그녀의 목소리가 말할 때 떨렸다.)
- Example: 움찔하다 - He flinched when the door suddenly slammed. (갑자기 문이 닫히자 그는 움찔했다.)
- 벌벌 떨다 (Beolbeol tteolda) - To shiver, tremble violently
- Difference: '벌벌 떨다' is an idiomatic expression that emphasizes the intensity of trembling, often due to cold or extreme fear. '떨리다' is the base verb, while '벌벌' is an adverb that intensifies it. It's like saying 'to tremble greatly' or 'to shiver uncontrollably'.
- Example: 떨리다 - My knees trembled. (무릎이 떨렸다.)
- Example: 벌벌 떨다 - He shivered violently from the cold. (그는 추워서 벌벌 떨었다.)
- 가늘게 떨다 (Ganeulge tteolda) - To tremble slightly
- Difference: Similar to '벌벌 떨다', this is an adverb-verb combination. '가늘게' means 'thinly' or 'finely', so this phrase describes a very subtle, fine tremor.
- Example: 떨리다 - Her voice trembled. (그녀의 목소리가 떨렸다.)
- Example: 가늘게 떨다 - His fingers trembled slightly. (그의 손가락이 가늘게 떨렸다.)
Sentences using '떨리다' and alternatives:
My hands 떨렸어요 (trembled) because I was nervous.
The building 흔들렸어요 (shook) during the earthquake.
He 움찔했어요 (flinched) when he heard the loud noise.
She 벌벌 떨었어요 (shivered violently) in the freezing weather.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
Many Korean verbs describing physical sensations and movements, like '떨리다', have roots that are imitative of the actual action or sound. This makes them quite descriptive once you understand the underlying concept.
Guide de prononciation
- Mispronouncing the initial tense consonant 'ㄸ' as a simple 'ㄷ' or 'ㅌ'.
- Not using the flap sound for 'ㄹ', making it sound more like an English 'l'.
- Incorrect vowel pronunciation for 'ㅣ'.
Niveau de difficulté
CEFR A2 level. The word '떨리다' is relatively common and its meaning is often conveyed through context. Learners might initially confuse it with '흔들리다', but with exposure to examples, the distinction becomes clearer.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Using '-서' to indicate cause and effect.
추워서 손이 떨렸어요. (Because it was cold, my hands trembled.)
Using adverbs to describe the manner of trembling.
그의 목소리가 가늘게 떨렸다. (His voice trembled thinly/slightly.)
Using the adjective form '-는' before a noun.
떨리는 목소리로 말했다. (Spoke with a trembling voice.)
Using '~고 있다' for continuous action.
차가운 바람에 잎사귀들이 가늘게 떨리고 있었다. (The leaves were trembling slightly in the cold wind.)
Using the past tense '-었/았/였다'.
어제 너무 긴장해서 손이 떨렸다. (Yesterday, my hands trembled because I was so nervous.)
Exemples par niveau
추워서 손이 떨렸어요.
My hands trembled because I was cold.
The particle '-서' connects the reason (cold) to the result (trembling hands).
너무 긴장해서 목소리가 떨렸어요.
My voice trembled because I was so nervous.
'너무' (too) intensifies the nervousness.
작은 새가 나뭇가지에서 떨렸어요.
The small bird trembled on the branch.
The particle '-에서' indicates the location where the trembling occurred.
깜짝 놀라서 몸이 떨렸어요.
My body trembled because I was startled.
'깜짝 놀라서' is a common phrase for being startled.
기계가 이상하게 떨렸어요.
The machine trembled strangely.
'이상하게' (strangely) describes the manner of trembling.
떨리는 목소리로 말했어요.
I spoke with a trembling voice.
The adjective form '떨리는' modifies '목소리' (voice).
무서워서 다리가 떨렸어요.
My legs trembled because I was scared.
The particle '-서' links the emotion (fear) to the physical reaction (trembling legs).
심장이 떨리는 것을 느꼈어요.
I felt my heart trembling.
'~는 것을 느끼다' means 'to feel that ~'.
발표를 앞두고 손이 떨리기 시작했어요.
My hands started to tremble ahead of the presentation.
'~를 앞두고' means 'ahead of' or 'before'.
너무 흥분해서 목소리가 떨렸습니다.
My voice trembled because I was so excited.
The formal ending '-습니다' is used here.
차가운 바람에 잎사귀들이 가늘게 떨리고 있었다.
The leaves were trembling slightly in the cold wind.
'가늘게' means 'finely' or 'slightly', and '-고 있었다' indicates a continuous action in the past.
그는 무서운 소리를 듣고 몸을 떨었다.
He trembled from hearing a scary sound.
The particle '-고' connects the action of hearing to the reaction of trembling.
오래 걸었더니 다리가 떨려서 앉았어요.
My legs trembled because I walked for a long time, so I sat down.
'~더니' indicates a consequence or result observed after an action.
떨리는 목소리로 자신의 소망을 이야기했다.
He spoke of his wishes with a trembling voice.
'자신의' means 'one's own'.
전기가 통하는지 확인하려고 금속이 떨리는지 보았다.
I watched to see if the metal was trembling to check if it was conducting electricity.
This sentence explores a more technical application of trembling.
그녀의 눈가가 떨리는 것을 나는 알아차렸다.
I noticed her eyes trembling.
'눈가' refers to the area around the eyes. '알아차리다' means 'to notice' or 'to realize'.
중요한 시험을 앞두고 수험생들의 손이 떨리는 것은 흔한 일이다.
It is common for students' hands to tremble before an important exam.
'수험생' refers to exam takers. '흔한 일이다' means 'it is a common occurrence'.
그녀는 너무 감격해서 목소리가 떨릴 수밖에 없었다.
She couldn't help but have her voice tremble because she was so moved.
'~ㄹ 수밖에 없었다' means 'could not help but ~'.
차가운 밤공기에 닿자 촛불의 심지가 가늘게 떨렸다.
The wick of the candle trembled slightly upon contact with the cold night air.
'심지' means wick. '~에 닿자' means 'as soon as it touched ~'.
갑작스러운 천둥소리에 그는 온몸으로 떨었다.
He trembled with his whole body at the sudden thunder.
'온몸으로 떨었다' emphasizes the trembling of the entire body.
오랜 시간 동안 험준한 산을 등반했더니 다리가 후들거릴 정도로 떨렸다.
My legs trembled to the point of becoming weak after climbing the rugged mountain for a long time.
'험준한' means rugged. '후들거리다' is a synonym for trembling due to weakness or fear.
그는 떨리는 목소리로 자신의 지난날의 잘못을 고백했다.
He confessed his past mistakes in a trembling voice.
'지난날의 잘못' means 'past mistakes'.
이 장치는 미세한 진동을 감지하기 위해 떨림을 이용한다.
This device uses trembling to detect minute vibrations.
'미세한 진동' means 'minute vibrations'.
그녀의 굳은 표정 속에서도 분노로 인한 떨림을 나는 감지할 수 있었다.
Even within her stern expression, I could sense a trembling due to anger.
'굳은 표정' means 'stern expression'. '분노로 인한 떨림' means 'trembling caused by anger'.
극도의 긴장감 속에서, 그의 심장은 갈비뼈를 부술 듯이 떨리고 있었다.
In extreme tension, his heart was trembling as if to break his ribs.
'갈비뼈를 부술 듯이' is a figurative expression meaning 'as if to break the ribs'.
감격적인 순간에 그녀의 목소리는 기쁨과 슬픔이 뒤섞여 떨렸다.
At the emotional moment, her voice trembled, mixed with joy and sadness.
'감격적인 순간' means 'an emotional moment'. '뒤섞여' means 'mixed'.
차가운 밤공기 속에서, 그녀는 낡은 코트 속에서 몸을 떨었다.
In the cold night air, she trembled within her old coat.
'낡은 코트' means 'old coat'.
예상치 못한 비극적인 소식에 그는 잠시 동안 현실 감각을 잃고 떨었다.
Upon hearing the unexpected tragic news, he trembled for a moment, losing his sense of reality.
'현실 감각을 잃고' means 'losing his sense of reality'.
수년간의 훈련에도 불구하고, 결승선을 통과할 때마다 그의 다리는 긴장으로 떨렸다.
Despite years of training, his legs trembled with tension every time he crossed the finish line.
'결승선' means 'finish line'. '긴장으로 떨렸다' means 'trembled with tension'.
그는 떨리는 목소리로 자신의 결백을 주장했지만, 그의 눈빛은 흔들리고 있었다.
He asserted his innocence in a trembling voice, but his eyes were wavering.
'결백' means 'innocence'. '눈빛은 흔들리고 있었다' implies their gaze was unsteady.
이 민감한 장비는 지구의 아주 작은 떨림조차 감지할 수 있도록 설계되었다.
This sensitive equipment is designed to detect even the slightest tremors of the Earth.
'민감한 장비' means 'sensitive equipment'. '지구의 아주 작은 떨림' means 'the Earth's very small tremors'.
그녀의 겉으로는 침착한 태도 아래, 격렬한 감정으로 인한 떨림이 분명히 느껴졌다.
Beneath her outwardly calm demeanor, a trembling due to intense emotions was clearly felt.
'겉으로는 침착한 태도' means 'outwardly calm demeanor'. '격렬한 감정' means 'intense emotions'.
그의 떨리는 손은 그가 겪었던 심리적 고통의 깊이를 여실히 보여주었다.
His trembling hands clearly showed the depth of the psychological suffering he had experienced.
'심리적 고통' means 'psychological suffering'. '여실히 보여주었다' means 'clearly showed'.
감격에 찬 그녀의 목소리는 마침내 억눌렀던 감정이 터져 나오며 떨렸다.
Her voice, filled with emotion, trembled as the suppressed feelings finally burst forth.
'감격에 찬' means 'filled with emotion'. '억눌렀던 감정' means 'suppressed feelings'.
차가운 밤공기 속에서, 앙상한 나뭇가지들이 바람에 춤추듯 떨리고 있었다.
In the cold night air, the bare branches of the trees were trembling as if dancing in the wind.
'앙상한 나뭇가지' means 'bare branches'. '춤추듯' means 'as if dancing'.
예상치 못한 충격적인 사건은 그의 세계를 송두리째 흔들었고, 그는 마치 어린아이처럼 떨었다.
The unexpected shocking event shook his world to its core, and he trembled like a child.
'송두리째 흔들었고' means 'shook to its core'. '마치 어린아이처럼' means 'like a child'.
수년간의 혹독한 훈련으로 단련된 그의 근육조차도 극한의 피로로 인해 떨리기 시작했다.
Even his muscles, hardened by years of harsh training, began to tremble due to extreme fatigue.
'혹독한 훈련으로 단련된' means 'hardened by harsh training'. '극한의 피로' means 'extreme fatigue'.
그는 떨리는 목소리로 진실을 말하려 했지만, 그의 망설임은 그의 말을 더욱 의심스럽게 만들었다.
He tried to speak the truth in a trembling voice, but his hesitation made his words even more suspect.
'망설임' means 'hesitation'. '의심스럽게 만들었다' means 'made suspect'.
이 고감도 센서는 지구의 미세한 움직임, 즉 미세한 떨림까지도 포착할 수 있도록 정밀하게 조정되었다.
This high-sensitivity sensor has been precisely calibrated to capture even the slightest movements of the Earth, i.e., minute tremors.
'고감도 센서' means 'high-sensitivity sensor'. '정밀하게 조정되었다' means 'precisely calibrated'.
그녀의 겉으로는 냉정한 모습 뒤에는, 억눌린 불안감으로 인한 미세한 떨림이 숨어 있었다.
Behind her outwardly cold appearance, a subtle trembling due to suppressed anxiety was hidden.
'겉으로는 냉정한 모습' means 'outwardly cold appearance'. '억눌린 불안감' means 'suppressed anxiety'.
그의 떨리는 손은 과거의 트라우마가 그의 신경계를 얼마나 깊이 파고들었는지를 말없이 증언하고 있었다.
His trembling hands silently testified to how deeply past trauma had infiltrated his nervous system.
'트라우마' means 'trauma'. '신경계를 얼마나 깊이 파고들었는지' means 'how deeply it had infiltrated the nervous system'.
감격의 눈물을 흘리며, 그녀의 목소리는 벅찬 감정으로 인해 거의 알아들을 수 없을 정도로 떨렸다.
Weeping tears of emotion, her voice trembled with overwhelming feelings to the point of being almost inaudible.
'벅찬 감정' means 'overwhelming feelings'. '거의 알아들을 수 없을 정도로' means 'to the point of being almost inaudible'.
혹독한 겨울밤, 앙상한 나뭇가지들은 마치 죽음의 무도회에 참여하는 듯 격렬하게 떨리고 있었다.
On the harsh winter night, the bare branches of the trees were trembling violently as if participating in a dance of death.
'죽음의 무도회' is a metaphorical 'dance of death'.
그 예상치 못한 사건의 여파는 그의 내면에 깊은 균열을 일으켰고, 그는 정신적으로나 육체적으로 떨기 시작했다.
The aftermath of that unexpected event caused deep fissures within him, and he began to tremble both mentally and physically.
'여파' means 'aftermath'. '내면에 깊은 균열' means 'deep fissures within'.
수십 년간의 혹독한 훈련으로 다져진 그의 신체조차도, 마지막 순간의 극심한 압박감으로 인해 미세하게 떨리기 시작했다.
Even his body, forged through decades of harsh training, began to tremble subtly due to the extreme pressure of the final moment.
'다져진' means 'forged' or 'hardened'. '극심한 압박감' means 'extreme pressure'.
그는 떨리는 목소리로 자신의 결백을 주장했지만, 그의 떨림은 오히려 그의 죄책감을 더욱 부각시키는 역설적인 효과를 낳았다.
He asserted his innocence in a trembling voice, but his trembling paradoxically served to highlight his guilt even more.
'죄책감을 더욱 부각시키는 역설적인 효과' means 'a paradoxical effect that further highlights his guilt'.
이 최첨단 지진계는 지구 표면의 가장 미세한 떨림, 즉 지각 활동의 미묘한 전조까지도 실시간으로 포착하도록 설계되었다.
This state-of-the-art seismograph is designed to capture the Earth's subtlest tremors, even the subtle precursors of geological activity, in real-time.
'최첨단 지진계' means 'state-of-the-art seismograph'. '지각 활동의 미묘한 전조' means 'subtle precursors of geological activity'.
그녀의 겉으로는 무심한 태도 이면에는, 억눌린 불안과 자기혐오가 뒤섞여 만들어낸 복잡한 떨림이 자리 잡고 있었다.
Beneath her outwardly indifferent attitude lay a complex trembling born from a mixture of suppressed anxiety and self-loathing.
'무심한 태도' means 'indifferent attitude'. '자기혐오' means 'self-loathing'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Hands are trembling.
면접 볼 때 손이 떨려서 힘들었어요. (My hands trembled during the interview, which was difficult.)
— Voice is quivering.
감격해서 목소리가 떨렸어요. (My voice quivered with emotion.)
— Body is trembling.
너무 추워서 몸이 떨렸어요. (My body trembled because it was so cold.)
— Legs are trembling.
무서워서 다리가 후들거렸어요. (My legs were trembling from fear.)
— Heart is trembling (often used for excitement or nervousness).
중요한 발표를 앞두고 심장이 떨렸다. (My heart trembled before the important presentation.)
— With a trembling voice.
그는 떨리는 목소리로 자신의 이야기를 시작했다. (He began his story in a trembling voice.)
— To tremble slightly or thinly.
촛불이 바람에 가늘게 떨렸다. (The candle flame trembled slightly in the wind.)
— To shiver violently.
그는 추위에 벌벌 떨었다. (He shivered violently in the cold.)
— With a trembling heart/mind.
떨리는 마음으로 결과를 기다렸다. (I waited for the results with a trembling heart.)
— Whole body is trembling.
그 소식을 듣고 온몸이 떨렸다. (My whole body trembled upon hearing that news.)
Souvent confondu avec
This is the most common confusion. '떨리다' is for fine, rapid tremors, while '흔들리다' is for larger, broader shaking or swaying.
'움찔하다' is a sudden flinch or jerk, a quick reaction, not a sustained tremble.
'진동하다' means to vibrate, often used for machinery or scientific contexts, and implies a more mechanical or sustained vibration.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Literally 'heart makes a thudding sound', this idiom is similar to 'my heart skipped a beat' or 'my heart dropped'. It describes a sudden feeling of fear, shock, or disappointment.
갑자기 사고 소식을 듣고 심장이 덜컹거렸다.
Informal— Literally 'liver and gallbladder become cold', this idiom means to be chilled to the bone, usually from fear or a frightening experience.
그 귀신 이야기는 듣기만 해도 간담이 서늘해진다.
Neutral— Literally 'whole body feels creepy/chilly', this idiom describes a feeling of unease, goosebumps, or a shiver down one's spine, often due to fear or a spooky atmosphere.
밤늦게 혼자 걷는데 온몸이 으스스했다.
Informal— To break out in a cold sweat. This usually happens when one is very nervous, scared, or embarrassed.
면접관 앞에서 식은땀을 흘렸다.
Neutral— Literally 'to grip sweat in one's hands', this idiom means to be on the edge of your seat, intensely engrossed or anxious about an outcome.
경기 마지막 순간에 손에 땀을 쥐고 지켜봤다.
Informal— Teeth chattering together. This is a direct physical manifestation of intense cold or fear.
너무 추워서 이빨이 딱딱 부딪혔다.
Informal— To feel faint or dizzy, often from shock, fear, or a sudden realization.
그 충격적인 말을 듣고 정신이 아찔했다.
Neutral— Literally 'the spine gets goosebumps', this idiom describes a sudden feeling of fear or dread, similar to 'a shiver down your spine'.
어두운 골목길을 혼자 걸을 때 등골이 오싹했다.
Informal— Literally 'heart sinks down with a thud'. This describes a feeling of sudden despair, disappointment, or dread.
시험에 떨어졌다는 소식을 듣고 심장이 쿵 내려앉았다.
Informal— To lose energy, to feel drained. This can be a result of fear, exhaustion, or emotional distress.
그 말을 듣고 기운이 다 빠졌다.
NeutralFacile à confondre
Both verbs describe a form of shaking or movement.
'떨리다' refers to a fine, rapid, often involuntary tremor, typically caused by emotions or physical conditions. '흔들리다' refers to a larger, more general shaking or swaying motion, like a building during an earthquake or a tree in the wind.
손이 떨리다 (hands tremble) vs. 건물이 흔들리다 (building shakes).
Both can describe a reaction to something startling or frightening.
'떨리다' is a sustained trembling or quivering, often of a body part or voice. '움찔하다' is a sudden, brief jerk or flinch, a quick, involuntary reaction to surprise or pain.
무서워서 몸이 떨렸다 (My body trembled from fear) vs. 갑자기 소리에 움찔했다 (I flinched at the sudden noise).
It is a related expression emphasizing trembling.
'바들바들 떨다' is an idiomatic expression that intensifies '떨리다', specifically meaning to shiver violently or tremble intensely, often due to extreme cold or fear. '떨리다' is the base verb and can describe less intense trembling.
추워서 떨렸다 (I trembled from the cold - general) vs. 추워서 바들바들 떨었다 (I shivered violently from the cold - emphatic).
It is a descriptive phrase using the base verb.
'가늘게 떨다' is a phrase that specifies the *manner* of trembling as being fine or slight. '떨리다' is the general verb for trembling, and '가늘게' modifies it to indicate a subtle tremor.
손이 떨렸다 (My hand trembled) vs. 손이 가늘게 떨렸다 (My hand trembled slightly).
Both can refer to vibrations.
'진동하다' typically refers to a more sustained, often mechanical vibration, like that of a machine or a mobile phone. '떨리다' is usually for more subtle, involuntary tremors of living beings or delicate objects.
기계가 진동했다 (The machine vibrated) vs. 촛불이 떨렸다 (The candle flame trembled).
Structures de phrases
Subject + [Reason]-서 + 떨리다.
추워서 몸이 떨렸어요.
Subject + 이/가 + 떨리다.
손이 떨렸어요.
Subject + [Adverb] + 떨리다.
목소리가 가늘게 떨렸다.
떨리는 + Noun.
떨리는 목소리로 말했다.
Subject + [Cause]-에 + 떨리다.
차가운 바람에 잎사귀가 떨렸다.
Subject + [Emotion]-아서/어서 + 떨리다.
감격해서 목소리가 떨렸다.
Subject + [Cause] + 로/으로 + 떨리다.
긴장으로 손이 떨렸다.
Subject + [Adverb] + 떨리다 + -(으)ㄴ/는 것.
그의 목소리가 떨리는 것을 느꼈다.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High
-
Using '떨리다' for large-scale shaking.
→
Using '흔들리다' for large-scale shaking.
'떨리다' describes a fine, rapid tremor (like a hand trembling), whereas '흔들리다' describes a larger, more general shaking or swaying (like a building shaking).
-
Confusing '떨리다' with '움찔하다'.
→
Use '떨리다' for sustained trembling and '움찔하다' for a sudden flinch.
'떨리다' implies a continuous, often involuntary tremor. '움찔하다' is a sudden, quick jerk or flinch, a reaction to surprise or pain.
-
Forgetting to conjugate the verb.
→
Conjugating '떨리다' according to tense and politeness level.
Like all Korean verbs, '떨리다' needs to be conjugated. For example, '떨렸어요' (past tense, polite informal) or '떨릴 거예요' (future tense, polite informal).
-
Using '떨리다' for voluntary movements.
→
Using '떨리다' for involuntary movements.
'떨리다' specifically refers to trembling that is not consciously controlled, usually due to emotions, cold, or fatigue. For intentional shaking, use verbs like '흔들다'.
-
Not distinguishing between '떨리다' and its noun form '떨림'.
→
Using '떨리다' as a verb and '떨림' as a noun.
'떨리다' is the verb (to tremble), while '떨림' is the noun (trembling, vibration). For example, '손이 떨렸어요' (My hand trembled - verb) vs. '목소리에 떨림이 있었어요' (There was a tremor in my voice - noun).
Astuces
Mastering the Initial 'ㄸ'
The initial 'ㄸ' in '떨리다' is a tense consonant. Practice pronouncing it with a firm, clear sound without excessive aspiration. It's different from the aspirated 'ㅌ' (like 't' in 'top') and the unaspirated 'ㄷ' (like 'd' in 'dog'). Focusing on this initial sound will make your pronunciation much more accurate.
Connecting Cause and Effect
The particle '-서' is frequently used with '떨리다' to explain the reason for the trembling. For example, '추워서 떨렸어요' (I trembled because it was cold). Practice forming sentences using '-서' to link a cause to the effect of trembling.
Describing Physical Sensations
Use '떨리다' to vividly describe physical sensations. Instead of just saying 'I was cold,' you can say '몸이 떨렸어요' (My body trembled). This adds more descriptive power to your language.
Visualize the Tremble
Create a mental image for '떨리다'. Imagine a tiny leaf fluttering rapidly on a branch, or the subtle vibration of a glass of water. Associating the word with a clear visual can significantly aid memory.
Differentiate from '흔들리다'
Remember that '떨리다' is for fine, rapid tremors, while '흔들리다' is for larger, more general shaking. Think of a trembling hand ('손이 떨리다') versus a shaking house ('집이 흔들리다').
Sentence Building
Try to create your own sentences using '떨리다' in various contexts: fear, excitement, cold, etc. Write them down and say them aloud to reinforce your understanding and pronunciation.
Emotional Expression
In Korean culture, '떨리다' is a common way to express the physical side of strong emotions. Notice how it's used in K-dramas to show a character's inner turmoil or intense feelings.
Adjective Form
The adjective form '떨리는' (tteollineun) is very useful for describing things that are trembling. For example, '떨리는 목소리' (a trembling voice) or '떨리는 손' (trembling hands).
Nuance with Adverbs
Combine '떨리다' with adverbs like '가늘게' (slightly) or '벌벌' (violently) to add more specific detail about the nature of the trembling. For example, '가늘게 떨리다' (to tremble slightly) or '벌벌 떨다' (to tremble violently).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a tiny bird's wings. They flutter very fast, causing the bird to '떨리다'. Or think of your hands '떨리다' when you're nervous, like a 'tell-tale' sign.
Association visuelle
Picture a leaf '떨리다'ing on a tree branch in a gentle breeze, or a glass of water with tiny ripples '떨리다'ing on its surface. You can also visualize someone's knees '떨리다'ing from fear.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe five different situations where something might '떨리다'. For each situation, write a short sentence in Korean using the word correctly. For example: 1. Cold weather: 추워서 손이 떨렸다. 2. Meeting a celebrity: 그 가수를 보고 심장이 떨렸다.
Origine du mot
The word '떨리다' is believed to have originated from onomatopoeic roots, mimicking the sound or sensation of rapid, small movements. It's part of a larger group of words describing various types of shaking and vibrating in Korean.
Sens originel : Likely imitative of the sound or sensation of rapid, small movements.
KoreanicContexte culturel
The word '떨리다' can convey vulnerability. Describing someone's trembling voice or hands can evoke sympathy and understanding.
In English, we have many words for shaking: tremble, shake, shiver, quiver, vibrate. '떨리다' covers the nuances of these, especially the fine, involuntary movements related to emotions and physical states.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Expressing fear or nervousness
- 너무 긴장해서 손이 떨렸어요.
- 무서워서 다리가 떨렸어요.
- 떨리는 목소리로 말했어요.
Describing physical sensations (cold, fatigue)
- 추워서 몸이 떨렸어요.
- 오래 걸어서 다리가 떨렸어요.
- 기운이 없어서 몸이 떨렸어요.
Expressing excitement or strong emotion
- 콘서트 생각에 심장이 떨렸어요.
- 감격해서 목소리가 떨렸어요.
- 좋은 소식을 듣고 떨렸어요.
Describing object movement
- 바람에 나뭇잎이 떨렸어요.
- 기계가 이상하게 떨렸어요.
- 차가운 물에 닿자 금속이 떨렸어요.
Describing subtle emotional cues
- 그녀의 눈가가 떨리는 것을 보았다.
- 그의 표정이 떨리는 것을 느꼈다.
Amorces de conversation
"오늘 날씨가 너무 추운데, 몸이 좀 떨리나요?"
"혹시 중요한 발표를 앞두고 떨린 경험이 있나요?"
"가장 떨렸던 순간은 언제였어요?"
"무서울 때 몸이 떨리는 편인가요, 아니면 다른 반응이 있나요?"
"기쁜 소식을 들었을 때 심장이 떨리는 것을 느껴본 적 있어요?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time when your hands trembled due to nervousness or fear. What was the situation, and how did you feel?
Write about a moment when you felt intense excitement. Did any part of your body tremble?
Reflect on a time you were very cold. How did your body react? Did you '떨리다'?
Imagine you are watching a suspenseful movie. Describe the physical sensations you experience, including any trembling.
Think about a time you received surprising news, either good or bad. How did your voice or body react?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe main difference lies in the scale and nature of the movement. '떨리다' describes a fine, rapid, often involuntary tremor, typically associated with emotions like fear or excitement, or physical states like cold. Think of a trembling hand or a quivering voice. '흔들리다', on the other hand, describes a larger, more general shaking or swaying motion. For example, a building shaking during an earthquake ('건물이 흔들리다') or a tree swaying in the wind ('나무가 흔들리다').
Koreans use '떨리다' to describe the physical manifestation of strong emotions. Common examples include hands trembling from nervousness ('손이 떨리다'), a voice quivering with excitement or sadness ('목소리가 떨리다'), or the heart trembling with anticipation or fear ('심장이 떨리다'). It's a way to express inner feelings through outward physical signs.
Yes, '떨리다' can be used for inanimate objects, but it generally implies a subtle, fine vibration rather than a large shake. For instance, a candle flame might tremble in a breeze ('촛불이 떨리다'), or a delicate piece of equipment might show a slight tremor ('장비가 떨리다'). For larger movements of objects, '흔들리다' is more appropriate.
Common reasons include being very cold ('추워서 몸이 떨리다'), extreme fear or nervousness ('무서워서 몸이 떨리다', '긴장해서 몸이 떨리다'), intense excitement ('흥분해서 몸이 떨리다'), or severe fatigue ('피곤해서 몸이 떨리다'). It's a versatile verb for involuntary physical reactions.
Generally, '떨리다' describes involuntary movements. It refers to tremors that happen without conscious control, often triggered by emotions or physical conditions. If you intentionally shake something, you would use a different verb like '흔들다' (to shake something).
The noun form of '떨리다' is '떨림' (tteollim). It refers to the state or phenomenon of trembling or vibration itself. For example, '그의 목소리에 떨림이 있었다' means 'There was a tremor in his voice.'
You can say '떨리는 목소리' (tteollineun moksori). '떨리는' is the adjective form derived from '떨리다', modifying the noun '목소리' (voice).
Yes, it's quite common to say '심장이 떨리다' (simjangi tteollida), which translates to 'my heart is trembling'. This is often used to express feelings of excitement, anticipation, or nervousness, similar to how one might say 'my heart is pounding' or 'my heart is fluttering' in English.
'떨리다' is the general verb for trembling. '벌벌 떨다' is a more emphatic and descriptive phrase that means to shiver or tremble violently, often due to extreme cold or intense fear. It emphasizes the intensity and uncontrollability of the trembling.
Not inherently negative, but it often implies a state of being affected by something external (emotion, cold, etc.) or a lack of complete control. It can convey vulnerability. However, it's a neutral descriptive verb and is used in many contexts without negative judgment.
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Summary
Use '떨리다' for involuntary trembling, often caused by emotions like fear or excitement, or by physical conditions like cold. Differentiate it from '흔들리다' which implies larger shaking.
- Describes involuntary trembling, shaking, or quivering.
- Often linked to emotions like fear, nervousness, or excitement.
- Can also describe physical states like cold or fatigue.
- Used for body parts, voices, and even inanimate objects.
Mastering the Initial 'ㄸ'
The initial 'ㄸ' in '떨리다' is a tense consonant. Practice pronouncing it with a firm, clear sound without excessive aspiration. It's different from the aspirated 'ㅌ' (like 't' in 'top') and the unaspirated 'ㄷ' (like 'd' in 'dog'). Focusing on this initial sound will make your pronunciation much more accurate.
Context is Key
Always pay attention to the context when you encounter '떨리다'. Is it describing a person's emotional state, a physical reaction to the environment, or the subtle movement of an object? Understanding the context will help you grasp the precise meaning and avoid confusing it with similar words like '흔들리다'.
Connecting Cause and Effect
The particle '-서' is frequently used with '떨리다' to explain the reason for the trembling. For example, '추워서 떨렸어요' (I trembled because it was cold). Practice forming sentences using '-서' to link a cause to the effect of trembling.
Describing Physical Sensations
Use '떨리다' to vividly describe physical sensations. Instead of just saying 'I was cold,' you can say '몸이 떨렸어요' (My body trembled). This adds more descriptive power to your language.
Contenu associé
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받아들이다
A2Accepter, admettre, intégrer.
아파하다
A2Ressentir de la douleur ou du chagrin (souvent observé chez autrui).
감탄스럽다
A2Leur dévouement à la cause est tout simplement admirable.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2Admirer ou s'émerveiller ; exprimer son étonnement face à quelque chose de beau ou d'exceptionnel.
기특하다
B1Admirable pour une bonne action ou une pensée mature.
충고
B1Conseils ou recommandations offerts en vue d'une action future prudente ; avis sincère.
애정
B1Affection; un sentiment doux de tendresse ou d'attachement.
애틋하다
B2Leur amour tendre et mélancolique a ému tout le monde.
살갑다
B22 rich native sent
