dirty 30초 만에
- Dirty is a basic adjective meaning 'not clean'. It describes physical objects covered in mud, dust, or stains that require washing to be restored.
- The word is the direct opposite of 'clean' and is commonly used in daily life for things like dirty dishes, laundry, and hands.
- Metaphorically, 'dirty' describes unfair actions, dishonest behavior, or corrupt systems, such as 'dirty politics' or 'a dirty trick'.
- Grammatically, it is a gradable adjective with comparative 'dirtier' and superlative 'dirtiest', often used with verbs like 'get' and 'make'.
The word dirty is a fundamental adjective in the English language, primarily used to describe the state of being unclean or soiled. At its most basic level, it refers to the presence of unwanted substances—such as mud, dust, grease, or stains—on a surface, object, or person. When something is dirty, it usually requires cleaning, washing, or scrubbing to return it to its original, pure state. This concept is one of the first things children learn, as it relates to hygiene and physical appearance. Imagine a child playing in a garden; their hands become covered in soil. In this context, we say their hands are dirty. The word acts as the direct opposite of 'clean'.
- Physical State
- Covered with earth, grime, or any substance that makes something look or feel unwashed.
- Hygiene Level
- Potentially carrying germs or bacteria, making it unsafe for contact with food or wounds.
- Visual Appearance
- Dull, spotted, or darkened by the accumulation of particles over time.
Beyond the physical, 'dirty' extends into the realm of morality and ethics. It can describe actions that are unfair, dishonest, or socially unacceptable. For instance, a 'dirty trick' in a game implies cheating or taking an unfair advantage. In politics, 'dirty' often refers to corruption or the use of scandalous information to ruin an opponent's reputation. This metaphorical use is very common in adult conversation and media, moving the word from a simple A1 physical description to a more complex B2 or C1 conceptual tool. It suggests a lack of purity not just in a physical sense, but in character or intent.
"Don't sit on the white sofa with those dirty jeans!"
In terms of sensory experience, 'dirty' isn't just about what we see; it's about what we feel and smell. A dirty room might have a stale odor; dirty clothes might feel stiff or damp. The word evokes a sense of discomfort or the need for action. In the world of technology, we even talk about 'dirty data'—information that is incorrect, duplicated, or incomplete. This shows how the word has evolved to fit the digital age, maintaining its core meaning of 'impurity' while adapting to new environments. Whether it's a 'dirty look' (an angry expression) or 'dirty money' (money from crime), the word always carries a negative connotation of something being tainted.
"The windows were so dirty that we could hardly see the garden outside."
- Moral Context
- Dishonest or unethical behavior, such as 'dirty politics'.
- Emotional Context
- Feeling ashamed or guilty, often described as 'feeling dirty'.
Finally, the word is used in various idiomatic expressions that enrich its meaning. To 'do the dirty' on someone means to treat them badly or betray them. A 'dirty weekend' refers to a secret or illicit romantic getaway. These nuances show that while a beginner learns 'dirty' to talk about mud, a proficient speaker uses it to navigate complex social and moral landscapes. The word is versatile, powerful, and essential for describing the imperfections of the world around us.
Using the word dirty correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective and its various degrees of intensity. Most commonly, it is used before a noun (attributive position) or after a linking verb like 'be', 'look', or 'get' (predicative position). For example, you can say 'the dirty car' or 'the car is dirty'. It is a gradable adjective, meaning it can be modified by adverbs of degree such as 'very', 'extremely', 'quite', or 'a bit'.
- With Verbs
- Commonly paired with 'get' (to become dirty) or 'make' (to cause something to be dirty).
- With Adverbs
- Use 'filthy' or 'disgustingly' for extreme cases, and 'slightly' for minor issues.
"He got his new shoes dirty within five minutes of going outside."
One important aspect of usage is the distinction between 'dirty' and its synonyms. While 'dirty' is the general term, 'messy' refers to things being out of order (like a room with clothes on the floor), whereas 'dirty' specifically implies the presence of grime or filth. You can have a messy room that is actually clean (no dust), or a tidy room that is dirty (covered in germs). Understanding this distinction helps in being more precise in your descriptions.
In professional contexts, 'dirty' is often used metaphorically. In the tech industry, 'dirty data' refers to records that contain errors. In finance, 'dirty money' refers to funds obtained through illegal activities. When using the word in these ways, it's important to ensure the context is clear so that the listener doesn't think you are talking about physical dirt. The word can also be used as a verb (to dirty something), though 'soil' or 'stain' are often preferred in more formal writing.
"The politician was accused of playing a dirty game to win the election."
- Collocations
- Dirty laundry, dirty dishes, dirty jokes, dirty look, dirty work.
- Phrasal Verbs
- While 'dirty' isn't a phrasal verb itself, it often appears in phrases like 'dirty up'.
You will encounter the word dirty in a vast array of daily situations, ranging from domestic chores to high-stakes political dramas. In a household setting, it is perhaps most frequent. Parents often tell children to wash their 'dirty hands' before dinner, or complain about a 'dirty floor' after someone walks in with muddy boots. In the kitchen, 'dirty dishes' are a constant topic of conversation. These are the most literal and common uses of the word, forming the backbone of its A1-level utility.
"I need to do a load of laundry; I don't have any clean shirts left, only dirty ones."
In the workplace, the word takes on different shades. You might hear about 'dirty work'—this doesn't necessarily mean getting your hands physically soiled, but rather performing the unpleasant or difficult tasks that no one else wants to do. In investigative journalism or crime dramas, you'll frequently hear about 'dirty cops' (corrupt police officers) or 'dirty deals' (illegal or unethical business agreements). Here, the word is a powerful tool for social critique, highlighting a lack of integrity.
In the world of sports, 'dirty' describes players who play unfairly or try to injure their opponents. A 'dirty tackle' in soccer or a 'dirty player' in basketball are common terms used by commentators and fans alike. Additionally, in the entertainment industry, 'dirty' is used to describe humor that is ribald or sexually suggestive. 'Dirty jokes' or 'dirty movies' are terms everyone understands to mean content that is for adults or contains explicit themes.
- In the City
- Describing 'dirty streets' or 'dirty air' (pollution).
- In Relationships
- Giving someone a 'dirty look' to show disapproval or anger.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing dirty with messy. While they are related, they describe different types of disorder. 'Dirty' means there is actual dirt, dust, or grime present. 'Messy' means things are not in their proper place. A desk can be messy because it has too many papers on it, but it might be perfectly clean (no dust). Conversely, a desk can be very tidy but dirty if it hasn't been wiped in months. Using 'dirty' when you mean 'untidy' can lead to confusion.
Another common error is using 'dirty' as a noun. In English, 'dirty' is almost always an adjective. While you might hear 'the dirt' (noun), you wouldn't say 'I have some dirty on my shirt'. You should say 'I have some dirt on my shirt' or 'My shirt is dirty'. Learners also sometimes struggle with the comparative forms, saying 'more dirty' instead of the correct 'dirtier'. While 'more dirty' is occasionally used for emphasis, 'dirtier' is the standard grammatical form.
Incorrect: "This room is very dirt."
Correct: "This room is very dirty."
Finally, be careful with the metaphorical uses. Calling a person 'dirty' can be a very strong insult. If you mean they are physically unwashed, it's better to be specific (e.g., 'He has mud on his face'). If you call someone 'a dirty person', it often implies they are morally corrupt or have a 'dirty mind' (thinking about sex too much). Using this word to describe people requires caution to avoid unintended offense.
English has a rich vocabulary for describing various states of uncleanness, and choosing the right synonym for dirty can make your descriptions much more vivid. The most common alternative is filthy, which implies something is extremely dirty, often to a disgusting degree. If you walk through a swamp, your boots won't just be dirty; they will be filthy. Another useful word is grimy, which specifically describes dirt that is rubbed in or oily, like the hands of a car mechanic.
- Soiled
- A more formal or polite word, often used for clothes or linens (e.g., 'soiled laundry').
- Stained
- Used when the dirt has left a permanent or semi-permanent mark, like a coffee stain.
- Dusty
- Specifically for things covered in fine dry powder (dust).
"The abandoned house was dusty and grimy, showing years of neglect."
On the metaphorical side, synonyms for 'dirty' in the sense of 'unfair' include underhanded, dishonest, or corrupt. If you are talking about 'dirty' language or jokes, you might use vulgar, crude, or obscene. Each of these words carries a slightly different nuance, allowing you to tailor your language to the specific situation and level of formality required.
How Formal Is It?
발음 가이드
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Adjective order (e.g., 'a big dirty dog')
Comparative adjectives ending in -y
Linking verbs (be, look, feel, seem)
Transitive verbs (to dirty something)
Adverbs of degree
수준별 예문
My hands are dirty.
Mes mains sont sales.
Subject + be + adjective.
The dog is dirty.
Le chien est sale.
Simple predicative use.
I have dirty shoes.
J'ai des chaussures sales.
Adjective before a noun.
Wash the dirty plates.
Lave les assiettes sales.
Imperative sentence.
Is your shirt dirty?
Est-ce que ta chemise est sale ?
Question form.
The water is dirty.
L'eau est sale.
Describing a liquid.
Don't touch that! It's dirty.
Ne touche pas à ça ! C'est sale.
Using 'it' to refer to an object.
The floor is very dirty.
Le sol est très sale.
Using 'very' as an intensifier.
He got his jeans dirty in the park.
Il a sali son jean au parc.
Get + object + adjective.
This towel is dirtier than that one.
Cette serviette est plus sale que celle-là.
Comparative form 'dirtier'.
Put your dirty laundry in the basket.
Mets ton linge sale dans le panier.
Common collocation 'dirty laundry'.
The windows look dirty.
Les fenêtres ont l'air sales.
Linking verb 'look'.
I don't like dirty cities.
Je n'aime pas les villes sales.
Plural noun modification.
She made the kitchen dirty while cooking.
Elle a sali la cuisine en cuisinant.
Make + object + adjective.
We need to clean this dirty car.
Nous devons nettoyer cette voiture sale.
Infinitive 'to clean' + object.
The air here feels dirty.
L'air ici semble sale.
Linking verb 'feel'.
She gave me a dirty look when I arrived late.
Elle m'a lancé un regard noir quand je suis arrivé en retard.
Idiomatic: 'dirty look' means angry.
It was a dirty trick to play on a friend.
C'était un sale tour à jouer à un ami.
Metaphorical: 'dirty trick' means unfair.
He's known as a dirty player who often fouls.
Il est connu comme un joueur déloyal qui fait souvent des fautes.
Describing sports behavior.
The restaurant was closed for having a dirty kitchen.
Le restaurant a été fermé pour avoir une cuisine sale.
Gerund 'having' + noun phrase.
I feel dirty after working in that dusty attic.
Je me sens sale après avoir travaillé dans ce grenier poussiéreux.
Physical sensation.
Don't tell dirty jokes in the office.
Ne raconte pas de blagues salaces au bureau.
Describing inappropriate humor.
The river is too dirty to swim in.
La rivière est trop sale pour s'y baigner.
Too + adjective + to + verb.
The walls were dirty and needed painting.
Les murs étaient sales et avaient besoin d'être peints.
Compound predicate.
The company was accused of laundering dirty money.
L'entreprise a été accusée de blanchir de l'argent sale.
Collocation: 'dirty money' (illegal).
Politics can be a dirty business sometimes.
La politique peut être une sale affaire parfois.
Metaphorical: 'dirty business' (unethical).
He did the dirty work while the boss took the credit.
Il a fait le sale boulot pendant que le patron en tirait les lauriers.
Idiom: 'dirty work' (unpleasant tasks).
They have a few dirty secrets they don't want us to know.
Ils ont quelques sales secrets qu'ils ne veulent pas que nous sachions.
Metaphorical: 'dirty secrets' (shameful).
The campaign was full of dirty tactics and lies.
La campagne était pleine de tactiques déloyales et de mensonges.
Describing unethical strategies.
I'm tired of your dirty lies.
J'en ai assez de tes sales mensonges.
Intensifying a negative noun.
The city's dirty streets are a sign of neglect.
Les rues sales de la ville sont un signe de négligence.
Possessive noun + adjective + noun.
He felt like he had a dirty conscience.
Il avait l'impression d'avoir la conscience souillée.
Abstract usage: 'dirty conscience'.
The analysis was flawed due to dirty data in the system.
L'analyse était biaisée en raison de données erronées dans le système.
Technical term: 'dirty data'.
The film explores the dirty underbelly of the fashion world.
Le film explore les dessous peu reluisants du monde de la mode.
Metaphorical: 'dirty underbelly'.
It was a dirty war with no clear heroes.
C'était une sale guerre sans héros clairs.
Historical/Political term: 'dirty war'.
The scandal left a dirty mark on his reputation.
Le scandale a laissé une tache indélébile sur sa réputation.
Metaphorical: 'dirty mark'.
He played a dirty game to climb the corporate ladder.
Il a joué un jeu déloyal pour gravir les échelons de l'entreprise.
Describing ruthless ambition.
The atmosphere was thick with dirty smog.
L'atmosphère était chargée d'un smog encrassé.
Descriptive literary use.
She couldn't shake the dirty feeling of betrayal.
Elle ne pouvait pas se défaire du sentiment de souillure de la trahison.
Abstract emotional state.
The contract was full of dirty clauses designed to trap the buyer.
Le contrat était plein de clauses malhonnêtes conçues pour piéger l'acheteur.
Describing deceptive legal language.
The protagonist's journey is a descent into a dirty, nihilistic world.
Le voyage du protagoniste est une descente dans un monde sale et nihiliste.
Literary analysis.
The investigation uncovered a dirty web of corruption spanning decades.
L'enquête a mis au jour un réseau de corruption sordide s'étendant sur des décennies.
Complex metaphorical imagery.
His rhetoric was a dirty attempt to incite violence.
Sa rhétorique était une tentative abjecte d'inciter à la violence.
Describing malicious intent.
The city was a dirty palimpsest of failed dreams and broken promises.
La ville était un palimpseste encrassé de rêves déchus et de promesses rompues.
Highly sophisticated metaphor.
They used dirty tricks to subvert the democratic process.
Ils ont utilisé des procédés déloyaux pour saboter le processus démocratique.
Political science context.
The artist used 'dirty' colors to evoke a sense of urban decay.
L'artiste a utilisé des couleurs 'sales' pour évoquer un sentiment de déclin urbain.
Aesthetic/Artistic context.
The dirty reality of the situation finally set in.
La triste et dure réalité de la situation a fini par s'imposer.
Abstract conceptualization.
He was a man of dirty habits and even dirtier thoughts.
C'était un homme aux habitudes peu ragoûtantes et aux pensées plus viles encore.
Parallelism and comparative use.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
Messy is untidy (out of order); dirty is unclean (grime/dust).
Dusty is a specific type of dirty (covered in dry particles).
Muddy is a specific type of dirty (covered in wet earth).
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
사용법
Refers to unfairness, corruption.
Refers to ribald or explicit content.
Refers to mud, dust, stains.
Refers to data errors.
- Confusing 'dirty' with 'messy'.
- Using 'dirty' as a noun (e.g., 'there is dirty on the floor').
- Saying 'more dirty' instead of 'dirtier'.
- Using 'dirty' to describe a person's character without realizing how strong it is.
- Forgetting that 'dirty' can also be a verb.
팁
Use Synonyms
Instead of always saying 'dirty', try 'grimy' for oily dirt or 'soiled' for clothes. This makes your English sound more natural and precise. It shows a higher level of vocabulary mastery.
Comparative Forms
Remember that adjectives ending in 'y' change to 'ier' for comparatives. So, 'dirty' becomes 'dirtier' and 'dirtiest'. Avoid saying 'most dirty' in your writing.
Be Careful with People
Calling a person 'dirty' is a strong statement. It can mean they don't wash, or it can mean they are a bad person. Use specific terms like 'unwashed' if you mean physical dirt.
Learn 'Dirty Look'
This is a very common phrase in English. If someone gives you a 'dirty look', they are showing they are unhappy with you. It's a great way to describe social tension.
Physical vs. Moral
Always check the context. If someone talks about 'dirty politics', they aren't talking about mud. They are talking about corruption and lies.
Show, Don't Just Tell
Instead of just saying a room is 'dirty', describe the dust on the table or the stains on the rug. This makes your writing more descriptive and engaging.
Listen for 'Dirty Work'
In movies, characters often complain about doing the 'dirty work'. This means they are doing the hard parts that the boss doesn't want to do.
Intensify Correct
Use 'really dirty' or 'extremely dirty'. For the ultimate level of dirt, use the word 'filthy'. This helps you express the degree of uncleanness.
Dirty Laundry
The phrase 'washing dirty laundry in public' is very common. It means telling people about private problems. It's a useful idiom for social discussions.
Dirty Data
If you work in IT, 'dirty data' is a key term. It means the data needs to be cleaned or fixed before it can be used for anything important.
암기하기
어원
Old English 'dritig', from 'drit' (excrement, dirt).
문화적 맥락
In modern slang, 'dirty' can sometimes mean 'very good' in specific subcultures like skating or music, though this is rare.
Cleanliness standards vary by culture, affecting what is considered 'dirty'.
'Dirty' is a universal term for corruption in political discourse.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"Is your city clean or dirty?"
"Do you mind getting your hands dirty when gardening?"
"What's the dirtiest place you've ever visited?"
"How do you feel about politicians who use dirty tactics?"
"Do you have a lot of dirty dishes right now?"
일기 주제
Describe a time you got really dirty.
Write about a 'dirty trick' someone played on you.
What does 'dirty money' mean to you?
Reflect on the phrase 'washing dirty laundry in public'.
How does a dirty environment affect your mood?
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 'dirty' is a standard adjective. However, it can be used in offensive ways when describing people or in sexual contexts, so use it carefully.
'Filthy' is much stronger than 'dirty'. It means extremely dirty, often to a disgusting or nauseating degree.
Yes, 'to dirty' means to make something unclean. For example, 'Don't dirty the floor with your boots.'
In computing, 'dirty data' refers to information that is incorrect, incomplete, or duplicated, making it difficult to analyze.
A 'dirty look' is a facial expression that shows you are angry, annoyed, or disgusted with someone.
'Dirtier' is the standard comparative form. 'More dirty' is rare and usually only used for specific emphasis.
'Dirty work' refers to unpleasant, difficult, or unethical tasks that someone has to do, often on behalf of someone else.
Yes, in sports and games, a 'dirty player' is someone who cheats or plays unfairly.
'Dirty money' is money that has been obtained through illegal activities like theft, drugs, or corruption.
You can use it before a noun ('dirty hands') or after a verb ('The car is dirty').
셀프 테스트 180 질문
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'dirty' is an essential adjective that moves from describing simple physical uncleanness (A1) to complex moral and ethical corruption (B2-C2). It is a versatile tool for both everyday chores and sophisticated social criticism.
- Dirty is a basic adjective meaning 'not clean'. It describes physical objects covered in mud, dust, or stains that require washing to be restored.
- The word is the direct opposite of 'clean' and is commonly used in daily life for things like dirty dishes, laundry, and hands.
- Metaphorically, 'dirty' describes unfair actions, dishonest behavior, or corrupt systems, such as 'dirty politics' or 'a dirty trick'.
- Grammatically, it is a gradable adjective with comparative 'dirtier' and superlative 'dirtiest', often used with verbs like 'get' and 'make'.
Use Synonyms
Instead of always saying 'dirty', try 'grimy' for oily dirt or 'soiled' for clothes. This makes your English sound more natural and precise. It shows a higher level of vocabulary mastery.
Comparative Forms
Remember that adjectives ending in 'y' change to 'ier' for comparatives. So, 'dirty' becomes 'dirtier' and 'dirtiest'. Avoid saying 'most dirty' in your writing.
Be Careful with People
Calling a person 'dirty' is a strong statement. It can mean they don't wash, or it can mean they are a bad person. Use specific terms like 'unwashed' if you mean physical dirt.
Learn 'Dirty Look'
This is a very common phrase in English. If someone gives you a 'dirty look', they are showing they are unhappy with you. It's a great way to describe social tension.
예시
This is very dirty.
관련 콘텐츠
Home 관련 단어
accommodate
A2그 호텔은 최대 200명의 손님을 수용할 수 있습니다.
accommodation
B2숙박 시설 (머무는 곳) 또는 합의/조절 (조정이나 타협).
air conditioning
A1실내 공간의 온도를 낮추는 데 사용되는 시스템입니다. 집, 사무실, 자동차에서 흔히 사용됩니다.
aisle
B2통로는 상점의 선반 사이나 비행기의 좌석 사이에 있는 좁은 길을 말합니다.
amenity
B2편의시설은 장소를 더 편안하고 편리하며 즐겁게 만드는 특징입니다. 호텔에는 수영장이 편의시설로 있습니다. (편의시설은 장소의 편안함, 편리함 또는 즐거움을 향상시키는 특징 또는 시설입니다.)
annex
C1부속 건물 또는 문서의 부록. '그 보고서의 부속 서류에는 통계 데이터가 들어 있다.'
antehospdom
C1정식 기관에 입원하기 전이나 공식 행사가 열리기 전에 가정 환경에서 예비 간호나 환대를 제공하는 것.
anteroom
C1전실은 더 크거나 더 중요한 방으로 들어가기 전의 입구 또는 대기 공간 역할을 하는 작은 방입니다. 전환 공간으로 기능합니다. (A small room functioning as an entrance or waiting area before a larger or more important room, acting as a transitional space.)
antortal
C1안토탈은 공기 흐름과 열 교환을 조절하기 위해 설계된 특수 보조 출입구입니다.
apartment
C2궁전 내에 있는 여왕의 개인 아파트먼트는 대중에게 공개되지 않습니다.
