책을 마시다
chaek-eul masida
To 마시다 책
Literally: {"\ucc45\uc744":"book (object)","\ub9c8\uc2dc\ub2e4":"to drink"}
In 15 Seconds
- Devouring a book with intense speed.
- Absorbing every word like quenching thirst.
- Implies deep engagement and enjoyment.
- Not for slow or critical reading.
Meaning
Imagine devouring a book so fast and with such hunger, you feel like you're literally drinking it! `책을 마시다` captures that intense, almost desperate need to finish a book, absorbing every word and emotion like a refreshing drink on a hot day. It’s about being completely captivated and unable to put it down, making time disappear until the last page.
Key Examples
3 of 10Texting a friend about a new book
이 소설 진짜 대박이야! 어제부터 그냥 책을 마시고 있어.
This novel is seriously amazing! I've just been devouring it since yesterday.
Talking about a vacation reading list
이번 휴가 때 읽으려고 산 책들인데, 거의 다 마셔버렸네.
These are the books I bought to read on vacation, but I've already devoured almost all of them.
Instagram caption for a finished book
드디어 다 읽었다! 밤새워서 책을 마셨더니 눈이 좀 아프다. 😅 #북스타그램 #책추천
Finally finished! My eyes hurt a bit after staying up all night devouring this book. 😅 #Bookstagram #BookRecommendation
Cultural Background
In Korea, there is a concept called 'Mun-bang-sa-woo' (The Four Friends of the Study), showing deep respect for writing tools and books. 'Drinking' a book reflects this intimate relationship between the scholar and their texts. With the rise of Webtoons and Web-novels, 'drinking' content has become a literal daily activity for many Koreans during their commute. The term 'Sun-sak' (instant deletion) is often used alongside 'drinking' to describe fast consumption. The metaphor of 'consuming' books is universal, but the choice of 'liquid' (drinking) vs 'solid' (eating) varies. Korean's choice of 'drinking' highlights the emotional 'thirst' for stories. The pressure to read many books for university entrance (the 'Reading Record') sometimes turns 'drinking books' from a joy into a necessity, leading to a culture of high-speed reading.
Use with '-아/어 버리다'
To sound like a native, say '마셔버렸어요' (I ended up drinking it all). It adds a nuance of 'I couldn't help myself because it was so good!'
Not for Textbooks
If you say you 'drank' your math book, people will think you just skimmed it and didn't actually learn the formulas.
In 15 Seconds
- Devouring a book with intense speed.
- Absorbing every word like quenching thirst.
- Implies deep engagement and enjoyment.
- Not for slow or critical reading.
What It Means
This phrase isn't about literally drinking a book, which would be… messy. It's a vivid metaphor for reading with extreme speed and focus. You're not just reading; you're consuming the story, gulping down words and emotions. Think of it as a book hangover, but the good kind where you just finished an amazing adventure. It conveys a sense of urgency and deep engagement. You feel a thirst for the story, and reading 책을 마시다 is how you quench it.
How To Use It
Use this when you've been glued to a book, reading non-stop. It’s perfect for describing binge-reading sessions. You might say this after finishing a novel in one sitting. It works when the plot is so gripping, you can't pause. You’re totally lost in the narrative. It implies a very positive reading experience. You were thirsty for a good story, and this book delivered. It's like finding a hidden oasis in the desert of mediocre reads.
Real-Life Examples
- "I stayed up all night reading. I totally
책을 마셨어!" (I stayed up all night reading. I totally devoured it!) - "This new fantasy novel is amazing. I've been
책을 마시는 중since yesterday." (I've been drinking this new fantasy novel since yesterday.) - "My vacation was mostly spent
책을 마시면서by the beach." (My vacation was mostly spent devouring books by the beach.) - "The ending was so shocking, I just
책을 마셔버렸다without even breathing." (I just gulped down the book without even breathing because the ending was so shocking.)
When To Use It
Use 책을 마시다 when you're describing a truly absorbing reading experience. It's for when a book grabs you and won't let go. Think of a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Or a romance that makes your heart flutter non-stop. It’s for those moments you forget to eat or sleep because the story is just *that* good. It’s like a Netflix binge, but with pages. You finished it in record time, right?
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 책을 마시다 for slow, thoughtful reading. If you savor each sentence, taking notes, this phrase won't fit. It’s not for academic texts you’re studying slowly. Casual browsing or skimming doesn't count either. If you read a chapter a week, you’re not drinking it! This phrase implies speed and intensity. It’s also not for reviewing a book critically. You're too engrossed to analyze it deeply. Save it for when the story sweeps you away, not when you're dissecting it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 책을 먹다 (to eat a book). While 먹다 also means to consume, it doesn't carry the same sense of rapid, almost desperate absorption. Drinking implies a liquid flow, fitting the idea of a story pouring into you. Eating feels more solid and deliberate. Another mistake is using 읽다 (to read) when you mean 책을 마시다. 읽다 is neutral; 책을 마시다 is intense!
책을 먹었어요
✓책을 마셨어요
나는 책을 빨리 읽었어요
✓나는 책을 마셨어요
Similar Expressions
정독하다(jeongdokada): To read carefully and thoroughly. This is the opposite of책을 마시다. It’s like sipping fine wine, not chugging water.밤새 읽다(bamsae ikda): To read all night long. This describes the *time* spent reading, but not necessarily the *intensity* or *speed*.푹 빠지다(puk ppajida): To fall deeply into something. You can fall deeply into a book, but this is broader than just reading.
Common Variations
The verb ending changes based on tense and politeness. 책을 마셨어요 (past tense, polite informal) is very common. 책을 마실 거야 (future tense, polite informal) works for plans. For casual chats with close friends, you might hear 책 마셨어? (Did you devour the book?). Sometimes, the particle 을/를 is dropped in very casual speech, making it 책 마시다, but this is less common and sounds a bit clipped.
Memory Trick
Picture yourself thirsty (마시다 = to drink) for a great story. The book is like a cool drink (책 = book) that you gulp down quickly. Imagine a giant straw sucking the entire story into your brain! It’s a drink of knowledge and adventure. You're not nibbling; you're drinking it down fast!
Quick FAQ
- Is it always about speed? Yes, speed and intensity are key. You're consuming it rapidly.
- Can I use it for audiobooks? While you're absorbing it quickly, the visual metaphor of 'drinking' fits reading better. Stick to 'listening intently' for audiobooks.
- Does it imply enjoyment? Absolutely! You usually
책을 마시다because the book is incredibly engaging and enjoyable.
Usage Notes
This is an informal expression, best used in casual conversation or social media. Avoid it in formal writing or professional settings. The key is the intensity and speed; don't use it for slow, deliberate reading, or you'll sound quite strange.
Use with '-아/어 버리다'
To sound like a native, say '마셔버렸어요' (I ended up drinking it all). It adds a nuance of 'I couldn't help myself because it was so good!'
Not for Textbooks
If you say you 'drank' your math book, people will think you just skimmed it and didn't actually learn the formulas.
Bookstagram Ready
This is a very popular phrase on Korean social media. Use it with #완독 (finished reading) for maximum impact.
Examples
10이 소설 진짜 대박이야! 어제부터 그냥 책을 마시고 있어.
This novel is seriously amazing! I've just been devouring it since yesterday.
Shows how you're completely engrossed and reading very quickly.
이번 휴가 때 읽으려고 산 책들인데, 거의 다 마셔버렸네.
These are the books I bought to read on vacation, but I've already devoured almost all of them.
Implies you read them much faster than planned due to their captivating nature.
드디어 다 읽었다! 밤새워서 책을 마셨더니 눈이 좀 아프다. 😅 #북스타그램 #책추천
Finally finished! My eyes hurt a bit after staying up all night devouring this book. 😅 #Bookstagram #BookRecommendation
Combines the intense reading experience with a common side effect and relevant hashtags.
이 영화는 전개가 너무 빨라서 마치 책을 마시는 기분이었어.
The plot of this movie was so fast-paced, it felt like I was drinking a book.
Uses the phrase metaphorically for a fast-paced movie experience.
제출하신 보고서를 빠르게 검토했습니다. 내용이 흥미로워 순식간에 책을 마시듯 읽었습니다.
I quickly reviewed the report you submitted. The content was so interesting that I read it instantly, as if devouring a book.
Applies the metaphor to a professional context to emphasize speed and engagement.
저는 흥미로운 주제의 책은 시간 가는 줄 모르고 책을 마시는 편입니다.
I tend to devour books on interesting topics, losing track of time.
Shows how to use the phrase to describe a positive reading habit in a formal setting.
✗ 나는 그 책을 마셨어요.
✗ I drank that book.
Incorrect usage. '마시다' needs an object that can be 'drunk'. The verb needs to be conjugated correctly for the context.
✗ 이 교과서를 마시는 중이야.
✗ I'm drinking this textbook.
Mistake: `마시다` is too informal and intense for a textbook. Learners might misuse it thinking it just means 'consume'.
이 소설을 다 읽고 나서 한참을 울었어. 정말 책을 마신 기분이었거든.
After finishing this novel, I cried for a long time. It truly felt like I had devoured the book.
Connects the intense reading experience with a strong emotional impact.
여러분, 이번에 제가 정말 '책을 마신' 작품을 찾았습니다! 바로 이 책인데요...
Everyone, I've found a work that I truly 'devoured' this time! It's this book...
Engaging opening for a video review, creating excitement.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '마시다'.
어제 산 소설이 너무 재미있어서 밤새도록 책을 ______.
The sentence starts with '어제' (yesterday), so the past tense '마셨어요' is required.
Which sentence uses the phrase '책을 마시다' correctly?
Choose the most natural sentence:
'Drinking a book' implies it's interesting and has 'gripping power' (흡입력).
Complete the dialogue.
가: 벌써 그 두꺼운 책을 다 읽었어? 나: 응, 내용이 너무 흥미진진해서 ________________.
The person finished the book ('다 읽었어?'), so the past-completion form '마셔버렸어' is most natural.
Match the phrase to the correct nuance.
Match '책을 마시다' vs '책을 씹어 먹다'.
'마시다' (Drink) is for flow and speed; '씹어 먹다' (Chew and eat) is for thorough, difficult study.
Use the {한글|漢字} syntax to complete the formal sentence.
그는 새로운 {____|知識}을 마시듯 습득한다.
{지식|知識} means knowledge, which fits the context of 'drinking' or 'absorbing'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercises어제 산 소설이 너무 재미있어서 밤새도록 책을 ______.
The sentence starts with '어제' (yesterday), so the past tense '마셨어요' is required.
Choose the most natural sentence:
'Drinking a book' implies it's interesting and has 'gripping power' (흡입력).
가: 벌써 그 두꺼운 책을 다 읽었어? 나: 응, 내용이 너무 흥미진진해서 ________________.
The person finished the book ('다 읽었어?'), so the past-completion form '마셔버렸어' is most natural.
Match '책을 마시다' vs '책을 씹어 먹다'.
'마시다' (Drink) is for flow and speed; '씹어 먹다' (Chew and eat) is for thorough, difficult study.
그는 새로운 {____|知識}을 마시듯 습득한다.
{지식|知識} means knowledge, which fits the context of 'drinking' or 'absorbing'.
🎉 Score: /5
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's a very common metaphorical collocation used by people who love reading to describe a great book.
Not usually. For movies, we say '영화에 빠지다' (fall into a movie) or '순삭했다' (it was over in an instant). 'Drinking' is specifically tied to the act of reading text.
'속독' is a technical skill (speed reading). '책을 마시다' is an emotional state of being captivated by a book.
No, it's not rude! It shows you are passionate about the book they recommended. Just use the polite form: '마시듯이 읽었습니다.'
It's rare. Newspapers are for information, not usually for 'immersion.' Stick to books, novels, or long essays.
On the contrary! It usually implies you were so in tune with the book that you absorbed it perfectly.
You can say '이 {책|冊}을 마셔버리고 싶어요!'
Not really. If you read too fast and don't understand, we say '수박 겉 핥기' (licking the outside of a watermelon).
It's starting to be used that way, but '귀로 마시다' (drinking with ears) is a more specific (and poetic) variation.
Drinking suggests a smooth, continuous flow, which matches the feeling of reading a well-written story.
Related Phrases
책을 씹어 먹다
similarTo study a book extremely thoroughly.
독파하다
specialized formTo finish reading a difficult or long book.
탐독하다
synonymTo read with great pleasure and concentration.
책에 파묻히다
similarTo be buried in books.
속독하다
specialized formTo speed-read.
책장을 넘기다
builds onTo turn the pages.
