It describes something that has lost its vitality due to a lack of moisture.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Lacking necessary moisture or water content.
- Used for dry land, skin, or lips.
- Can describe a lack of emotion or warmth.
개요
'메마르다'는 수분이나 기름기가 부족하여 건조한 상태를 의미하는 형용사입니다. 물리적인 상태뿐만 아니라, 감정이나 성격이 무미건조할 때도 비유적으로 사용됩니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 땅, 논밭, 피부, 입술 등 수분이 필요한 대상과 함께 쓰입니다. 또한 '메마른 감성'처럼 추상적인 대상과도 결합하여 사용됩니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 가뭄이 들었을 때 '메마른 땅'이라는 표현을 자주 쓰며, 겨울철 건조한 날씨에 '피부가 메마르다'라고 표현합니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '건조하다'는 단순히 습도가 낮은 상태를 객관적으로 나타내는 반면, '메마르다'는 수분이 완전히 빠져 생기가 없는 느낌을 강조합니다.
Examples
오랜 가뭄으로 땅이 메말랐다.
everydayThe land became parched due to a long drought.
겨울이라 피부가 메마르기 쉽다.
informalSkin tends to get dry easily in winter.
그는 메마른 감정을 가진 사람이다.
formalHe is a person with dry emotions.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
메마른 땅
Parched land
메마른 웃음
Dry/hollow laugh
Often Confused With
Refers to a lack of humidity in the air or environment. It is more neutral and objective than '메마르다'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '메마르다' for physical objects that lost liquid or for metaphorical descriptions of character. It is more descriptive and emotional than '건조하다'. It is commonly used in both formal writing and daily life.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '메마르다' for weather reports, which is incorrect. Always use '건조하다' when talking about air humidity or weather forecasts. Remember that '메마르다' implies a state of being dried out, not just a measurement of humidity.
Tips
Use with body parts
You can use it to describe dry skin or lips during winter. It sounds more expressive than just saying 'dry'.
Not for air humidity
Do not use '메마르다' to describe air humidity. Use '건조하다' for weather or room conditions instead.
Metaphorical use in literature
Korean literature often uses '메마른' to describe a cold, heartless society or a person who has lost their hope.
Word Origin
Derived from the root '메-' (meaning dry/empty) and '마르다' (to dry). It combines these to emphasize the state of being completely devoid of moisture.
Cultural Context
In Korea, rice farming is historically important, so '메마른 논' (parched rice field) is a classic symbol of hardship caused by drought. This imagery is deeply embedded in the language.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'desert' where the land is '메마르다'. The dry sound of the word mirrors the crunchiness of dry soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions건조하다는 날씨나 환경이 습기가 없는 객관적인 상태를 말합니다. 메마르다는 수분을 잃어 생기가 없거나 갈라진 느낌을 더 강조합니다.
네, '메마른 감정'처럼 표현할 수 있습니다. 이는 사람의 마음이 따뜻하거나 풍부하지 않고 삭막하다는 의미를 전달합니다.
가뭄으로 논밭이 갈라졌을 때나, 겨울철 피부가 당길 때, 혹은 비유적으로 삭막한 사회를 묘사할 때 사용합니다.
Test Yourself
가뭄이 계속되어 논밭이 ___.
가뭄은 수분이 부족한 상태를 만드므로 '메마르다'가 적절합니다.
Score: /1
Summary
It describes something that has lost its vitality due to a lack of moisture.
- Lacking necessary moisture or water content.
- Used for dry land, skin, or lips.
- Can describe a lack of emotion or warmth.
Use with body parts
You can use it to describe dry skin or lips during winter. It sounds more expressive than just saying 'dry'.
Not for air humidity
Do not use '메마르다' to describe air humidity. Use '건조하다' for weather or room conditions instead.
Metaphorical use in literature
Korean literature often uses '메마른' to describe a cold, heartless society or a person who has lost their hope.
Examples
3 of 3오랜 가뭄으로 땅이 메말랐다.
The land became parched due to a long drought.
겨울이라 피부가 메마르기 쉽다.
Skin tends to get dry easily in winter.
그는 메마른 감정을 가진 사람이다.
He is a person with dry emotions.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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