Explanation at your level:
You use 기절하다 when someone passes out. It means they fall down and cannot see or hear. It is a very strong word for being very tired or scared.
When you are very surprised or tired, you might say 기절하다. It is a common word to describe losing consciousness for a short time.
기절하다 is used to describe a sudden loss of consciousness. It is often used figuratively to describe being extremely shocked or exhausted.
The term 기절하다 functions as a standard descriptor for syncope. It carries a nuance of suddenness and is frequently used in both literal and hyperbolic contexts.
In advanced discourse, 기절하다 captures the intersection of physiological reality and intense emotional response. It is a staple in narrative writing to convey extreme states of shock.
기절하다 embodies the Sino-Korean etymological tradition, where the cessation of 'qi' signifies the loss of consciousness. Its usage spans from clinical observation to literary hyperbole.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 기절하다 means to faint or lose consciousness.
- It is used for both medical fainting and extreme emotional shock.
- Commonly used in casual and daily conversation.
- Often paired with -어서 to explain the reason.
기절하다 is a common Korean verb used to describe the state of fainting or losing consciousness. When someone 기절하다, they are essentially 'blacking out' for a short period.
You will often hear this used in daily life when someone is exhausted, scared, or has suffered a minor injury. It carries a sense of suddenness, as if the person's 'power' was abruptly turned off.
Think of it as the body's emergency shut-down button. Whether it is from seeing a scary movie or standing in the sun too long, 기절하다 is the go-to word for this physical reaction.
The word 기절하다 is a Sino-Korean word. It is composed of the Hanja 氣 (gi), meaning 'energy' or 'spirit', and 絶 (jeol), meaning 'to cut off' or 'to cease'.
Historically, this implies that the person's life energy or 'qi' has been temporarily interrupted. It is a very descriptive term that paints a clear picture of the physical state.
Over centuries, the term has remained stable in the Korean language. It reflects traditional East Asian medical views where health is tied to the flow of energy in the body.
You use 기절하다 when describing a person who has passed out. It is commonly used in both casual and formal settings, though in medical reports, doctors might use more technical terms.
Common collocations include 놀라서 기절하다 (to faint from surprise) or 피곤해서 기절하다 (to pass out from exhaustion). Note that the latter is often used metaphorically to mean falling asleep very quickly.
It is a versatile verb. You can use it to describe a dramatic reaction to shocking news or a literal medical emergency.
1. 기절초풍하다: To be so shocked that you almost faint. Example: "그 소식을 듣고 기절초풍했다."
2. 기절할 노릇이다: A situation so unbelievable it makes you want to faint. Example: "이런 가격은 기절할 노릇이다."
3. 기절하듯 잠들다: To fall asleep as if you fainted. Example: "집에 오자마자 기절하듯 잠들었다."
4. 기절할 뻔하다: To almost faint. Example: "무서워서 기절할 뻔했어."
5. 기절시키다: To knock someone out. Example: "상대를 한 방에 기절시켰다."
기절하다 is an intransitive verb. It follows standard conjugation patterns like 기절했다 (past tense) or 기절할 것이다 (future tense).
Pronunciation is straightforward: [기절하다]. Ensure the 'gi' is crisp and the 'jeol' is pronounced with a clear 'l' sound at the end of the syllable before 'ha'.
It is often used with the particle -아/어서 to show cause, such as 놀라서 기절하다.
Fun Fact
It combines the concept of energy with the concept of absolute cessation.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'gee-juhl-ha-da'
Sounds like 'gee-juhl-ha-da'
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'jeol'
- Dropping the 'h' sound
- Incorrect intonation on the final syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize
Straightforward
Easy to pronounce
Clear sounds
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
-어서 (Cause)
놀라서 기절하다
-을 정도로 (Degree)
기절할 정도로
-한 척하다 (Pretend)
기절한 척하다
Examples by Level
그는 기절했다.
He fainted.
Past tense.
놀라서 기절하다.
Faint from surprise.
Cause.
너무 피곤해서 기절했다.
I was so tired I passed out.
Cause.
그녀가 기절했어요.
She fainted.
Polite ending.
기절할 것 같아요.
I think I might faint.
Future intent.
기절하지 마세요.
Don't faint.
Negative imperative.
기절한 사람.
A person who fainted.
Modifier.
갑자기 기절했다.
Suddenly fainted.
Adverb usage.
기절해서 병원에 갔다
너무 놀라서 기절할 뻔했다
기절한 척하지 마
어제 너무 힘들어서 기절했다
기절할 정도로 놀랐다
그는 기절해서 깨어나지 못했다
기절한 사람을 도와주세요
기절하는 것을 봤다
소식을 듣고 기절하는 줄 알았다
기절할 만큼 바쁜 하루였다
그녀는 더위를 먹고 기절했다
기절한 환자를 응급실로 옮겼다
너무 웃어서 기절할 뻔했다
기절한 듯이 깊이 잠들었다
기절하는 것은 위험할 수 있다
기절할 노릇이다
그의 행동은 모두를 기절초풍하게 만들었다
기절할 정도로 충격적인 사건이었다
기절한 상태로 발견되었다
스트레스로 인해 기절하는 경우가 많다
기절할 정도로 기쁜 소식이다
기절한 척하며 상황을 모면했다
기절할 것 같은 더위였다
기절한 사람에게 물을 주지 마세요
그의 기절은 심각한 건강 이상을 시사했다
기절할 듯한 긴장감이 감돌았다
기절초풍할 만한 가격에 놀랐다
기절한 듯 고요한 밤이었다
그는 기절할 정도로 몰입했다
기절한 사람을 흔들어 깨웠다
기절할 만큼의 고통을 참아냈다
기절한 상태에서 꿈을 꾸었다
기절할 듯한 현기증이 몰려왔다
그의 기절은 비극의 전조였다
기절할 만큼의 경외감을 느꼈다
기절한 듯이 고요한 숲속이었다
기절초풍할 만한 소문이 돌았다
기절한 듯 무의식의 세계로 빠져들었다
기절할 정도로 매혹적인 광경이었다
기절한 사람의 맥박을 확인했다
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"기절초풍하다"
To be extremely shocked
그 소식에 기절초풍했다.
casual"기절할 노릇이다"
Unbelievable situation
이런 일은 기절할 노릇이다.
neutral"기절할 뻔하다"
To almost faint
너무 놀라 기절할 뻔했다.
neutral"기절하듯 잠들다"
To sleep very soundly
집에 오자마자 기절하듯 잠들었다.
casual"기절시키다"
To knock someone out
그를 한 방에 기절시켰다.
neutral"기절할 정도로"
To an extreme degree
기절할 정도로 기뻤다.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean faint
졸도하다 is more medical/formal.
환자가 졸도했다 vs 놀라서 기절했다.
Same root
기절시키다 is transitive (to knock someone out).
그를 기절시켰다.
Similar meaning
혼절하다 is more literary/dramatic.
그녀는 혼절했다.
Similar usage
까무러치다 is very casual/colloquial.
놀라 까무러쳤다.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + -어서 + 기절하다
놀라서 기절했다.
Subject + -을 정도로 + 기절하다
기절할 정도로 바쁘다.
Subject + 기절한 척하다
그는 기절한 척했다.
Subject + 기절할 뻔하다
기절할 뻔했어요.
Subject + 기절하듯 + [verb]
기절하듯 잠들었다.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
기절하다 implies a loss of consciousness, not normal sleep.
기절하다 is for the person fainting, not the action of knocking someone else out.
In medical contexts, 졸도하다 is more professional.
Fainting is the result, dizziness is the feeling before.
기절초풍 is a noun/verb phrase, needs the '하다' suffix.
Tips
Memory Palace
Place the word in a scene where you are shocked.
Native Usage
Use it for extreme reactions.
Cultural Context
Often used in dramatic K-drama moments.
Grammar Shortcut
Always pair with cause using -어서.
Say It Right
Keep the 'l' sound clear.
Avoid Confusion
Don't say '기절자다' (incorrect).
Did You Know?
It comes from Hanja for 'energy' and 'cut'.
Study Smart
Use flashcards with images of fainting.
Register Check
Use '졸도하다' in formal settings.
Verb Patterns
It is an intransitive verb.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Gee!' (surprise) followed by 'Jol' (jolt) to the floor.
Visual Association
A person falling over like a domino.
Word Web
Challenge
Use '기절할 뻔했다' in a sentence today.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Cessation of energy (Qi)
Cultural Context
Do not joke about fainting if someone has a medical condition.
Similar to 'faint' or 'pass out'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the hospital
- 환자가 기절했어요
- 기절한 환자입니다
- 언제 기절했나요?
Telling a story
- 놀라서 기절하는 줄 알았어
- 기절할 뻔했어
- 너무 웃겨서 기절했다
Describing exhaustion
- 피곤해서 기절했다
- 기절하듯 잤다
- 기절할 것 같아
Dramatic situations
- 기절초풍할 일이야
- 기절할 노릇이다
- 그 소식에 기절했다
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever fainted before?"
"What is the most shocking thing that made you feel like fainting?"
"Do you know someone who fainted from heat?"
"Is it common to use the word '기절하다' in your language?"
"How do you feel when you are extremely tired?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were so shocked you felt like fainting.
Describe a day where you were so tired you felt like you would pass out.
How would you help someone who just fainted?
Reflect on the difference between being tired and being exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it implies a medical or shock-induced state.
기절할 뻔했어요.
It is neutral and widely used.
깨어나다 (to wake up).
Yes, if they lose consciousness.
Yes, very common in daily conversation.
Yes, 기절.
더위를 먹고 기절하다.
Test Yourself
너무 놀라서 ___.
Fainting is the result of shock.
Which means to faint?
The correct verb for fainting.
기절하다 is the same as sleeping.
Fainting is involuntary and sudden.
Word
Meaning
Matching verbs to English meanings.
Correct structure for 'almost fainted from surprise'.
Score: /5
Summary
기절하다 is your go-to verb for sudden loss of consciousness due to shock, fear, or extreme exhaustion.
- 기절하다 means to faint or lose consciousness.
- It is used for both medical fainting and extreme emotional shock.
- Commonly used in casual and daily conversation.
- Often paired with -어서 to explain the reason.
Memory Palace
Place the word in a scene where you are shocked.
Native Usage
Use it for extreme reactions.
Cultural Context
Often used in dramatic K-drama moments.
Grammar Shortcut
Always pair with cause using -어서.
Example
너무 더워서 길에서 기절할 뻔했어요.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More health words
비정상적이다
B1Deviating from what is normal or usual; abnormal.
비정상이다
A2To be abnormal or irregular.
에 대해서
A2Indicating the topic or subject; about, concerning.
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2General body aches and fatigue, often accompanying a cold or flu.
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1To have a dull, throbbing pain; to ache.
에취
A2Achoo! (onomatopoeia for sneezing).
급성적이다
A2To be acute or sudden (e.g., an illness).
급성이다
A2Having a rapid onset and short course; to be acute (illness).
