The word '멀다' describes a state of being at a great distance from a specific point.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe a great distance between two points.
- Commonly used to discuss travel time or physical location.
- Antonym of the word meaning close or near.
개요
'멀다'는 두 지점 사이의 공간적 간격이 넓은 상태를 나타내는 형용사입니다. 한국어 학습에서 가장 기초가 되는 단어 중 하나로, 일상생활에서 위치를 설명할 때 필수적입니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 '장소 + 에서 + 멀다' 또는 '장소 + 가 + 멀다'의 형태로 사용됩니다. 명사를 수식할 때는 '먼'으로 변형되어 사용됩니다 (예: 먼 길, 먼 곳). 3) 공통 문맥: 학교, 집, 회사, 역 등 목적지까지의 거리를 말할 때 자주 쓰입니다. 또한 추상적인 의미로 '꿈이 멀다'와 같이 도달하기 어려운 상태를 표현할 때도 사용됩니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '멀다'는 반대말인 '가깝다'와 함께 대조적으로 사용되며, 거리의 정도를 나타내는 부사 '너무', '정말', '아주'와 자주 결합합니다.
Examples
집에서 학교가 멀어요.
everydayThe school is far from my house.
먼 곳으로 여행을 떠납니다.
formalI am leaving for a trip to a far place.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
멀리 가다
to go far away
멀어지다
to become distant
Often Confused With
This is the antonym of '멀다'. It means to be at a short distance or near.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '멀다' in both formal and informal registers. When speaking informally to friends, use '멀어'. In formal settings, use '멀어요' or '멉니다'.
Common Mistakes
Students often try to say '멀은' instead of '먼'. Always remember that 'ㄹ' drops before 'ㄴ'. Also, avoid using '멀다' for people's relationship closeness; use '가깝다/멀다' carefully in social contexts.
Tips
Use with particles for location
Always combine with '에서' to specify the starting point. For example, '집에서 학교가 멀어요' is the most natural sentence structure.
Irregular conjugation rule
Remember that 'ㄹ' is dropped when followed by certain endings. Use '먼' instead of '멀은' when modifying a noun.
Cultural nuance of distance
In Korea, public transport is very convenient, so '멀다' often implies a travel time of over an hour. It is a subjective measure of convenience.
Word Origin
The word originates from Middle Korean '멀다', which has consistently meant a great distance. It is a native Korean word with no Sino-Korean roots.
Cultural Context
In Korea, distance is often measured by 'how many subway stations away' rather than kilometers. '멀다' is frequently used to complain about the commute.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Mole' (멀) digging a tunnel to a 'Far' place. This visual association helps link the sound to the meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions반대말은 '가깝다'입니다. 거리가 짧을 때는 가깝다고 말합니다.
'멀다'는 불규칙 활용을 하여 '먼'으로 바뀝니다. 예를 들어 '먼 곳'이나 '먼 길'처럼 사용합니다.
네, 물리적 거리뿐만 아니라 시간이 많이 걸리는 경우에도 '시간이 멀다'라는 표현을 쓰기도 하지만 보통 '오래 걸린다'를 더 많이 씁니다.
Test Yourself
우리 집은 학교에서 너무 ___.
학교와의 거리가 길다는 의미이므로 '멀다'의 활용형인 '멀어요'가 적절합니다.
Score: /1
Summary
The word '멀다' describes a state of being at a great distance from a specific point.
- Used to describe a great distance between two points.
- Commonly used to discuss travel time or physical location.
- Antonym of the word meaning close or near.
Use with particles for location
Always combine with '에서' to specify the starting point. For example, '집에서 학교가 멀어요' is the most natural sentence structure.
Irregular conjugation rule
Remember that 'ㄹ' is dropped when followed by certain endings. Use '먼' instead of '멀은' when modifying a noun.
Cultural nuance of distance
In Korea, public transport is very convenient, so '멀다' often implies a travel time of over an hour. It is a subjective measure of convenience.
Examples
2 of 2집에서 학교가 멀어요.
The school is far from my house.
먼 곳으로 여행을 떠납니다.
I am leaving for a trip to a far place.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More travel words
숙소
B1A place where someone stays for a short time, such as a hotel, guest house, or hostel. A key word for travel-related listening and writing.
어댑터
A2A device for connecting parts of different sizes or types.
입장료
A1A fee charged for entry to a place or event; an admission fee.
~후에
A2Indicates an action occurring after another action.
~ㄴ/은 후에
A2Expresses an action occurring after another action or event; after doing.
-은/는 후에
A2Indicates an action occurring after another, meaning 'after doing'.
비행기
A1Airplane; a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
공항
A1Airport
공항버스
A2Airport bus
통로
A2A narrow way or passage between rows of seats or shelves; an aisle.
