An 언덕 is a gentle rise in the land that is smaller than a mountain.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A naturally raised area of land.
- Lower and less steep than a mountain.
- Commonly used to describe neighborhood topography.
개요
언덕은 지표면이 주변보다 볼록하게 솟아오른 지형을 의미합니다. 산보다는 규모가 작고 경사가 완만하여 오르기 쉽다는 특징이 있습니다. 2) 사용 패턴: '언덕을 오르다', '언덕 위에 집이 있다', '가파른 언덕'과 같이 동사나 형용사와 결합하여 지형의 상태나 위치를 묘사할 때 주로 사용합니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 일상생활에서는 학교나 집으로 가는 길목의 지형을 설명할 때 자주 쓰입니다. 문학적 표현으로는 고난을 넘어서는 상징적 의미로 쓰이기도 합니다. 4) 유사어 비교: '산'은 높고 험준한 지형을 뜻하지만, '언덕'은 그보다 낮고 부드러운 느낌을 줍니다. '비탈'은 경사면 자체에 초점이 있다면, '언덕'은 솟아오른 지형 전체를 의미합니다.
Examples
학교 뒤에 작은 언덕이 있다.
everydayThere is a small hill behind the school.
그들은 언덕을 넘어 마을로 향했다.
formalThey crossed the hill and headed toward the village.
오늘 언덕 오르느라 힘들었어.
informalIt was hard climbing the hill today.
해당 지역은 완만한 언덕 지형으로 구성되어 있다.
academicThe area consists of gentle hilly terrain.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
언덕길을 걷다
walk along a hilly road
언덕 너머
over the hill
언덕 아래
at the bottom of the hill
Often Confused With
A mountain is significantly larger, higher, and often steeper than a hill.
A slope refers specifically to the slanted surface, whereas a hill is the entire landform.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 언덕 is neutral and commonly used in both speech and writing. It is appropriate for describing geographical features or locations. When referring to very small, grassy hills, '동산' is sometimes used to sound more pleasant.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use '산' for small hills, which makes the location sound larger than it actually is. Also, ensure you use the correct particle '에' or '에서' depending on whether you are describing location or movement.
Tips
Use with verbs of movement
Pair 언덕 with verbs like 오르다 (climb) or 넘다 (cross) to describe your travel path.
Don't confuse with mountain
Avoid using 언덕 for large, steep peaks, as it implies a much smaller, gentler slope.
Hillside residential areas in Korea
Many older neighborhoods in cities like Seoul are built on hillsides, often referred to as '달동네' in historical contexts.
Word Origin
The word is of native Korean origin, derived from the root describing a raised landform. It has been used in Korean literature for centuries to describe local topography.
Cultural Context
In Korea, hills are a common feature of the landscape. Many residential areas are built on hillsides, which has shaped the urban planning and walking culture of the country.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small 'undead' (언덕) creature jumping over a gentle mound. The word sounds like 'un-deok', reminding you of a small rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions산은 높이가 높고 규모가 크며 지형이 험준한 경우가 많습니다. 반면 언덕은 높이가 낮고 경사가 비교적 완만하여 걷기에 훨씬 수월합니다.
보통 '언덕을 오르다' 혹은 '언덕 위에 있다'와 같이 장소와 이동을 나타내는 표현과 함께 사용합니다.
대부분 자연적으로 형성된 지형을 말하지만, 때로는 인공적으로 흙을 쌓아 만든 둔덕을 비유적으로 언덕이라 부르기도 합니다.
작은 언덕을 뜻하는 '동산'이나, 경사진 면을 뜻하는 '비탈' 등이 상황에 따라 비슷하게 쓰일 수 있습니다.
Test Yourself
우리 집은 높은 ___ 위에 있어서 전망이 좋아요.
전망이 좋고 집이 위치할 수 있는 지형은 언덕이 가장 적절합니다.
Score: /1
Summary
An 언덕 is a gentle rise in the land that is smaller than a mountain.
- A naturally raised area of land.
- Lower and less steep than a mountain.
- Commonly used to describe neighborhood topography.
Use with verbs of movement
Pair 언덕 with verbs like 오르다 (climb) or 넘다 (cross) to describe your travel path.
Don't confuse with mountain
Avoid using 언덕 for large, steep peaks, as it implies a much smaller, gentler slope.
Hillside residential areas in Korea
Many older neighborhoods in cities like Seoul are built on hillsides, often referred to as '달동네' in historical contexts.
Examples
4 of 4학교 뒤에 작은 언덕이 있다.
There is a small hill behind the school.
그들은 언덕을 넘어 마을로 향했다.
They crossed the hill and headed toward the village.
오늘 언덕 오르느라 힘들었어.
It was hard climbing the hill today.
해당 지역은 완만한 언덕 지형으로 구성되어 있다.
The area consists of gentle hilly terrain.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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A2About, regarding; indicating the topic or subject.
~게
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공기
A1Air, atmosphere.
몽땅
B1All of it, entirely, completely.
온갖
B1All sorts of, every kind of.
~을/를 따라서
A2Along; indicating movement or position parallel to something.
동물
A1animal
개미
A1A small insect typically living in large colonies.
주위에
A2Surrounding something or someone; around.
그대로
A2Without changing; as it is.
