The shoulder is both a vital joint for movement and a common metaphor for personal responsibility in Korean culture.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The part of the body between the neck and the arm.
- Often used metaphorically to represent responsibility or burden.
- Essential physical noun for describing stature and body language.
개요
어깨는 인체의 상체에서 팔과 몸통이 연결되는 관절 부위입니다. 생물학적으로는 팔을 자유롭게 움직이게 하는 중요한 역할을 합니다. 2) 사용 패턴: '어깨가 넓다', '어깨를 펴다'와 같이 신체적인 특징을 묘사할 때 쓰이며, '어깨가 무겁다'처럼 심리적 상태를 표현할 때도 흔히 사용됩니다. 3) 일반적인 맥락: 일상 대화에서는 신체 건강이나 운동과 관련하여 언급됩니다. 또한, 사회생활에서는 '어깨를 나란히 하다(동등한 위치에 서다)'와 같은 관용구로 자주 등장합니다. 4) 유사어 비교: '팔'은 손부터 어깨까지 전체를 의미하는 반면, '어깨'는 특정 관절 부위를 지칭합니다. '등'은 몸의 뒤쪽 전체를 의미하므로 어깨보다 훨씬 넓은 범위를 포함합니다.
Examples
그는 어깨가 넓어서 옷태가 좋다.
everydayHe looks good in clothes because he has broad shoulders.
중책을 맡게 되어 어깨가 무겁습니다.
formalI feel a heavy burden as I have taken on an important role.
어깨 좀 주물러 줄래?
informalCan you massage my shoulders?
신체 구조상 어깨 관절은 회전 범위가 넓다.
academicAnatomically, the shoulder joint has a wide range of motion.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
어깨동무를 하다
to put one's arm around another's shoulder
어깨를 나란히 하다
to stand shoulder to shoulder
어깨에 힘을 주다
to act arrogantly
Often Confused With
The arm refers to the entire limb from shoulder to hand. The shoulder is specifically the joint connecting it to the torso.
The back is the entire posterior surface of the torso. The shoulder is a smaller, specific part of the upper back region.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '어깨' is used neutrally in both formal and informal settings. When used metaphorically, it almost always conveys a sense of psychological weight or social standing. It is a very common noun in daily life.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '어깨' with '팔' when describing pain. If the pain is near the neck/shoulder joint, use '어깨'. If it is further down, use '팔'.
Tips
Use with descriptive adjectives
Combine '어깨' with adjectives like '넓다' (wide) or '좁다' (narrow) to describe someone's physical frame. This is a very common way to compliment or describe body shapes.
Avoid literal translation of idioms
Korean idioms involving shoulders often have specific emotional meanings. Always check if the context is physical or metaphorical before translating.
Shoulders and masculinity
In modern Korean culture, 'broad shoulders' (넓은 어깨) are highly associated with attractiveness and physical strength in men. It is a common topic in fashion and fitness contexts.
Word Origin
The word is of native Korean origin. It has been used since ancient times to describe the upper joint of the human body.
Cultural Context
In Korea, having broad shoulders is a common standard of beauty for men. Additionally, the phrase '어깨가 무겁다' is a standard way to express professional stress in a workplace setting.
Memory Tip
Think of a person carrying a heavy backpack; the weight presses down on their '어깨'. This connects the physical location to the metaphorical meaning of responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions어깨를 위로 올렸다 내리는 행동을 말합니다. 주로 자랑스럽거나 자신감이 있을 때, 혹은 잘 모르겠다는 의사를 표현할 때 사용합니다.
책임져야 할 일이 많거나 부담을 느낄 때 사용합니다. 주로 직장이나 가정에서 중요한 역할을 맡았을 때 자주 쓰는 표현입니다.
어깨는 몸통과 팔이 연결되는 관절 부위이며, 팔은 어깨 아래부터 손까지의 긴 부위를 의미합니다. 범위가 다르므로 구분해서 사용해야 합니다.
타인과 동등한 수준이나 위치에 도달했다는 뜻입니다. 주로 경쟁이나 사회적 지위와 관련하여 긍정적인 맥락에서 사용됩니다.
Test Yourself
그는 책임감이 커서 항상 ___이 무겁다고 말한다.
책임감을 나타내는 관용구 '어깨가 무겁다'가 적절합니다.
다음 단어 중 신체 부위가 아닌 것은 무엇입니까?
어깨, 팔, 다리는 신체 부위이지만 책임은 추상적인 명사입니다.
어깨가 / 그는 / 넓다 / 아주
주어-보어-부사-서술어 순서가 자연스럽습니다.
Score: /3
Summary
The shoulder is both a vital joint for movement and a common metaphor for personal responsibility in Korean culture.
- The part of the body between the neck and the arm.
- Often used metaphorically to represent responsibility or burden.
- Essential physical noun for describing stature and body language.
Use with descriptive adjectives
Combine '어깨' with adjectives like '넓다' (wide) or '좁다' (narrow) to describe someone's physical frame. This is a very common way to compliment or describe body shapes.
Avoid literal translation of idioms
Korean idioms involving shoulders often have specific emotional meanings. Always check if the context is physical or metaphorical before translating.
Shoulders and masculinity
In modern Korean culture, 'broad shoulders' (넓은 어깨) are highly associated with attractiveness and physical strength in men. It is a common topic in fashion and fitness contexts.
Examples
4 of 4그는 어깨가 넓어서 옷태가 좋다.
He looks good in clothes because he has broad shoulders.
중책을 맡게 되어 어깨가 무겁습니다.
I feel a heavy burden as I have taken on an important role.
어깨 좀 주물러 줄래?
Can you massage my shoulders?
신체 구조상 어깨 관절은 회전 범위가 넓다.
Anatomically, the shoulder joint has a wide range of motion.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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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).
