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풀리다

A2 verb 8 min read

풀리다

pullida

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 풀리다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 풀리다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '풀리다' in its most basic physical sense. Think of things that are tied with a string. The most common example is '신발 끈이 풀리다' (shoelaces come untied). At this stage, don't worry about complex metaphors. Just remember that '풀리다' means something was tied or tight, and now it is not. You might also hear it in very simple math contexts, like '문제가 풀려요' (The problem is being solved/is solvable). It's important to notice that we use '이/가' with this word. You aren't doing the action; the thing is just becoming loose or solved. Imagine you are walking and you see your friend's shoelace is loose. You can say '신발 끈 풀렸어!' to help them. This is the simplest way to use the word. It's a very helpful verb for daily life because shoelaces and knots are everywhere! Try to practice saying '풀렸어요' (it came untied/it was solved) in the past tense, as that is how you will use it most often when you notice something has changed.

At the A2 level, you can start using '풀리다' for the weather and for simple feelings. One very common expression is '날씨가 풀렸어요'. This doesn't mean the weather was 'untied' like a string, but that the 'tight' cold of winter has loosened up and it's getting warmer. It's a very natural way to talk about the change from winter to spring. You can also use it for feelings like '화가 풀리다' (anger is relieved). If you were mad at someone but now you feel okay, you say '화가 풀렸어'. This shows you are moving beyond just physical objects and using the word for abstract concepts. You should also be careful with the difference between '풀다' (I solve/untie) and '풀리다' (It is solved/untied). At A2, you should focus on using the correct particles. Remember: '문제를 풀어요' (I solve the problem) but '문제가 풀려요' (The problem is solved). Practice these two patterns together to see the difference clearly.

At the B1 level, you should explore '풀리다' in terms of stress and fatigue. A very common phrase is '스트레스가 풀리다' (stress is relieved) or '피로가 풀리다' (fatigue is relieved). When you go to a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) or get a massage, you would say your muscles or your tiredness '풀렸다'. You are also ready to use it for social situations, like '오해가 풀리다' (a misunderstanding is resolved). This is essential for intermediate conversation because misunderstandings happen often! You can also use it to describe things going well in general, like '일이 잘 풀리다' (things/work are working out well). This is a very positive expression. If your friend is starting a new job, you can say '일이 잘 풀리길 바래' (I hope things work out well for you). At this level, you should feel comfortable using '풀리다' to describe how situations or feelings naturally improve or resolve themselves without you necessarily being the direct cause.

At the B2 level, you can use '풀리다' for more technical or specific contexts, such as economics or law. For example, '금지가 풀리다' means a ban has been lifted, and '규제가 풀리다' means a regulation has been eased. In the world of finance, '돈이 풀리다' refers to money circulating more freely in the economy. You should also understand idiomatic expressions like '다리가 풀리다', which means your legs go weak from a shock or extreme tiredness. This level requires you to distinguish between '풀리다' and more formal synonyms like '해결되다' (to be resolved) or '해소되다' (to be dissipated). While '풀리다' is versatile, using '해결되다' in a business report might be more appropriate. You should also be able to use '풀리다' in complex sentence structures, such as '그의 진심 어린 사과에 내 마음이 눈 녹듯 풀렸다' (My heart melted like snow at his sincere apology). This shows a high level of expressive capability.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the nuanced, almost poetic uses of '풀리다'. It can describe the loosening of a tense atmosphere in a room ('분위기가 풀리다') or the resolution of a long-held '한' (han - deep resentment/sorrow). You should be able to identify its use in literature where it might describe the unraveling of a plot or the softening of a hardened character's heart. You should also be aware of its use in specific dialects or highly informal slang, though its standard use is already very broad. At this stage, you should be able to explain the difference between '풀리다' and other passive forms, and understand why a writer might choose '풀리다' over '해결되다' to evoke a more organic, less mechanical feeling of resolution. You should also be comfortable using it in the context of complex logical proofs or scientific mysteries where the 'untying' of the problem feels like a discovery of a natural truth.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '풀리다' should be near-native, including its use in archaic or highly specialized contexts. You can discuss the etymological roots of the word and how the concept of 'untying' (풀이) is central to Korean traditional arts, such as '살풀이' (a ritual dance to release evil spirits or sorrow). You should be able to use the word with perfect precision in any register, from the most formal legal easing of sanctions to the most intimate descriptions of emotional catharsis. You can also play with the word's polysemy in creative writing, using it as a motif for liberation or the inevitable decay of order. Your understanding of '풀리다' should encompass not just its dictionary definitions, but its cultural weight as a symbol of 'the end of suffering' or 'the return to a natural state of flow'. You should be able to debate the subtle differences between '풀리다' and its various synonyms in high-level linguistic discussions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

풀리다 in 30 Seconds

Used for knots/strings becoming untied (physical).
Used for problems or mysteries being solved (cognitive).
Used for stress, anger, or fatigue going away (emotional).
Used for weather getting warmer or bans being lifted (situational).

The Korean verb 풀리다 is a fascinating and versatile word that primarily functions as the passive or intransitive counterpart to the active verb 풀다 (to untie, to solve, to release). At its core, it describes a process where something that was previously tight, bound, complicated, or restricted becomes loose, clear, or free. Understanding 풀리다 requires looking beyond a single English translation, as it spans physical, emotional, and abstract domains of life.

Physical Loosening: In the most literal sense, this verb is used when a knot, a shoelace, or a bundle becomes untied. It implies that the tension holding the object together has vanished. For example, if your shoelaces come undone while walking, you would use this word to describe the spontaneous or accidental loosening of the knot.
Cognitive Resolution: When a difficult math problem, a confusing riddle, or a complex mystery finally makes sense, Koreans say the problem has '풀렸다'. This usage suggests that the intellectual knots have been straightened out, leading to a state of clarity and understanding.
Emotional and Physical Relief: One of the most common daily uses involves the body and mind. After a long day of work, your fatigue might '풀리다' (dissipate) after a hot bath. Similarly, if you were angry at a friend but they gave a sincere apology, your anger '풀린다'. It conveys a sense of melting away tension.

따뜻한 차를 마시니 긴장이 풀리네요.
Translation: My tension is easing up now that I'm drinking warm tea.

Beyond these, 풀리다 is also the go-to word for weather changes. When a harsh winter chill subsides and the air begins to feel like spring, Koreans say '날씨가 풀렸다'. This metaphorical 'thawing' or 'loosening' of the cold is a poetic yet standard way to describe the change in seasons. It is also used in economic contexts, such as when money starts to circulate more freely in the market or when a ban/restriction is lifted by the government.

드디어 어려운 문제가 풀렸어요!
Translation: Finally, the difficult problem has been solved!

In summary, 풀리다 represents a transition from a state of 'stuckness' to a state of 'flow'. Whether it is a physical string, a mental block, an emotional grudge, or a legal restriction, this verb captures the moment of release. It is a word deeply embedded in the Korean psyche, reflecting a culture that values the 'untying' (풀이) of life's many complications and sorrows (한).

Using 풀리다 correctly involves understanding its role as an intransitive verb. Unlike its active counterpart 풀다 (to solve/untie something), 풀리다 focuses on the result or the state of the subject itself. You don't '풀리다' a knot; the knot '풀리다's. This nuance is crucial for natural-sounding Korean.

The 'Natural Occurrence' Pattern: When something happens on its own or without a specific agent being emphasized, 풀리다 is used. For instance, '신발 끈이 풀렸다' (The shoelace came untied) doesn't necessarily mean someone untied it; it just happened. This is very common in everyday observations.
The 'Result of Effort' Pattern: Even when someone did solve a problem, you might use 풀리다 to emphasize that the problem is now in a 'solved state.' If a student works hard on a math question and finally gets it, they might shout '풀렸다!' (It's solved!) rather than '풀었다!' (I solved it!) to focus on the joy of the solution appearing.

날씨가 풀리면 같이 산책 가요.
Translation: When the weather gets warmer (thaws), let's go for a walk together.

In social contexts, 풀리다 is used to describe the resolution of conflict. If two people have a misunderstanding (오해), and they talk it through, the misunderstanding '풀린다'. This implies that the negative energy or the 'knot' in the relationship has been smoothed out. It is often paired with words like '기분' (mood) or '마음' (heart) to describe feeling better after being upset.

오해가 풀려서 다행이에요.
Translation: I'm glad the misunderstanding has been cleared up.

Finally, consider the physical sensation of muscles relaxing. In Korean, after a massage, you would say '근육이 풀렸다'. This uses the same logic: the 'knots' in the muscles have been undone. This wide range of application—from shoelaces to weather to human emotions—makes 풀리다 one of the most expressive verbs in the Korean language for describing positive transitions from tension to ease.

You will encounter 풀리다 in almost every corner of Korean life, from the mundane to the high-stakes. It is a staple of news broadcasts, dramatic climaxes, and casual coffee shop chats. Its frequency in the language is a testament to how often we deal with 'knots'—both literal and figurative—in our daily lives.

In News and Weather Forecasts: The phrase '추위가 풀리다' (the cold is easing) is a seasonal favorite. You'll hear weather casters use it to announce the end of a cold snap. In economic news, you might hear about '자금이 풀리다' (funds are being released/circulated), indicating that the government or banks are making more money available to the public.
In K-Dramas and Movies: Thrillers and mysteries rely heavily on this word. When the detective finally connects the dots, they might say '이제야 수수께끼가 풀리는군' (Finally, the riddle is being solved). In romance dramas, after a long period of 'cold war' between lovers, a character might ask, '아직도 화 안 풀렸어?' (Are you still angry? / Has your anger not dissipated yet?).

“이번 주말부터는 추위가 좀 풀리겠습니다.”
Translation: “The cold will ease up starting this weekend.” (Typical weather forecast)

In schools and universities, students use 풀리다 constantly when discussing exams. If a test was particularly easy, a student might say '문제가 술술 풀렸어' (The problems were solved smoothly/easily). This '술술' (smoothly) is a common adverb paired with 풀리다 to describe a state of effortless resolution.

“어제 잠을 푹 잤더니 피로가 싹 풀렸어요.”
Translation: “I slept soundly yesterday, so all my fatigue is completely gone.”

Even in the workplace, you'll hear it regarding projects. If a project was stalled due to a technical glitch or a lack of permission, and then the obstacle is removed, coworkers might say '일이 잘 풀리고 있다' (The work is being resolved/proceeding smoothly). Here, it transitions from 'solving a problem' to 'things working out' in a general sense.

While 풀리다 is a common word, its passive nature often trips up learners who are used to the active voice in English. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing Active (풀다) and Passive (풀리다): This is the number one mistake. Learners often say '나는 문제를 풀렸어' (I was solved the problem), which is grammatically incorrect. If you are the one doing the solving, use 풀다 (나는 문제를 풀었어). Use 풀리다 when the focus is on the problem itself being solved (문제가 풀렸어).
Misusing Particles: Because 풀리다 is intransitive, it cannot take an object marked with -을/를. Always pair it with -이/가. For example, '스트레스가 풀리다' (Stress is relieved) is correct, while '스트레스를 풀리다' is a grammatical error.

❌ 숙제를 풀렸어요. (Incorrect)
✅ 숙제가 풀렸어요. (Correct - The homework got solved/done.)
✅ 숙제를 풀었어요. (Correct - I solved the homework.)

Another subtle mistake is using 풀리다 for physical melting of ice. While '날씨가 풀리다' means the weather is getting warmer, the actual act of ice turning into water is 녹다. If you say '얼음이 풀렸다', a Korean might understand you metaphorically (like 'the ice between two people broke'), but for physical ice, it sounds awkward.

“다리가 풀려서 주저앉았어요.”
Translation: “My legs gave way (loosened/lost strength), so I slumped down.” (Correct usage for sudden weakness)

Lastly, be careful with the expression '다리가 풀리다'. It doesn't mean your legs are 'relaxed' in a good way; it usually means they have gone weak from fear, exhaustion, or shock. Using it to mean 'I'm relaxing my legs after a workout' might lead to confusion. For that, you would say '다리 근육을 이완시키다' or '다리의 피로를 풀다'.

Korean has several words that overlap with 풀리다. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a logical problem, a physical state, or a social restriction.

풀리다 vs. 해결되다 (To be solved/resolved): While both mean 'to be solved', 해결되다 is more formal and often used for administrative, social, or large-scale problems. 풀리다 is more common for math problems, riddles, or personal misunderstandings. You '해결' a crisis, but you '풀' a knot.
풀리다 vs. 해소되다 (To be relieved/dissipated): 해소되다 is typically used for abstract things like stress, tension, or thirst. While 풀리다 can also be used for stress, 해소되다 sounds more technical or formal. You'll see '스트레스 해소' (stress relief) on product labels, but you'll say '스트레스가 풀린다' to your friends.
풀리다 vs. 자유로워지다 (To become free): When a restriction or ban is lifted, 풀리다 (e.g., 금지가 풀리다) focuses on the removal of the barrier. 자유로워지다 focuses on the state of the person becoming free. 풀리다 is the 'untying' of the rule.

그 문제는 드디어 해결되었습니다.
Translation: That problem has finally been resolved. (More formal than 풀리다)

In summary, use 풀리다 for a natural, everyday feeling of 'untying'. Use 해결되다 for professional contexts, and 해소되다 for formal discussions about relieving psychological or physical states. Understanding these subtle differences will elevate your Korean from 'functional' to 'fluent'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '풀' (grass) and '풀다' (to untie) are not related, but '풀' (glue) is often used in the context of things being 'stuck', which is the opposite of '풀리다'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʰul.li.da/

US /pʰul.li.da/

The stress is even, but the first syllable '풀' has a slight emphasis.

Rhymes With

불리다 (bullida - to be called) 물리다 (mullida - to be bitten) 졸리다 (jollida - to be sleepy) 눌리다 (nullida - to be pressed) 틀리다 (teullida - to be wrong) 불리다 (bullida - to soak) 굴리다 (gullida - to roll) 홀리다 (hollida - to be possessed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ㄹㄹ' as a single 'r' sound.
Not aspirating the 'p' (sounding like 'bul-li-da').
Confusing the 'u' (ㅜ) sound with 'eo' (ㅓ).
Making the 'i' (ㅣ) sound too short.
Not connecting the syllables smoothly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in various contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the passive form and correct particles.

Speaking 3/5

Must distinguish from '풀다' in real-time.

Listening 2/5

Very common in TV and daily speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

풀다 끈 문제 화 날씨

Learn Next

해결하다 해소하다 완화하다 맺히다

Advanced

실타래 섭리 구속력 실마리

Grammar to Know

Passive -이/히/리/기-

풀다 -> 풀리다

Subject Particle -이/가

문제가 풀리다 (Correct) vs 문제를 풀리다 (Incorrect)

Adverbial -게

풀리게 하다 (To make something be solved)

Conjunction -어서/아서 (Cause)

날씨가 풀려서 기분이 좋아요.

Intentional -기 시작하다

문제가 풀리기 시작했어요.

Examples by Level

신발 끈이 풀렸어요.

My shoelace came untied.

신발 끈 (shoelace) + 이 (subject marker) + 풀렸다 (past tense of 풀리다)

문제가 잘 풀려요.

The problem is being solved well.

문제가 (problem) + 풀려요 (present polite)

매듭이 풀렸어요.

The knot came undone.

매듭 (knot) is the subject.

넥타이가 풀렸네요.

Your tie has come loose.

-네요 is an ending used to express surprise or observation.

포장이 풀렸어요.

The wrapping came off.

포장 (packaging/wrapping) is the subject.

단추가 풀렸어요.

The button came undone.

단추 (button) + 가 (subject marker)

가방 끈이 풀렸어요.

The bag strap came loose.

가방 끈 (bag strap) is the subject.

줄이 풀렸어요.

The string/line came untied.

줄 (string/line) is the subject.

날씨가 드디어 풀렸어요.

The weather has finally eased up (warmed up).

날씨 (weather) is often used with 풀리다 to mean warming up.

화가 좀 풀렸어요?

Is your anger a bit relieved?

화 (anger) + 가 (subject marker)

기분이 다 풀렸어요.

I feel all better now (My mood has been restored).

기분 (mood) is the subject.

어려운 수학 문제가 풀렸어요.

The difficult math problem was solved.

수학 문제 (math problem) + 가 (subject marker)

추위가 풀리면 산책해요.

Let's take a walk when the cold eases up.

-면 (if/when) attached to the verb stem.

오해가 빨리 풀리면 좋겠어요.

I hope the misunderstanding is resolved quickly.

오해 (misunderstanding) is the subject.

긴장이 조금 풀렸어요.

My tension has eased a bit.

긴장 (tension/nervousness) is the subject.

이제 마음이 풀려요.

Now my heart feels at ease (I'm no longer upset).

마음 (heart/mind) is the subject.

목욕을 하니 피로가 풀리네요.

Fatigue is disappearing since I'm taking a bath.

-으니 (since/because) provides the reason.

운동을 하면 스트레스가 풀려요.

Stress is relieved when I exercise.

스트레스 (stress) is the subject.

일이 잘 풀리고 있어요.

Things are working out well.

-고 있다 (progressive tense)

마사지를 받아서 근육이 풀렸어요.

My muscles loosened up because I got a massage.

근육 (muscle) is the subject.

드디어 수수께끼가 풀렸습니다.

The riddle has finally been solved.

수수께끼 (riddle/mystery) is the subject.

술을 마시니까 긴장이 풀려요.

My tension eases up because I'm drinking alcohol.

-니까 (because) explains the cause.

다행히 오해가 풀렸어요.

Fortunately, the misunderstanding was resolved.

다행히 (fortunately) is an adverb.

잠을 푹 자고 나니 피로가 싹 풀렸어요.

After sleeping deeply, my fatigue is completely gone.

싹 (completely/entirely) is an emphatic adverb.

정부의 규제가 드디어 풀렸습니다.

The government's regulations have finally been lifted.

규제 (regulation) + 가 (subject marker)

너무 놀라서 다리가 풀려 버렸어요.

I was so shocked that my legs just gave way.

-어 버리다 (expresses a completed action with a feeling of regret or finality)

시장에 돈이 많이 풀리고 있습니다.

A lot of money is being released/circulated in the market.

시장에 (in the market) + 돈 (money) + 풀리고 있다

수출 금지가 풀리기를 기다리고 있어요.

I am waiting for the export ban to be lifted.

금지 (ban) + 가 (subject marker) + 풀리기를 (nominalized form)

그의 고집이 조금씩 풀리는 것 같아요.

It seems his stubbornness is softening bit by bit.

고집 (stubbornness) is used metaphorically here.

사건의 실마리가 풀리기 시작했어요.

The clues to the case have started to unravel/be solved.

실마리 (clue/thread) + 가 (subject marker)

억울한 마음이 이제야 좀 풀리네요.

My feeling of being wronged is finally easing up.

억울하다 (to feel wronged) + 마음 (heart)

꽁꽁 얼었던 한강이 풀리고 있어요.

The frozen-solid Han River is thawing.

꽁꽁 (frozen solid) is an onomatopoeic/mimetic word.

오랜 갈등이 대화로 풀렸습니다.

The long-standing conflict was resolved through dialogue.

갈등 (conflict) + 이 (subject marker)

그의 말 한마디에 분위기가 확 풀렸어요.

With just one word from him, the atmosphere lightened up instantly.

분위기 (atmosphere) + 가 (subject marker)

매듭을 잘못 건드려서 저절로 풀려 버렸다.

I touched the knot wrong and it came undone by itself.

저절로 (by itself/spontaneously)

그 배우는 긴장이 풀린 듯 자연스럽게 연기했다.

The actor acted naturally as if his tension had eased.

-ㄴ 듯 (as if/like)

마음의 빗장이 풀리는 순간이었다.

It was the moment the latch on my heart was released.

빗장 (latch/bolt) is used metaphorically for emotional barriers.

경직되었던 사회 분위기가 조금씩 풀리고 있다.

The rigid social atmosphere is gradually loosening.

경직되다 (to be rigid/stiff)

난제가 풀리자 연구팀은 환호했다.

When the difficult problem was solved, the research team cheered.

난제 (difficult problem/challenge) + 가 (subject marker)

그의 한 서린 목소리에 내 마음도 풀렸다.

My heart also softened at his voice full of sorrow.

한 서린 (filled with 'han' or deep sorrow)

억압의 사슬이 마침내 풀리고 자유가 찾아왔다.

The chains of oppression were finally broken, and freedom arrived.

사슬 (chains) + 이 (subject marker)

자연의 섭리가 풀리는 과정은 경이롭다.

The process by which the providence of nature is unraveled is wondrous.

섭리 (providence/divine law) + 가 (subject marker)

그의 문장은 꼬였던 생각들을 풀리게 한다.

His sentences cause tangled thoughts to be unraveled.

-게 하다 (causative construction)

해빙기가 되자 강물이 풀려 흐르기 시작했다.

As the thaw set in, the river water loosened and began to flow.

해빙기 (thawing season/period)

망자의 한이 풀려야 산 자의 마음도 편해진다.

Only when the resentment of the deceased is resolved can the hearts of the living find peace.

망자 (the deceased) + 한 (sorrow/resentment)

우주의 신비가 하나둘씩 풀리고 있다.

The mysteries of the universe are being solved one by one.

신비 (mystery) + 가 (subject marker)

긴 세월 맺혔던 응어리가 눈물과 함께 풀렸다.

The lump of resentment that had formed over many years was released with tears.

응어리 (lump/knot of emotion)

법적인 구속력이 풀리면서 자유로운 활동이 가능해졌다.

As the legal binding force was released, free activity became possible.

구속력 (binding force) + 이 (subject marker)

Common Collocations

신발 끈이 풀리다

문제가 풀리다

날씨가 풀리다

화가 풀리다

피로가 풀리다

스트레스가 풀리다

오해가 풀리다

긴장이 풀리다

돈이 풀리다

금지가 풀리다

Common Phrases

일이 잘 풀리다

— Things are going well or working out.

요즘 모든 일이 잘 풀리고 있어요.

술술 풀리다

— To be solved very smoothly and easily.

시험 문제가 술술 풀렸어요.

눈 녹듯 풀리다

— To melt away like snow (usually anger or tension).

그녀의 미소에 화가 눈 녹듯 풀렸다.

다리가 풀리다

— Legs go weak due to shock or fatigue.

귀신을 보고 다리가 풀렸어요.

마음이 풀리다

— To feel better after being upset or cold.

사과를 받으니 마음이 좀 풀리네요.

허리띠가 풀리다

— A belt coming loose (often after eating a lot).

너무 많이 먹어서 허리띠가 풀릴 지경이다.

매듭이 풀리다

— A knot is untied; a central problem is solved.

사건의 매듭이 드디어 풀렸다.

경계가 풀리다

— One's guard is lowered.

그의 친절함에 경계가 풀렸다.

수수께끼가 풀리다

— A riddle or mystery is solved.

범인이 잡히자 수수께끼가 풀렸다.

근육이 풀리다

— Muscles relax (after tension).

스트레칭을 하니 근육이 풀린다.

Often Confused With

풀리다 vs 풀다

Active vs. Passive. '풀다' is what YOU do; '풀리다' is what happens to the object.

풀리다 vs 녹다

Literal melting (ice) vs. metaphorical thawing (weather/anger).

풀리다 vs 불리다

To be called or to soak. Sounds very similar but completely different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"다리가 풀리다"

— To lose strength in the legs from fear or exhaustion.

무서운 영화를 보고 다리가 풀려 버렸다.

Neutral

"날씨가 풀리다"

— The winter cold easing up and turning warmer.

입춘이 지나니 날씨가 풀리기 시작했다.

Neutral

"화가 눈 녹듯 풀리다"

— Anger disappearing completely and quickly.

아이의 애교에 화가 눈 녹듯 풀렸다.

Neutral

"코가 풀리다"

— Literally 'to blow one's nose' (passive/reflexive use in some contexts), but rare; usually '코를 풀다'.

콧물이 나와서 코가 저절로 풀릴 것 같다 (metaphorical).

Informal

"실타래가 풀리다"

— A complicated situation starting to get resolved (like a ball of yarn).

복잡했던 상황이 실타래 풀리듯 풀렸다.

Literary

"한이 풀리다"

— To resolve a deep-seated grudge or sorrow.

돌아가신 할머니의 한이 이제야 풀린 것 같다.

Cultural/Deep

"기운이 풀리다"

— To lose energy or spirit suddenly.

나쁜 소식을 듣고 기운이 확 풀렸다.

Neutral

"경계심이 풀리다"

— To let one's guard down against someone.

그의 웃는 얼굴에 경계심이 풀렸다.

Neutral

"돈줄이 풀리다"

— Financial flow becoming active again.

은행 대출이 재개되면서 돈줄이 풀렸다.

Economic

"빗장이 풀리다"

— Barriers being removed (often metaphorical).

두 나라 사이의 교류의 빗장이 풀렸다.

Formal/Literary

Easily Confused

풀리다 vs 풀다

Active vs Passive

풀다 needs an object (를), 풀리다 needs a subject (가).

나는 문제를 풀었다. vs 문제가 풀렸다.

풀리다 vs 풀어지다

Similar meaning

풀어지다 often implies becoming limp or loose in a negative way (like a mind becoming lax).

정신이 풀어지면 안 된다.

풀리다 vs 해결되다

Both mean 'solved'

해결되다 is more formal and used for 'problems' in a professional sense.

분쟁이 해결되었다.

풀리다 vs 해소되다

Both mean 'relieved'

해소되다 is used specifically for stress, thirst, or tension in formal contexts.

갈증이 해소되었다.

풀리다 vs 놓이다

Both can mean 'relief'

놓이다 is used for 'mind' (마음이 놓이다) meaning to feel at ease/safe.

마음이 놓인다.

Sentence Patterns

[N]이/가 풀렸어요.

신발 끈이 풀렸어요.

[N]이/가 잘 풀려요.

문제가 잘 풀려요.

[V]-니까 [N]이/가 풀려요.

잠을 자니까 피로가 풀려요.

[N]이/가 안 풀려서 걱정이에요.

일이 안 풀려서 걱정이에요.

[N]이/가 눈 녹듯 풀리다.

화가 눈 녹듯 풀렸다.

[N]의 실타래가 풀리다.

사건의 실타래가 풀렸다.

[N]이/가 풀리길 바라요.

오해가 풀리길 바라요.

날씨가 풀리면 [V]-아요/어요.

날씨가 풀리면 만나요.

Word Family

Nouns

풀이 Solving, explanation, interpretation

문제 풀이 Problem solving

Verbs

풀다 To untie, solve, release (active)

풀어지다 To get loose, to become soft

풀려나다 To be set free, released

해결 (resolution)

해소 (dissipation)

자유 (freedom)

매듭 (knot)

오해 (misunderstanding)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

문제를 풀렸어요. → 문제가 풀렸어요.
풀리다 is intransitive; it cannot take an object marked with -를.
나는 신발 끈을 풀렸어. → 나는 신발 끈을 풀었어.
If you are the one untying the laces, use the active verb '풀다'.
얼음이 풀렸어요. → 얼음이 녹았어요.
'풀리다' is for weather/tension; '녹다' is for physical melting of ice.
스트레스를 풀려요. → 스트레스가 풀려요.
Stress is the subject that is being relieved, so use the subject marker '가'.
화가 풀었어요. → 화가 풀렸어요.
If you use '가', you must use the passive '풀리다'. If you use '를', use '풀다'.

Tips

Check Your Particles

Always use 이 or 가 with 풀리다. If you find yourself wanting to use 을 or 를, you probably need the verb 풀다 instead.

Weather Talk

In late winter, use '날씨가 풀렸어요' to sound like a native when the temperature rises even a little bit.

Shocked Legs

Use '다리가 풀리다' when you want to describe being so surprised that you almost fell down.

Detecting Relief

In dramas, when you hear '풀렸어', look at the character's face. They will usually look relieved, whether it's about a crime or a crush.

Emotional Release

Koreans value the 'untying' of emotions. Using '풀리다' for anger or stress shows you understand this cultural nuance.

Smooth Solving

Add the adverb '술술' (sul-sul) before '풀리다' to express that something was solved very easily.

Metaphors

Try using '눈 녹듯 풀리다' (melt like snow) in your writing to describe a dramatic change in mood.

Not for Ice

Don't say '얼음이 풀리다' for your drink. Use '얼음이 녹다'. Only use '풀리다' for the frozen river in a large-scale thaw.

The Double L

The 'ㄹㄹ' in '풀리다' is a lateral sound. It's not a flap or a trill. Think of the 'll' in 'mellow'.

Money Flow

In economic contexts, '돈이 풀리다' is a common way to say the money supply has increased.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pull'. When you 'PULL' a string, the knot might 'PULL-lida' (untie).

Visual Association

Imagine a giant knot in your brain that suddenly unravels into a straight line.

Word Web

Knot (매듭) Problem (문제) Weather (날씨) Anger (화) Stress (스트레스) Shoelace (신발 끈) Riddle (수수께끼) Fatigue (피로)

Challenge

Try to use '풀리다' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for your mood, and once for the weather.

Word Origin

Derived from the native Korean verb '풀다' (to untie/solve).

Original meaning: To loosen a bound or tied state.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but when using it for '한' (han), be aware of the deep cultural weight of that word.

English uses different words: 'untie' for shoes, 'solve' for math, 'ease' for weather, and 'relieve' for stress. Korean uses '풀리다' for all of them.

살풀이 (Salpuri) - Traditional dance to release evil spirits. The phrase '일이 술술 풀린다' is a common well-wish for the New Year. Detective dramas often use the line '드디어 매듭이 풀렸다' (The knot is finally untied).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Walking

신발 끈 풀렸어요
끈이 자꾸 풀려요
단단히 묶어, 안 풀리게
어, 저절로 풀렸네

Studying

문제가 안 풀려요
드디어 풀렸다!
술술 풀리네
어떻게 풀렸어?

Weather

날씨가 좀 풀렸죠?
추위가 언제 풀릴까요?
내일부터 풀린대요
풀리자마자 꽃이 피네

Relationship

오해하지 마, 다 풀렸어
화가 아직 안 풀렸어?
마음이 풀릴 때까지 기다릴게
분위기가 좀 풀렸네

Health/Spa

피로가 싹 풀려요
근육이 잘 안 풀리네
스트레스 풀러 가자
몸이 노곤하게 풀린다

Conversation Starters

"요즘 하는 일은 잘 풀리고 있어요?"

"오늘 날씨가 많이 풀렸는데 산책 가실래요?"

"시험 문제는 잘 풀렸어요?"

"어떻게 하면 스트레스가 제일 잘 풀려요?"

"친구랑 싸웠을 때 화가 어떻게 풀렸어요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 중 가장 기분 좋게 풀렸던 일은 무엇인가요?

최근에 나를 괴롭히던 고민이 풀렸던 경험을 써 보세요.

스트레스가 풀리는 나만의 특별한 방법이 있나요?

날씨가 풀리면 가장 먼저 하고 싶은 일은 무엇인가요?

오해를 풀기 위해 노력했던 경험에 대해 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

For physical ice, use '녹다'. For the weather getting warmer, use '날씨가 풀리다'. Metaphorically, for anger, you can say '화가 눈 녹듯 풀리다'.

'문제를 풀었다' means 'I solved the problem' (Active). '문제가 풀렸다' means 'The problem was solved' (Passive), focusing on the outcome.

No, it usually means your legs have gone weak or 'jelly-like' from shock, fear, or extreme exhaustion. It's not a positive relaxation.

It is a neutral word. You can make it formal by adding '-습니다' (풀렸습니다) or informal by dropping '-요' (풀렸어).

You should say '스트레스를 풀었어요' (Active). If you say '스트레스가 풀렸어요', it means 'My stress was relieved' (Passive).

Yes, '오해가 풀리다' (misunderstanding resolved) or '관계가 풀리다' (relationship eased) are common.

The noun '풀이' (solving/explanation) is related to the active verb '풀다'.

Yes, for buttons (단추), ties (넥타이), and shoelaces (신발 끈).

It means 'things aren't going my way' or 'I'm having a streak of bad luck/stalled progress'.

Yes, regarding regulations (규제), bans (금지), or the flow of money (자금).