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건조하다

B1 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

건조하다

geonjohada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 건조하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 건조하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '건조하다' in its most basic form to describe the weather and how you feel. You will mostly use it as a descriptive verb (like an adjective) to say 'It is dry.' In Korea, the weather is a very common topic of small talk. During the winter, you might hear people say '날씨가 건조해요' (The weather is dry). This is a simple sentence structure: Subject (날씨) + Particle (가) + Verb (건조해요). You might also use it to describe your skin or eyes if you are feeling uncomfortable. For example, '눈이 건조해요' (My eyes are dry). At this stage, don't worry about the complex Hanja or industrial meanings. Just focus on the present tense '건조해요' and the past tense '건조했어요' to describe your environment. You can also learn the opposite word, '습하다' (to be humid), which is used in the summer. Knowing these two words will allow you to participate in basic conversations about the four seasons in Korea. Remember that in Korean, adjectives like '건조하다' function like verbs, so they come at the end of the sentence and change their endings based on politeness levels. At A1, always stick to the polite '-해요' ending when talking to teachers or strangers.

At the A2 level, you can start using '건조하다' to explain reasons and make simple requests. You will learn to use the connective '-아서/어서' (because/so) to link sentences. For example, '날씨가 건조해서 목이 아파요' (The weather is dry, so my throat hurts). This shows a higher level of fluency because you are connecting two ideas. You should also become familiar with the modifier form '건조한' (dry). This allows you to describe nouns directly, such as '건조한 날씨' (dry weather) or '건조한 피부' (dry skin). You might use this at a pharmacy: '건조한 피부에 바르는 약 있어요?' (Do you have medicine for dry skin?). Additionally, you will start to see the noun form '건조' used in compound words like '건조기' (dryer) and '가습기' (humidifier - literally 'moisture-adding machine'). Knowing these words is very practical for daily life in a Korean apartment. You might ask a roommate, '건조기 써도 돼요?' (Can I use the dryer?). At A2, you are moving beyond simple observations and starting to use the word to navigate practical situations like shopping and household chores.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '건조하다' and other similar words like '말리다' or '마르다'. You are expected to use '건조하다' in more formal or specific contexts, such as health and safety. You might discuss the '건조 주의보' (dry weather advisory) and how it affects the risk of forest fires. You will also use the word to talk about social or emotional states in a metaphorical sense. For instance, you could describe a book or a movie's style as '건조하다' if it lacks emotional embellishment. Grammatically, you should be comfortable using the word with various endings like '-다면' (if), '-기도 하다' (sometimes...), and '-기 시작하다' (to start to...). For example, '가을이 되면 공기가 건조해지기 시작해요' (When autumn comes, the air starts to become dry). You will also encounter the causative form '건조시키다' (to make something dry), which is common in recipes or instructions. '과일을 햇볕에 건조시키세요' (Dry the fruit in the sunlight). This level requires you to use the word accurately in both spoken and written Korean, choosing it over native synonyms when a more formal or precise tone is required.

At the B2 level, you can use '건조하다' in professional and academic discussions. You will understand its use in technical fields such as food science, construction, and medicine. For example, you might read an article about '식품 건조 기술' (food drying technology) and how it preserves nutrients. In a business context, you might use '건조하다' to describe a formal, professional communication style: '업무적인 메일은 건조하게 쓰는 것이 좋습니다' (It is good to write business emails in a dry/concise manner). You should also be aware of the homonym '건조' (建造), which means the construction of large structures like ships or buildings, though this is a different Hanja. At B2, you are expected to handle complex sentence structures, such as '건조함이 심해짐에 따라' (As the dryness becomes more severe...). You can also discuss the socio-cultural aspects of dryness in Korea, such as why humidifiers are a standard wedding gift or how the dry winter climate shaped traditional Korean architecture (like the use of Hanji paper). Your vocabulary should include related terms like '안구건조증' (dry eye syndrome) and '수분 부족' (lack of moisture).

At the C1 level, you will appreciate the literary and nuanced uses of '건조하다'. You can analyze how authors use '건조한 문체' (a dry writing style) to create a sense of realism or detachment in modern Korean literature. You will understand the subtle negative connotations when describing a person's character as '건조하다'—implying they are perhaps too rational or lacking in 'Jeong' (emotional warmth). You will also be able to use the word in high-level academic writing, perhaps in a thesis about environmental changes or public health. For example, '기후 변화로 인한 대기의 건조화 현상' (The phenomenon of atmospheric drying due to climate change). You should be able to distinguish between '건조하다' and highly specific synonyms like '척박하다' (barren land) or '고갈되다' (to be depleted/dried up). At this level, your use of the word is not just about communication but about precision and style. You can discuss the etymology of the Hanja characters (乾 and 燥) and how they appear in other academic terms. You will also be comfortable with formal speech markers and advanced connectors that frame the word in a sophisticated context.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '건조하다' and can use it across all registers, from the most technical scientific journals to the most abstract poetry. You can discuss the history of Korean industrialization through terms like '선박 건조' (shipbuilding), while simultaneously understanding the environmental implications of '대지 건조화' (land desertification/drying). You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about '건조한 삶' (a dry/meaningless life) in modern society. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in wordplay or to understand complex puns involving its homonyms. You can critique the translation of English 'dry' into Korean, noting where '건조하다' fits and where a more idiomatic Korean expression is needed. You are also aware of regional dialects or archaic forms that might have been used in the past. At this level, '건조하다' is a tool you use with complete precision to convey exact degrees of moisture, formality, and emotion. You can write professional reports, literary critiques, and scientific abstracts that utilize this word and its derivatives with perfect accuracy and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

건조하다 in 30 Seconds

건조하다 primarily means 'to be dry' regarding weather, skin, or atmosphere.
It is a formal, Hanja-based word (乾燥) compared to native words like 마르다.
Commonly used in medical, beauty, and technical contexts (e.g., dry skin, clothes dryer).
Metaphorically, it describes an emotionless personality or a factual, plain writing style.

The word 건조하다 (Geon-jo-ha-da) is a cornerstone of the Korean language, particularly when discussing environmental conditions, personal health, and industrial processes. At its core, it refers to the state of being dry or the act of making something dry. Derived from the Hanja characters 乾 (건 - dry) and 燥 (조 - parched), it carries a more formal and clinical tone than the native Korean word 말리다 (to dry) or 마르다 (to be dry). English speakers often encounter this word early in their Korean journey because Korea experiences distinct seasonal changes, notably the extremely dry winters that necessitate a specific vocabulary for comfort and health.

Environmental Context: In Korea, especially from late autumn through winter, the air becomes significantly parched. You will hear meteorologists use '건조하다' to warn about forest fire risks or the need for humidifiers. It describes an atmospheric state where moisture is lacking.

겨울철에는 공기가 매우 건조하다. (In the winter season, the air is very dry.)

Beyond the weather, '건조하다' is the primary term used in the beauty and skincare industry. If you visit a dermatologist or a cosmetics store like Olive Young, you will frequently hear discussions about 건조한 피부 (dry skin). In this context, it isn't just a physical description; it's a condition that requires intervention, such as applying '수분 크림' (moisture cream). The word implies a lack of necessary hydration that leads to discomfort or tightness.

Industrial and Culinary Use: When used as a verb in a technical sense, it refers to the process of dehydration. For instance, '식품을 건조하다' means to dehydrate food for preservation. This is a common practice in Korean cuisine, resulting in delicacies like '북어' (dried pollack) or '곶감' (dried persimmon).

과일을 건조하여 간식을 만들었다. (I dried the fruit to make a snack.)

Furthermore, the word has a metaphorical extension. It can describe a person's personality or a piece of writing as being 'dry' or 'unemotional.' A 건조한 문체 (dry writing style) refers to prose that is factual and lacks decorative adjectives or emotional flair. Similarly, a 건조한 관계 (dry relationship) suggests one that is purely functional and lacks warmth or intimacy. Understanding this word allows you to navigate both the physical world of Korean winters and the nuanced world of Korean social and literary descriptions.

그의 말투는 너무 건조하다. (His way of speaking is too dry/emotionless.)

Technical Nuance: In manufacturing, '건조' is a specific stage in production lines, such as drying paint or semiconductor wafers. In these settings, it is treated as a precise technical verb.

Using 건조하다 correctly requires understanding its dual nature as both a descriptive verb (adjective) and an action verb. In daily conversation, it most frequently functions as a descriptive verb to express a state. When you want to say 'The weather is dry,' you use the standard polite form: 날씨가 건조해요. Because it ends in -하다, it follows the standard conjugation rules where -하다 becomes -해요 in the present tense and -했다 in the past tense.

Describing States (Adjective Use): When describing skin, eyes, or the atmosphere, use the subject marker -이/가. For example, '눈이 건조하다' (My eyes are dry) is a common complaint for office workers looking at screens all day.

방 안이 너무 건조해서 가습기를 켰어요. (The room was so dry that I turned on the humidifier.)

When you want to use it as a modifier (an adjective before a noun), the form changes to 건조한. This is essential for phrases like 'dry skin' (건조한 피부) or 'dry weather' (건조한 날씨). Note that you cannot use '건조하다' directly before a noun without this transformation. For example, '건조하다 피부' is grammatically incorrect; it must be '건조한 피부'.

Expressing Action (Verb Use): In more formal or technical contexts, it acts as an active verb meaning 'to dry.' Here, you use the object marker -을/를. For example, '고추를 건조하다' (To dry chili peppers). In casual speech, however, most people would use '말리다' for this action.

세탁물을 기계로 건조하는 중입니다. (We are in the middle of drying the laundry with a machine.)

Another important grammatical structure is using the connective -면 (if/when). Since dryness often causes problems, you'll hear: 날씨가 건조하면 불이 나기 쉬워요 (When the weather is dry, it's easy for fires to start). In professional writing, you might see the noun form 건조 used alone, such as in '건조 주의보' (Dry weather warning/advisory). Mastering these variations allows you to transition from simple observations about the weather to complex discussions about health and safety.

피부가 건조할 때는 보습제를 바르세요. (When your skin is dry, apply a moisturizer.)

Negative Forms: To say it is 'not dry,' you can use '건조하지 않다' or '안 건조하다.' In humid summers, you might say '전혀 건조하지 않아요' (It's not dry at all).

If you live in Korea or consume Korean media, 건조하다 will likely enter your ears through several specific channels. The most common is the daily weather report. Korean winters are influenced by the Siberian High, bringing cold, dry air. News anchors will frequently mention 대기가 매우 건조합니다 (The atmosphere is very dry). This is often followed by a 건조 특보 (Special dry weather report), which is a critical warning for residents to be careful with heating appliances and for hikers to avoid carrying lighters into the mountains.

The Skincare Industry: Korea is a global hub for skincare (K-Beauty). Consequently, '건조하다' is a marketing buzzword. You will see it on product packaging, in YouTube beauty tutorials, and in consultations. Salesclerks will ask, '피부가 많이 건조하신가요?' (Is your skin very dry?). They use the honorific form '-하신가요' to be polite while assessing your needs.

이 크림은 건조한 피부에 아주 좋습니다. (This cream is very good for dry skin.)

In a domestic setting, '건조하다' is associated with modern appliances. While traditional Korean homes air-dried laundry on racks (빨래 건조대), many modern apartments now come with electronic dryers. The buttons on these machines will be labeled 건조 (Dry), and the machine itself is called a 건조기 (Dryer). You'll hear family members asking, '건조기 다 돌아갔어?' (Is the dryer finished?). This shift from the verb '말리다' to the Hanja-based '건조' reflects the technologization of the household.

Health and Medical Settings: Doctors often use this word when diagnosing respiratory issues or eye irritation. '안구 건조증' (Dry eye syndrome) is a very common diagnosis in Korea. If you complain about itchy eyes or a sore throat in winter, the doctor will likely explain that the air is '건조해서' (because it's dry) and recommend using a humidifier.

실내가 너무 건조하면 목이 아플 수 있어요. (If it's too dry indoors, your throat might hurt.)

Finally, in the workplace, '건조하다' appears in safety manuals and industrial guidelines. For those working in construction or shipping, '건조' (建造) refers to the building of ships, which is a homonym for 'drying.' While the Hanja is different, the pronunciation is identical. However, in the context of materials, '목재 건조' (drying timber) is a crucial step in building. Thus, whether you are listening to the news, shopping for lotion, doing laundry, or visiting the doctor, '건조하다' is an inescapable and vital part of the Korean auditory landscape.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 건조하다 with its native Korean counterparts, 말리다 (to dry something) and 마르다 (to become dry). While they all translate to 'dry' in English, their usage is not interchangeable. '건조하다' is more formal and is typically used for the atmosphere, skin, or scientific processes. If you say '빨래가 건조해요' to mean 'The laundry is drying,' it sounds unnatural; '빨래가 마르고 있어요' is the correct way to describe the natural process of clothes losing moisture.

Confusion with '말리다': '말리다' is an active verb used for everyday tasks. You '말리다' your hair with a hairdryer or '말리다' your clothes on a line. Using '건조하다' in these casual contexts sounds like you are reading from a technical manual. However, you do use '건조기' (dryer) for the machine itself.

Wrong: 머리를 건조해요. (I dry my hair.)
Right: 머리를 말려요.

Another common error is the misuse of the word when describing thirst. In English, we might say 'My throat is dry' to mean we are thirsty. In Korean, if you say '목이 건조하다,' a Korean person will think you are talking about the humidity levels in your throat causing irritation, not that you want a drink of water. To say you are thirsty, you must use 목이 마르다.

Adjective vs. Modifier Forms: Learners often forget to change '건조하다' to '건조한' when it precedes a noun. Saying '건조하다 공기' is a classic beginner mistake. Remember: '건조하다' is the dictionary form/sentence ending, and '건조한' is the form that describes a noun.

Wrong: 건조하다 날씨 때문에 불이 났어요.
Right: 건조한 날씨 때문에 불이 났어요.

Lastly, be careful with the word's metaphorical use. While '건조하다' can mean 'dry' in terms of personality, it is slightly more negative than 'cool' or 'stoic.' It implies a lack of empathy or human warmth. If you want to praise someone for being concise or logical, calling them '건조하다' might be misinterpreted as calling them robotic or heartless. Always consider the social context before applying this word to a person's character.

To truly master Korean, you need to know which 'dry' to use in which situation. While 건조하다 is the most versatile and formal, several other words offer more specific meanings. Understanding these nuances will make your Korean sound more natural and descriptive.

건조하다 vs. 마르다: '건조하다' usually refers to a state of low humidity or a technical process. '마르다' is used for things that were wet and are now becoming dry (clothes, a riverbed) or for a person being thin/skinny. You would never say a person is '건조하다' to mean they are thin.

빨래가 잘 마른다. (The laundry is drying well.) vs. 공기가 건조하다. (The air is dry.)

For a more evocative description of dryness, Koreans use 메마르다. This word suggests a more intense, parched state, often used for soil, land, or even a person's emotions. It carries a sense of 'barren' or 'depleted.' If a field is '메마르다,' it hasn't seen rain in a long time and is cracking. If a person's heart is '메마르다,' they have lost their ability to feel compassion.

푸석푸석하다: This is an onomatopoeic/mimetic word (uiseong-eo/uitae-eo) specifically used for dry hair or dry, crumbly skin. It implies a lack of gloss and a rough texture. If your hair feels like straw after bleaching, you would say it's '푸석푸석해요'.

피부가 푸석푸석해서 화장이 잘 안 받아요. (My skin is so dry/rough that my makeup doesn't go on well.)

Lastly, 바싹 is an adverb often used with '말리다' or '마르다' to mean 'bone-dry' or 'completely dried up.' It often describes the texture of something crispy. For example, '김을 바싹 구웠다' (I roasted the seaweed until it was very crispy/dry). In summary, while '건조하다' is your safe, all-purpose word for dryness in weather and skin, '마르다' is for the process of drying, '메마르다' is for barrenness, '푸석푸석하다' is for texture, and '바싹' is for completeness.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Geon' (乾) in 건조하다 is the same character used for one of the four trigrams on the South Korean flag (Taegeukgi), representing heaven, spring, East, and justice.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡʌndʑoɦada/

US /ɡʌndʒoʊhɑːdɑː/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis is often placed on the first syllable '건' in this word.

Rhymes With

강조하다 (to emphasize) 창조하다 (to create) 원조하다 (to aid) 공조하다 (to cooperate) 부조하다 (to help financially) 위조하다 (to forge) 변조하다 (to alter) 제조하다 (to manufacture)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '건' as '강' (gang).
Making the 'j' in 'jo' too sharp like a 'ch'.
Forgetting the 'n' sound at the end of the first syllable.
Stressing the 'ha' syllable too much.
Pronouncing '조' like '주' (ju).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts about weather or health.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of modifier forms and Hanja-based compounds.

Speaking 3/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, though homonyms like shipbuilding (建造) exist.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

물 (water) 날씨 (weather) 피부 (skin) 없다 (to not have) 많다 (to be many/much)

Learn Next

습하다 (to be humid) 가습기 (humidifier) 보습 (moisturizing) 마르다 (to dry/be thin) 증발하다 (to evaporate)

Advanced

사막화 (desertification) 탈수 (dehydration) 고갈 (depletion) 척박 (barrenness) 함수율 (moisture content)

Grammar to Know

Adjective to Modifier: -하다 becomes -한

건조하다 -> 건조한 날씨

Becoming: -아/어지다

건조해지다 (to become dry)

Causative: -시키다

건조시키다 (to make something dry)

Reason: -아서/어서

건조해서 (because it's dry)

Noun form: -함

건조함 (dryness)

Examples by Level

날씨가 건조해요.

The weather is dry.

Basic present tense polite form.

손이 너무 건조해요.

My hands are very dry.

Using '너무' (too/very) to emphasize state.

겨울은 건조합니다.

Winter is dry.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

방이 건조해요?

Is the room dry?

Question form of the polite ending.

입술이 건조해요.

My lips are dry.

Describing a body part.

여기는 안 건조해요.

It is not dry here.

Negative form '안' + verb.

공기가 건조해요.

The air is dry.

Subject marker -가.

오늘 정말 건조하네요!

It's really dry today!

Exclamatory ending -네요.

건조한 날씨를 조심하세요.

Be careful of the dry weather.

Modifier form '건조한' before noun '날씨'.

피부가 건조해서 로션을 발라요.

My skin is dry, so I apply lotion.

Reason connector -아서/어서.

가습기로 방을 건조하지 않게 해요.

I make the room not dry with a humidifier.

-지 않게 (so that it's not...).

건조기 안에 옷이 있어요.

There are clothes inside the dryer.

Noun '건조기' (dryer).

눈이 건조하면 인공눈물을 넣으세요.

If your eyes are dry, use artificial tears.

Conditional -면 (if).

이 크림은 건조한 피부용이에요.

This cream is for dry skin.

Noun + 용 (for the use of).

목이 건조해서 물을 마셨어요.

My throat felt dry, so I drank water.

Past tense -았/었-.

빨래를 건조기에 넣을까요?

Shall I put the laundry in the dryer?

Suggestive ending -(으)ㄹ까요?

실내가 건조하면 감기에 걸리기 쉬워요.

If it's dry indoors, it's easy to catch a cold.

-기 쉽다 (easy to...).

식품을 건조하면 오래 보관할 수 있습니다.

If you dry food, you can store it for a long time.

Can do -(으)ㄹ 수 있다.

건조 주의보가 내려졌으니 불조심하세요.

A dry weather advisory has been issued, so be careful of fire.

Passive form '내려지다' and reason -(으)니.

그 영화는 분위기가 너무 건조했어요.

That movie's atmosphere was too dry/emotionless.

Metaphorical use for atmosphere.

피부를 건조하게 만드는 습관을 고치세요.

Fix the habits that make your skin dry.

-게 만들다 (to make/cause).

버섯을 건조해서 요리에 넣었어요.

I dried the mushrooms and put them in the dish.

Sequential connector -아서/어서.

겨울철 건조함 때문에 고생하는 사람들이 많아요.

Many people suffer because of the winter dryness.

Noun form '건조함' + '때문에'.

콘택트렌즈를 끼면 눈이 더 건조해져요.

If you wear contact lenses, your eyes become drier.

-아/어지다 (to become).

건조한 문체로 쓰인 소설이 인기를 끌고 있다.

Novels written in a dry style are gaining popularity.

Modifier '건조한' used for literary style.

이 기계는 농산물을 급속으로 건조하는 기능을 갖추고 있다.

This machine has a function to rapidly dry agricultural products.

Relative clause -(느)ㄴ 기능.

대기가 건조해짐에 따라 산불 발생 위험이 높아졌다.

As the atmosphere became drier, the risk of forest fires increased.

-(으)ㅁ에 따라 (as a result of/according to).

그는 자신의 감정을 건조하게 표현하는 편이다.

He tends to express his emotions in a dry/detached way.

Adverbial form '-하게' + '-는 편이다'.

목재를 제대로 건조하지 않으면 가구가 뒤틀릴 수 있다.

If timber is not dried properly, furniture can warp.

Negative conditional -지 않으면.

안구 건조증을 예방하려면 적절한 습도 유지가 필수적이다.

To prevent dry eye syndrome, maintaining proper humidity is essential.

-(으)려면 (to/in order to).

건조 공정을 거친 후 제품의 무게가 줄어들었다.

After going through the drying process, the product's weight decreased.

Noun '건조 공정' (drying process).

피부 장벽이 손상되면 수분이 빠져나가 건조해진다.

When the skin barrier is damaged, moisture escapes and becomes dry.

Cause and effect sequence.

작가는 건조하고 냉소적인 시각으로 사회를 묘사한다.

The author describes society with a dry and cynical perspective.

Connecting adjectives with -고.

대기의 건조화는 사막화 현상을 가속화시키는 주요 원인이다.

The drying of the atmosphere is a major cause accelerating desertification.

Noun '건조화' (desiccation/drying process).

현대인의 인간관계는 과거에 비해 다소 건조해진 측면이 있다.

Human relationships of modern people have become somewhat drier compared to the past.

-해진 측면이 있다 (there is an aspect of having become...).

이 보고서는 사실만을 건조하게 나열하고 있어 지루하다.

This report is boring because it just lists facts in a dry manner.

Adverbial '-하게' describing the manner of listing.

문화재 보존을 위해 박물관 내부의 건조 상태를 엄격히 관리한다.

To preserve cultural heritage, the drying state inside the museum is strictly managed.

Noun phrase '건조 상태'.

건조한 기후에 적응하기 위해 식물들은 잎을 작게 진화시켰다.

To adapt to the dry climate, plants evolved small leaves.

-(으)기 위해 (in order to).

그의 연설은 수사적 표현이 배제된 건조한 연설이었다.

His speech was a dry one, devoid of rhetorical expressions.

Passive modifier '배제된' (excluded).

피부의 건조함이 극에 달하면 가려움증과 통증을 유발한다.

When skin dryness reaches its peak, it causes itching and pain.

Subject '건조함' + '극에 달하다'.

동결 건조 공법은 식품의 풍미와 영양소를 보존하는 데 탁월하다.

The freeze-drying method is excellent for preserving the flavor and nutrients of food.

Technical term '동결 건조' (freeze-drying).

해당 지역의 건조 지수는 지난 10년간 꾸준히 상승해 왔다.

The aridity index of the region has been steadily rising over the past 10 years.

Technical term '건조 지수' (aridity index).

법의학적으로 시신의 건조 정도는 사망 시각을 추정하는 지표가 된다.

Forensically, the degree of desiccation of a corpse serves as an indicator for estimating the time of death.

Academic context '건조 정도'.

포스트모더니즘 문학에서는 의도적으로 건조한 진술을 사용하기도 한다.

Postmodern literature sometimes intentionally uses dry statements.

Adverb '의도적으로' (intentionally).

반도체 제조 과정에서 웨이퍼의 정밀 건조는 수율에 큰 영향을 미친다.

In the semiconductor manufacturing process, precision drying of wafers greatly affects yield.

Industrial application '정밀 건조'.

기후 모델링에 따르면 한반도의 건조화 경향은 더욱 심화될 전망이다.

According to climate modeling, the drying trend of the Korean Peninsula is expected to intensify further.

-(으)ㄹ 전망이다 (is projected/expected to).

그 논문은 건조한 문체 속에 날카로운 사회 비판을 담고 있다.

The thesis contains sharp social criticism within its dry writing style.

Contrast between '건조한' and '날카로운'.

미라의 형성 과정은 자연적인 건조 현상의 결과물이라 할 수 있다.

The formation process of mummies can be said to be the result of a natural drying phenomenon.

-(이)라 할 수 있다 (can be said to be).

Synonyms

마르다 메마르다 푸석푸석하다 바싹하다 척박하다 말리다 건조시키다 까칠하다

Antonyms

습하다 축축하다 촉촉하다 눅눅하다

Common Collocations

건조한 날씨

건조한 피부

안구 건조

건조 주의보

건조한 문체

식품 건조

건조 과정

대기 건조

건조 상태

급속 건조

Common Phrases

목이 건조하다

— The throat feels dry/irritated (not necessarily thirsty).

자고 일어나니 목이 너무 건조해요.

실내가 건조하다

— The indoor air is dry.

실내가 건조해서 가습기를 켰어요.

피부가 건조해지다

— The skin is becoming dry.

나이가 들면 피부가 건조해지기 쉽습니다.

건조하게 말하다

— To speak in a dry, emotionless, or factual way.

그는 자신의 불행을 아주 건조하게 말했다.

건조를 시키다

— To perform the action of drying something.

세탁물을 바깥에서 건조를 시켰다.

건조함을 느끼다

— To feel the dryness (in skin, eyes, or air).

겨울이 되면 눈의 건조함을 많이 느껴요.

완전 건조

— Complete drying.

페인트가 완전 건조될 때까지 기다리세요.

건조 특보

— Special dry weather warning.

건조 특보가 발효 중이니 등산을 자제하세요.

냉동 건조

— Freeze-drying.

냉동 건조 커피는 맛이 진하다.

자연 건조

— Natural air-drying.

머리카락은 자연 건조하는 것이 가장 좋다.

Often Confused With

건조하다 vs 마르다

마르다 is for laundry, being thin, or a throat being thirsty. 건조하다 is for weather, skin, or technical drying.

건조하다 vs 말리다

말리다 is the active action of drying something (hair, clothes). 건조하다 is more formal or describes a state.

건조하다 vs 척박하다

척박하다 specifically means land/soil that is dry AND nutrient-poor.

Idioms & Expressions

"건조한 인간"

— A person who is very rational but lacks emotion or empathy.

그는 감정 표현이 없는 건조한 인간이다.

Informal/Negative

"메마른 가슴"

— A heart that has lost passion or love (related to dryness).

그의 메마른 가슴에 사랑이 찾아왔다.

Literary

"바싹 마르다"

— To be extremely thin or for something to be completely dried up.

가뭄 때문에 논바닥이 바싹 말랐다.

Neutral

"입술이 마르다"

— To be extremely nervous or anxious (so that the mouth goes dry).

발표를 앞두고 입술이 바싹 말랐다.

Idiomatic

"피 마르다"

— To be extremely anxious (literally: blood drying up).

결과를 기다리는 동안 피가 마르는 것 같았다.

Informal/Strong

"건조한 관계"

— A relationship that is purely functional and lacks warmth.

그 부부는 오랫동안 건조한 관계를 유지해왔다.

Neutral

"침이 마르도록 칭찬하다"

— To praise someone excessively (until one's saliva dries up).

선생님은 그 학생을 침이 마르도록 칭찬하셨다.

Common Idiom

"샘이 마르다"

— To run out of ideas or resources (literally: the spring dries up).

창작의 샘이 마른 것 같아 고민이다.

Literary

"돈줄이 마르다"

— To have one's source of income or funding cut off.

불황으로 인해 기업의 돈줄이 말랐다.

Journalistic

"눈물이 마르다"

— To have cried so much that no more tears come, or to become heartless.

너무 슬퍼서 이제 눈물도 다 말랐다.

Emotional

Easily Confused

건조하다 vs 마르다

Both translate to 'to be dry'.

마르다 is native, used for physical objects drying or people being skinny. 건조하다 is Sino-Korean, used for atmosphere and skin conditions.

빨래가 마르다 (Correct) / 빨래가 건조하다 (Unnatural)

건조하다 vs 습하다

It's the direct opposite.

건조하다 is dry; 습하다 is humid. People often forget which is which during seasonal changes.

여름은 습하고 겨울은 건조해요.

건조하다 vs 말리다

Both involve the action of drying.

말리다 is the common verb for drying hair or clothes. 건조하다 is used for industrial or formal dehydration.

머리를 말리다 (Correct) / 머리를 건조하다 (Too formal)

건조하다 vs 메마르다

Both mean dry.

메마르다 is much stronger, implying 'parched' or 'barren'.

메마른 땅 (Parched land) vs 건조한 날씨 (Dry weather)

건조하다 vs 푸석하다

Both describe dryness.

푸석하다 is a texture-based word for hair or skin that lacks shine/moisture.

피부가 푸석푸석해요.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]이/가 건조해요.

날씨가 건조해요.

[Subject]이/가 건조해서 [Result].

피부가 건조해서 크림을 발라요.

건조한 [Noun] 때문에 [Problem].

건조한 공기 때문에 목이 아파요.

[Noun]을/를 건조시키다.

과일을 건조시켜요.

[Subject]이/가 건조해지고 있다.

대기가 점점 건조해지고 있다.

건조함이 [Degree].

건조함이 심각한 수준입니다.

건조한 [Noun] 속에 [Contrast].

건조한 문체 속에 진심이 담겨 있다.

[Noun]의 건조화 현상.

토양의 건조화 현상이 관찰된다.

Word Family

Nouns

건조 (dryness/dehydration)

건조기 (dryer)

건조대 (drying rack)

건조제 (desiccant/drying agent)

건조함 (the state of being dry)

Verbs

건조시키다 (to dehydrate/cause to dry)

건조되다 (to be dried)

Adjectives

건조하다 (dry)

가습기 (humidifier)

보습 (moisturizing)

수분 (moisture)

습도 (humidity)

말리다 (to dry - native)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in winter and spring, high in skincare/health contexts.

Common Mistakes

목이 건조해서 물을 마시고 싶어요. → 목이 말라서 물을 마시고 싶어요.
Use '마르다' for thirst. '건조하다' refers to the humidity level in the throat.
빨래가 건조해요. → 빨래가 말랐어요.
Native speakers use '마르다' for laundry. '건조하다' sounds too technical here.
건조하다 날씨 → 건조한 날씨
Adjectives must take the -ㄴ/은 form to modify a noun.
그는 몸이 건조해요. → 그는 몸이 말랐어요.
To say someone is thin/skinny, use '마르다'. '건조하다' would mean their skin is dry.
머리를 건조했어요. → 머리를 말렸어요.
For the daily action of drying hair, use '말리다'.

Tips

Skin vs. Clothes

Always use '건조하다' for your skin and '마르다' for your laundry to sound like a native speaker.

The -한 Ending

Don't forget to change the ending to -한 when putting it before a noun. '건조한 날씨' is the way to go!

Health Connections

If you are in Korea in winter, people will constantly tell you '건조하니까 물 많이 마셔요' (Drink water because it's dry).

Formal Situations

In a professional setting, '건조하다' is always preferred over native synonyms.

Joe's Dry Desert

Remember Joe in the dry desert to recall 'Geon-jo'.

Beauty Tip

Look for products labeled for '건조한 피부' if you have dry skin while shopping in Korea.

Fire Warning

When you hear '건조' on the news, be extra careful with flammable items outdoors.

Dryer Buttons

The '건조' button on your Korean washing machine or dryer is what you need to finish the laundry.

Metaphorical Use

Use '건조하게' as an adverb to describe writing that is straight to the point without fluff.

News Keywords

Listen for '대기가 건조' in the first 30 seconds of a weather report.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gun' (건) in a 'Joe's' (조) dry desert. A gun in Joe's desert is very dry.

Visual Association

Imagine a cracked desert floor with the word '건조' written in the cracks.

Word Web

Weather Skin Dryer Humidifier Fire Hazard Eye Drops Winter Dehydrated Food

Challenge

Try to use '건조하다' three times today: once for the weather, once for your skin, and once for a household appliance.

Word Origin

From the Sino-Korean word 乾燥 (건조).

Original meaning: 乾 (건) means 'dry' or 'heaven/sky' (representing the dry element), and 燥 (조) means 'dry' or 'parched'. Together they emphasize a complete lack of water.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Calling a person '건조하다' can be seen as a slight criticism of their social warmth, so use it carefully with friends.

English speakers often use 'dry' for humor (dry wit), but in Korean, '건조하다' used for humor is less common; it's more about a lack of emotion.

건조한 문체 (Dry style) is often used to describe the writing of Kim Young-ha. 안구 건조증 (Dry eye) is a frequent topic in Korean health variety shows. 건조기 (Dryer) advertisements featuring top celebrities like Gong Yoo.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Skincare Shop

건조한 피부에 좋은 게 뭐예요?
요즘 피부가 너무 건조해요.
이 제품은 건조함을 잡아줘요.
건조한 타입인가요?

Weather Forecast

전국적으로 건조 주의보가 내렸습니다.
대기가 매우 건조하겠습니다.
건조한 공기가 유입되겠습니다.
산불 등 건조 화재에 주의하세요.

Laundry Room

건조기 돌렸어?
이 옷은 건조기에 넣지 마세요.
자연 건조하는 게 좋아요.
건조가 덜 됐어요.

Doctor's Office

눈이 자꾸 건조해요.
목이 건조해서 기침이 나요.
안구 건조증인 것 같습니다.
실내를 건조하지 않게 관리하세요.

Literary Discussion

이 소설은 문체가 아주 건조해요.
건조한 서술 방식이 인상적입니다.
감정을 배제한 건조한 표현이에요.
현대 사회의 건조한 인간상을 보여줍니다.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 날씨가 너무 건조하지 않아요? (Isn't the weather too dry lately?)"

"피부가 건조할 때 어떤 크림 쓰세요? (What cream do you use when your skin is dry?)"

"집에 가습기 있으세요? 너무 건조해서 하나 사려고요. (Do you have a humidifier? I'm thinking of buying one because it's too dry.)"

"눈이 건조해서 렌즈를 못 끼겠어요. (My eyes are so dry I can't wear contact lenses.)"

"빨래 건조기 써보니까 어때요? 편해요? (How do you like using a clothes dryer? Is it convenient?)"

Journal Prompts

겨울철 건조한 날씨를 어떻게 이겨내는지 적어보세요. (Write about how you overcome the dry winter weather.)

자신의 성격이 건조한 편인지, 아니면 감성적인 편인지 설명해 보세요. (Explain whether your personality is on the dry side or the emotional side.)

건조한 피부를 위해 하고 있는 특별한 관리가 있나요? (Is there any special care you are doing for your dry skin?)

가장 좋아하는 말린 식품(건조 식품)은 무엇인가요? (What is your favorite dried food?)

건조한 문체로 오늘 하루를 아주 짧게 기록해 보세요. (Record your day very briefly in a dry writing style.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '목이 마르다'. If you say '목이 건조하다', it sounds like your throat is physically dry/irritated due to low humidity, not that you need water.

It is primarily a descriptive verb (adjective) meaning 'to be dry'. However, it can function as an active verb in formal/technical contexts meaning 'to dry/dehydrate'.

세탁기 (Se-tak-gi) is a washing machine. 건조기 (Geon-jo-gi) is a clothes dryer.

Use '건조한' when you want to describe a noun directly following it, like '건조한 피부' (dry skin). Use '건조하다' to end a sentence.

Yes, specifically for the process of dehydrating food for preservation, like '건조 과일' (dried fruit).

Yes, it means you are very rational, perhaps a bit cold or emotionless. It's not necessarily a compliment.

It is a dry weather advisory issued by the government when humidity levels drop significantly, warning of fire risks.

You use '건조해지다'. For example, '날씨가 건조해졌어요' (The weather has become dry).

The most common opposite is '습하다' (to be humid).

Yes, but it's a homonym with different Hanja (建造). It means to construct a large ship.