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익히다

A2 verb #3,000 most common 10 min read

익히다

ikhida Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 익히다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 익히다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know '익히다' primarily in two simple contexts: learning basic skills and basic cooking. For learning, think of it as a step beyond '배우다' (to learn). While you '배우다' Korean in a classroom, you '익히다' the alphabet (Hangeul) by writing it many times. It means practicing until you remember it. In the kitchen, it means to cook something so it's not raw. For example, '고기를 익혀요' (Cook the meat). At this stage, just focus on the idea of 'making something ready' or 'making something familiar' through simple action. It's a very useful word because it covers both physical skills and food, which are common topics for beginners. You will see it in your first textbooks when they ask you to '익히다' new words. Don't worry too much about the complex nuances yet; just remember it as 'to practice until you know it' or 'to cook.'

At the A2 level, you can start using '익히다' to describe your hobbies and daily routines. If you are learning to play an instrument, drive a car, or use a new computer program, '익히다' is the perfect word to describe your progress. It shows that you are putting in effort to become comfortable with the activity. You might say, '운전을 익히고 있어요' (I am mastering driving). This sounds more natural than just saying you are learning the theory. You will also encounter the word in more detailed recipes, where you might need to '익히다' vegetables or meat for a specific amount of time. You should also be aware of the adjective '익숙하다' (to be familiar), which is the result of '익히다'. If you '익히다' something well, it becomes '익숙해요'. Understanding this link between the verb and the adjective will help you expand your vocabulary significantly at this level.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use '익히다' in professional and social contexts. This includes '익히다' company culture, social manners (예절), or specific work tasks. It implies a sense of adaptation. For instance, '새로운 환경에 익히다' (to familiarize oneself with a new environment). You will also start hearing idiomatic expressions like '눈에 익히다' (to familiarize your eyes with something/someone) or '손에 익히다' (to get your hands used to a task). At this intermediate stage, you should distinguish '익히다' from '공부하다' (to study) and '배우다' (to learn). '익히다' is more about the 'how-to' and the 'habit' rather than just facts. You are expected to use it when talking about personal growth and skill development. It's also a great time to notice the causative nature of the word—you are the one 'making' the skill 'ripe' within yourself.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '익히다' in more abstract and formal settings. You will see it in news articles or professional manuals. For example, '기술을 익히다' (to master a technology) or '외국어 감각을 익히다' (to develop a feel for a foreign language). You should also understand its use in describing the development of character or habits over time. The word often appears in discussions about education policy or vocational training. You should be able to explain the difference between '익히다' and '습득하다' (to acquire), noting that '익히다' feels more personal and practice-based. Additionally, you should be able to use the word in the context of fermentation and traditional Korean food culture, where '익히다' (ripening) is a crucial concept for taste. Your usage should reflect an understanding that '익히다' involves a transformation of state through time and effort.

At the C1 level, your use of '익히다' should demonstrate a high degree of nuance. You can use it to describe the internalization of complex philosophies, artistic techniques, or subtle social cues. You might discuss how an artist '익히다' a certain style over decades, or how a diplomat '익히다' the subtle nuances of international relations. At this level, you should also be familiar with literary uses of the word, where it might describe the 'ripening' of an idea or a relationship. You should be able to use synonyms like '연마하다' (to hone) or '체득하다' (to learn through the body/experience) to provide more specific meaning. Your ability to use '익히다' in the passive-like intransitive form '익다' in complex sentences (e.g., '일이 손에 익지 않아 고생했다') should be flawless. You understand that '익히다' is not just about skill, but about the integration of knowledge into one's identity.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '익히다' and can use it in any context, from highly technical scientific descriptions of ripening processes to profound philosophical treatises on the nature of mastery. You understand the deep etymological roots of the word and how it reflects the Korean cultural emphasis on 'Suryeon' (training) and 'Gidaryeom' (waiting/patience). You can use '익히다' to discuss the evolution of language itself, or the way a society '익히다' new values over generations. You are capable of using the word in sophisticated wordplay or metaphors in literature. Your mastery of the word is so complete that you can intuitively decide when '익히다' is more appropriate than any of its ten or more synonyms, based on the subtle emotional and social 'flavor' you wish to convey. You see '익히다' not just as a verb, but as a concept that defines the human experience of growth and maturation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

익히다 in 30 Seconds

To master a skill through repetition and practice.
To cook food thoroughly until it is no longer raw.
To familiarize oneself with a new environment or habit.
To ripen or ferment food like Kimchi.

The Korean verb 익히다 (ik-hi-da) is a multifaceted term that bridges the gap between simple learning and complete mastery. At its core, it means to make oneself familiar with something through practice, repetition, or experience. While the basic word for 'to learn' is 배우다, 익히다 implies a deeper level of internalization. It is not just about acquiring information; it is about making a skill or a piece of knowledge a natural part of oneself.

Semantic Origin: The word is the causative form of the verb 익다, which means 'to be ripe' or 'to be familiar.' Therefore, 익히다 literally translates to 'making something ripe' or 'making something familiar.' This suggests that learning is a process of maturation, much like fruit ripening on a tree.

In daily life, Koreans use this word when talking about skills that require muscle memory or long-term habituation. For example, if you are learning to use chopsticks, you aren't just 'learning' (배우다) the theory; you are 'mastering' (익히다) the physical movement until it becomes second nature.

새로운 기술을 익히다 보면 시간이 가는 줄 모릅니다. (As you master a new skill, you don't notice the time passing.)

The Dual Meaning: Cooking: Interestingly, 익히다 also means 'to cook' or 'to ripen' in a culinary context. When you heat food until it is no longer raw, you are '익히다'-ing it. This dual meaning highlights the Korean philosophical view that knowledge, like food, must be 'cooked' or 'ripened' through the heat of practice before it is ready for use.

Furthermore, 익히다 is frequently used in professional settings. When a new employee joins a company, they don't just learn the rules; they '익히다' the company culture and the specific workflow. It suggests an adaptation to an environment. It is also used in academic contexts when discussing the mastery of a foreign language or a complex mathematical formula. You might 'learn' the alphabet in a day, but it takes years to '익히다' the language's nuances.

외국어는 매일 연습해서 입에 익혀야 합니다. (You must practice a foreign language every day to make it familiar to your mouth.)

Cultural Nuance: In Korea, the concept of 'Suryeon' (training) is deeply tied to 익히다. Whether it is Taekwondo, calligraphy, or tea ceremonies, the focus is on the repetitive nature of the action until the 'self' and the 'action' become one. This is the essence of 익히다.

고기를 불에 잘 익히세요. (Cook the meat well over the fire.)

In summary, use 익히다 when you want to emphasize the effort, time, and repetition required to turn a new piece of information into a permanent skill or habit. It is a word of patience and persistence, reflecting a growth mindset where learning is a continuous journey of maturation.

Using 익히다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a transitive verb. It almost always takes an object marked by the particles 을/를. Because it is a causative verb, you are the agent causing the knowledge or skill to become 'ripe' or 'familiar' within yourself or others.

Basic Skill Acquisition: When you are talking about learning a physical skill, the structure is: [Skill] + 을/를 + 익히다. This is very common for sports, instruments, and crafts.

나는 주말마다 수영을 익히고 있다. (I am mastering swimming every weekend.)

Note that in the sentence above, using 배우고 있다 would mean you are taking a class, but 익히고 있다 suggests you are practicing the movements to make them natural. This nuance is vital for sounding like a native speaker.

Habit and Adaptation: 익히다 is also used for habits (습관) and manners (예절). In this case, it implies that you are training yourself to behave in a certain way until it becomes automatic.

어릴 때부터 바른 생활 습관을 익히는 것이 중요하다. (It is important to master correct lifestyle habits from a young age.)

In more advanced usage, you will see 익히다 combined with body parts like 손 (hand), 눈 (eye), or 귀 (ear). These idiomatic expressions describe the process of sensory adaptation. 손에 익히다 means to get used to handling something, while 눈에 익히다 means to familiarize yourself with a visual scene or text.

새로운 업무가 아직 손에 익지 않아서 조금 느려요. (The new task isn't familiar to my hands yet, so I'm a bit slow.) *Note: Here, the intransitive '익다' is used, which is the result of '익히다'.

Passive vs. Active Mastery: If you are the one doing the practice, you use 익히다. If the skill has already become natural, you say it is 익숙하다 (adjective) or 익다 (verb). This distinction is a common stumbling block for learners.

For example, if you are studying Korean grammar, you are 익히는 중 (in the middle of mastering). Once you can use it perfectly, the grammar is 익숙해요 (familiar/comfortable). Using the correct form shows a high level of proficiency.

컴퓨터 사용법을 충분히 익힌 후에 작업을 시작하세요. (Start the work after you have sufficiently mastered how to use the computer.)

Whether you are talking about cooking a steak to perfection or practicing the piano until your fingers move on their own, 익히다 is the verb of choice for the process of transformation from 'raw' or 'unknown' to 'done' or 'mastered'.

You will encounter 익히다 in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the kitchen to the corporate boardroom. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the word's versatility and avoid the trap of thinking it only means 'to learn.'

In the Kitchen (The Culinary Context): This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Cooking shows, recipes, and grandmothers all use 익히다. It refers to applying heat to food. If a recipe says '고기를 속까지 익히세요,' it means 'Cook the meat all the way through.' It is also used for fermenting foods like Kimchi or yogurt.

김치를 실온에서 하루 정도 익히면 맛이 더 좋아져요. (If you ripen the kimchi at room temperature for about a day, it tastes better.)

In this context, the word implies a transformation of state—from raw to cooked, or from fresh to fermented. This sense of 'transformation' is the common thread that links cooking to learning.

In Schools and Educational Materials: Korean textbooks and teachers frequently use 익히다 to encourage students to go beyond rote memorization. You'll hear phrases like '원리를 익히다' (master the principles) or '표현을 익히다' (master the expressions). It suggests that the student should practice until the material becomes intuitive.

교과서에 나오는 핵심 문장을 소리 내어 읽으며 익히세요. (Master the key sentences in the textbook by reading them out loud.)

In the workplace, 익히다 is used during the onboarding process. New hires are expected to '익히다' the internal systems, the names of colleagues, and the specific jargon of the industry. It carries a sense of urgency and practical application that '배우다' sometimes lacks.

In Sports and Martial Arts: Coaches use this word when teaching a specific move or technique. '기본기를 익히다' (to master the fundamentals) is a phrase heard in every gym and dojang across Korea. It emphasizes that basic skills must be practiced thousands of times.

태권도의 기본 동작을 익히는 데는 많은 시간이 걸립니다. (It takes a lot of time to master the basic movements of Taekwondo.)

Whether it's a chef talking about a steak, a teacher talking about grammar, or a manager talking about a spreadsheet, 익히다 is the word that describes the process of moving from a state of 'newness' to a state of 'readiness.' It is an essential word for anyone living or working in a Korean-speaking environment.

While 익히다 is a common word, its dual meaning and its similarity to other 'learning' verbs often lead to confusion for English speakers. Avoiding these mistakes will significantly improve your naturalness in Korean.

Mistake 1: Overusing 익히다 instead of 배우다: The most common error is using 익히다 for the initial stage of learning. If you just started learning something today, you are '배우다'-ing it. 익히다 is for the ongoing process of making it familiar. You 'learn' (배우다) the piano from a teacher, but you 'master' (익히다) the song through practice.

Wrong: 어제 처음으로 한글을 익혔어요. (I mastered Hangeul for the first time yesterday - sounds unnatural for a first-day learner.)
Correct: 어제 처음으로 한글을 배웠어요. (I learned Hangeul for the first time yesterday.)

Think of 배우다 as the intake of information and 익히다 as the processing and internalizing of that information.

Mistake 2: Confusing 익히다 and 익다: 익히다 is causative (you make something familiar), while 익다 is intransitive (something becomes familiar). You cannot '익다' a skill; the skill '익다' (becomes familiar) to you. This is a common grammatical error.

Wrong: 나는 기술이 익혔다. (I mastered the skill - grammatically incorrect usage of the causative.)
Correct: 나는 기술을 익혔다. (I mastered the skill.)
Correct: 기술이 손에 익었다. (The skill became familiar to my hands.)

Mistake 3: Misapplying the 'Cooking' sense to people: While you can 'ripen' (익히다) a person's skills or character metaphorically, you must be careful not to sound like you are literally cooking them. In English, we say 'I'm cooking,' but in Korean, if you say '나는 익히고 있다' without an object, it sounds like you are sitting on a stove.

Always specify what you are 익히다-ing. Is it '고기' (meat) or '기술' (skill)? The context is crucial.

Mistake 4: Confusing 익히다 with 공부하다: 공부하다 is specifically for academic study (books, exams). 익히다 is for skills and habits. You 'study' (공부하다) math theory, but you 'master' (익히다) the ability to solve problems quickly. Using 공부하다 for physical skills like dancing sounds slightly odd.

By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will use 익히다 with the precision of a native speaker, showing that you have truly '익혔다' the nuances of the Korean language!

Korean has a rich vocabulary for the concept of 'learning' and 'mastering.' Choosing the right one depends on the context, the level of formality, and the specific type of skill you are referring to. Here is a comparison of 익히다 with its closest synonyms.

익히다 vs. 배우다 (To Learn): 배우다 is the most general term. It focuses on receiving instruction or information. 익히다 focuses on the subsequent practice and internalization. You '배우다' a recipe from a book, then '익히다' the cooking technique through trial and error.

익히다 vs. 습득하다 (To Acquire): 습득하다 is a more formal, academic, or technical term. It is often used for acquiring knowledge, technology, or a foreign language in a systematic way. While 익히다 feels more 'organic' and 'physical,' 습득하다 feels more 'intellectual' or 'official.'

그는 단기간에 고급 기술을 습득했다. (He acquired advanced technology in a short period.)

익히다 vs. 연마하다 (To Hone/Polish): 연마하다 literally means to grind or polish a stone. Metaphorically, it means to refine a skill to a very high level of perfection. Use this for arts, crafts, or high-level professional skills. 익히다 is the process of getting used to it; 연마하다 is the process of making it perfect.

그는 평생 동안 검술을 연마했다. (He honed his swordsmanship for his entire life.)

익히다 vs. 숙달하다 (To Become Proficient): 숙달하다 emphasizes the result of being highly skilled and fast. It is often used for mechanical or technical proficiency. If you can type 100 words per minute, you have '숙달했다' the keyboard. 익히다 is the general process; 숙달하다 is the high-performance state.

익히다 vs. 체득하다 (To Learn through Experience): 체득하다 (體得) literally means 'to gain through the body.' This is a very deep form of 익히다. It is used when you learn a life lesson or a complex philosophy not through books, but through living it. It is the ultimate form of 'internalization.'

고난을 통해 인내의 가치를 체득했다. (I learned the value of patience through suffering.)

In conclusion, while 익히다 is the most versatile and common word for the process of mastering something, knowing these alternatives allows you to express the depth, formality, and nature of your learning journey more accurately.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The link between 'cooking' and 'learning' in this word shows that ancient Koreans viewed the human mind like a pot of food—it needs heat (effort) and time to be 'ready.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ikʰida/

US /ikʰidɑ/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable '익', but Korean is generally a syllable-timed language.

Rhymes With

지키다 (to protect) 시키다 (to make someone do) 바치다 (to dedicate) 마치다 (to finish) 다치다 (to get hurt) 미치다 (to reach/to go crazy) 그치다 (to stop) 비치다 (to shine)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'igida' (to win) instead of 'ikhida'.
Missing the aspiration in the second syllable.
Confusing it with 'itda' (to forget/to be).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though the dual meaning can be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (을/를).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'kh' sound needs care.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with similar sounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

배우다 익다 공부하다 고기 기술

Learn Next

습득하다 연마하다 숙달하다 익숙하다 체득하다

Advanced

수련 숙성 내면화 기본기 예절

Grammar to Know

Causative Suffix -히-

익다 -> 익히다 (To make something ripe/familiar)

Nominalizer -기

익히기 (Mastering)

Intentional -으려고

익히려고 연습해요 (I practice to master it)

Sequential -어서/아서

익혀서 먹어요 (Cook it and then eat it)

Requirement -아야/어야 하다

먼저 익혀야 합니다 (You must master it first)

Examples by Level

한국어 단어를 익혀요.

I master Korean words.

Present tense of 익히다.

고기를 잘 익히세요.

Cook the meat well.

Imperative -세요 form.

이름을 익히고 싶어요.

I want to learn (familiarize myself with) the names.

-고 싶다 (want to).

노래를 익혔어요.

I mastered the song.

Past tense -었/았어요.

수영을 익히는 것은 재미있어요.

Mastering swimming is fun.

-는 것 (nominalizer).

매일 조금씩 익히세요.

Master it little by little every day.

Adverbial usage of 조금씩.

컴퓨터 사용법을 익혀요.

I am learning (mastering) how to use the computer.

Noun + 사용법 (how to use).

엄마가 고기를 익혀 주셨어요.

Mom cooked the meat for me.

-어 주다 (do something for someone).

자전거 타는 법을 익혔어요.

I mastered how to ride a bicycle.

-는 법 (way/method).

새로운 운동을 익히는 데 시간이 걸려요.

It takes time to master a new exercise.

-는 데 (in doing something).

채소를 살짝 익혀서 드세요.

Cook the vegetables slightly and then eat them.

-어서 (sequential action).

피아노 곡을 다 익혔나요?

Have you mastered the whole piano piece?

Question form -나요?

운전을 익히기가 생각보다 어려워요.

Mastering driving is harder than I thought.

-기 (nominalizer) + 가.

기본 동작을 먼저 익혀야 해요.

You have to master the basic movements first.

-아야/어야 하다 (must/have to).

이 단어들을 눈에 익히세요.

Familiarize your eyes with these words.

Idiomatic expression '눈에 익히다'.

라면을 익히는 동안 기다리세요.

Wait while the ramen is cooking.

-는 동안 (while).

회사 분위기를 빨리 익히는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to quickly familiarize yourself with the company atmosphere.

Formal ending -습니다.

전통 예절을 익히기 위해 수업을 듣고 있어요.

I am taking a class to master traditional manners.

-기 위해 (in order to).

그는 외국어 발음을 익히려고 매일 연습한다.

He practices every day to master foreign language pronunciation.

-으려고 (with the intention of).

새로운 소프트웨어의 기능을 충분히 익혔습니까?

Have you sufficiently mastered the functions of the new software?

Formal question form.

아이들에게 경제 관념을 익히게 해야 합니다.

We must let children master (become familiar with) economic concepts.

-게 하다 (causative 'make/let').

손에 익히기까지는 반복적인 연습이 필요해요.

Repetitive practice is necessary until you master it (it fits your hand).

-기까지 (until the point of).

김치를 맛있게 익히는 비결이 뭐예요?

What is the secret to ripening Kimchi deliciously?

Cooking context: ripening/fermenting.

낯선 환경에 몸을 익히는 데는 시간이 필요하다.

Time is needed to let the body get used to a strange environment.

Abstract usage of '몸을 익히다'.

고급 회화 표현을 익혀서 유창하게 말하고 싶다.

I want to master advanced conversation expressions and speak fluently.

Compound sentence with -어서 and -고 싶다.

전문적인 기술을 익히는 과정은 매우 고됩니다.

The process of mastering professional skills is very arduous.

Topic marker -은/는 for emphasis.

상대방의 의중을 익히는 것은 사회 생활의 기술이다.

Familiarizing oneself with (reading) the other person's intentions is a skill of social life.

Metaphorical usage.

이 요리는 약한 불에서 서서히 익혀야 제맛이 난다.

This dish tastes best when cooked slowly over low heat.

Adverbial '서서히' (slowly).

그는 군대에서 인내심을 익혔다고 말했다.

He said he mastered patience in the military.

Indirect quotation -다고 말하다.

신제품의 작동 원리를 완벽히 익히는 데 집중하세요.

Focus on perfectly mastering the operating principles of the new product.

Focus on '원리' (principle).

새로운 문화에 익히는 과정에서 갈등이 생길 수 있다.

Conflicts can arise in the process of familiarizing oneself with a new culture.

-을 수 있다 (possibility).

눈에 익힌 단어들이 실제 대화에서 떠오르지 않았다.

The words I had familiarized my eyes with didn't come to mind in actual conversation.

Relative clause '눈에 익힌'.

거장의 화풍을 익히기 위해 수천 번의 습작을 거쳤다.

To master the master's style of painting, he went through thousands of sketches.

Formal and literary vocabulary.

언어의 미묘한 뉘앙스를 익히는 것은 끝이 없는 여정이다.

Mastering the subtle nuances of a language is an endless journey.

Abstract and philosophical tone.

그는 명상을 통해 마음을 다스리는 법을 익혔다.

He mastered the way to control his mind through meditation.

Spiritual/psychological context.

비판적 사고를 익히는 것은 현대 사회에서 필수적이다.

Mastering critical thinking is essential in modern society.

Academic context.

상황에 따른 적절한 화법을 익히는 데 주력하고 있다.

I am focusing on mastering the appropriate way of speaking according to the situation.

Focus on '화법' (speech style).

오랜 시간 공들여 익힌 기술은 쉽게 잊히지 않는다.

Skills mastered with long-term effort are not easily forgotten.

Passive form '잊히지 않는다'.

사회적 규범을 내면화하여 몸에 익히는 과정이 필요하다.

A process of internalizing and mastering social norms (in the body) is necessary.

High-level vocabulary '내면화' (internalization).

그는 고전 문학을 탐독하며 문장력을 익혔다.

He mastered his writing skills by devouring classical literature.

Literary context.

장인은 수십 년간의 수련을 통해 비로소 도의 경지를 익혔다.

Through decades of training, the artisan finally mastered the realm of 'Do' (the Way).

Archaic/Philosophical '도의 경지'.

문화적 정체성을 익히는 과정은 개인의 실존과 직결된다.

The process of mastering one's cultural identity is directly linked to an individual's existence.

Existential/Academic vocabulary.

그는 난해한 철학적 담론을 익히느라 밤을 지새웠다.

He stayed up all night trying to master the difficult philosophical discourse.

-느라 (reason/cause for a continuous action).

언어의 사회적 맥락을 익히지 못하면 소통의 단절이 발생한다.

If one cannot master the social context of language, a disconnection in communication occurs.

Conditional -면.

예술가는 고통을 창작의 동력으로 익히는 법을 알아야 한다.

An artist must know how to master (internalize) pain as a driving force for creation.

Metaphorical '동력' (driving force).

그는 조직의 생리를 익히며 점차 노련한 정치가가 되었다.

As he mastered the 'physiology' (inner workings) of the organization, he gradually became a seasoned politician.

Metaphorical '생리'.

자연의 순리를 익히고 그에 순응하는 삶을 살고자 한다.

I wish to live a life mastering the laws of nature and conforming to them.

-고자 하다 (formal intention).

고도의 집중력을 익히는 훈련은 뇌의 가소성을 활용한다.

Training to master high levels of concentration utilizes brain plasticity.

Scientific/Technical context.

Common Collocations

기술을 익히다

습관을 익히다

손에 익히다

눈에 익히다

예절을 익히다

사용법을 익히다

고기를 익히다

말을 익히다

분위기를 익히다

기본기를 익히다

Common Phrases

몸에 익히다

— To make something a physical habit or second nature.

운동 동작을 몸에 익히세요.

입에 익히다

— To practice saying something until it is fluent.

영어 문장을 입에 익히려고 노력해요.

귀에 익히다

— To familiarize one's ears with a sound or language.

원어민의 발음을 귀에 익혀야 해요.

글을 익히다

— To learn how to read and write (literacy).

할머니가 늦게 글을 익히셨다.

얼굴을 익히다

— To become familiar with someone's face.

자주 보면서 얼굴을 익혔어요.

맛을 익히다

— To get used to a certain taste or flavor.

매운 맛을 조금씩 익히고 있어요.

속까지 익히다

— To cook food all the way through to the center.

돼지고기는 속까지 잘 익혀야 해요.

원리를 익히다

— To master the underlying principles of something.

수학의 원리를 먼저 익히는 게 좋아요.

컴퓨터를 익히다

— To learn how to use a computer proficiently.

어르신들도 컴퓨터를 익히고 계십니다.

예법을 익히다

— To master formal etiquette or rules.

제사 예법을 익히는 것은 어렵다.

Often Confused With

익히다 vs 배우다

배우다 is for receiving information; 익히다 is for internalizing it through practice.

익히다 vs 익다

익다 is intransitive (it becomes familiar); 익히다 is causative (you make it familiar).

익히다 vs 이기다

Different meaning (to win), but similar pronunciation for beginners.

Idioms & Expressions

"눈에 익히다"

— To look at something repeatedly to remember it visually.

지도를 눈에 익혀 두면 길을 잃지 않아요.

Neutral

"손에 익히다"

— To practice a physical task until it is easy and natural.

새 칼을 손에 익히는 데 며칠 걸렸다.

Neutral

"귀에 익히다"

— To listen to something often to recognize it immediately.

클래식 음악을 귀에 익히고 싶어요.

Neutral

"몸에 배다"

— To have a habit so deeply ingrained it is part of you (result of '익히다').

친절함이 몸에 배어 있네요.

Neutral

"입에 붙다"

— To have a phrase or song so familiar it comes out naturally.

그 노래 가사가 입에 붙었어요.

Informal

"발을 들이다"

— To start learning or participating in a new field.

그는 늦게 미술계에 발을 들였다.

Neutral

"뼈에 새기다"

— To learn a lesson so deeply you will never forget it.

부모님의 말씀을 뼈에 새겼다.

Literary

"머리에 박히다"

— To have something memorized so firmly it won't leave.

그 공식이 머리에 박혀 버렸어.

Informal

"피와 살이 되다"

— To master knowledge so well it becomes part of your essence.

이 책의 내용은 너의 피와 살이 될 것이다.

Literary

"한 우물을 파다"

— To focus on mastering one specific area for a long time.

한 우물을 파야 전문가가 된다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

익히다 vs 공부하다

Both relate to learning.

공부하다 is academic study; 익히다 is skill/habit mastery.

수학을 공부하고, 문제 풀이법을 익혀요.

익히다 vs 연습하다

Both involve repetition.

연습하다 is the act of practicing; 익히다 is the process/goal of becoming familiar through that practice.

피아노를 연습해서 곡을 익혔어요.

익히다 vs 암기하다

Both involve memory.

암기하다 is rote memorization; 익히다 is deeper internalization.

단어를 암기하지 말고 문장을 익히세요.

익히다 vs 훈련하다

Both involve training.

훈련하다 is often more intense and structured (military, sports); 익히다 is more general.

군대에서 사격 기술을 훈련하며 익혔다.

익히다 vs 습득하다

Both mean 'to acquire'.

습득하다 is formal/technical; 익히다 is more organic/common.

지식을 습득하고 기술을 익히다.

Sentence Patterns

N을/를 익혀요.

단어를 익혀요.

V-는 법을 익히다.

수영하는 법을 익히다.

N에 몸을/손을 익히다.

새로운 일에 손을 익히다.

N을/를 충분히 익힌 후에...

기술을 충분히 익힌 후에 시작하세요.

N을/를 몸소 익히다.

삶의 지혜를 몸소 익히다.

N의 정수를 익히다.

예술의 정수를 익히다.

Neutral

N을/를 익히는 중이다.

기본기를 익히는 중이다.

Formal

N을/를 익히는 데 주력하다.

신기술을 익히는 데 주력하다.

Word Family

Nouns

익힘 (ripening/learning)

익숙함 (familiarity)

Verbs

익다 (to be ripe/familiar - intransitive)

익히다 (to master/cook - causative)

Adjectives

익숙하다 (familiar)

설익다 (half-cooked/unripe)

학습 (learning)

습득 (acquisition)

연습 (practice)

숙달 (proficiency)

숙성 (fermentation/aging)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Korean.

Common Mistakes

고기가 익혀요. → 고기를 익혀요.
익히다 is transitive and needs the object particle '를'.
영어를 공부해서 익숙해요. → 영어를 익혀서 익숙해요.
While '공부해서' is okay, '익혀서' better explains the process leading to familiarity.
운전을 배웠다. (when you mean you are now a pro) → 운전을 익혔다.
배웠다 only means you received the lesson. 익혔다 means you can now drive well.
기술이 익혔다. → 기술을 익혔다.
The skill doesn't do the action; you master the skill.
사과를 익히고 있어요. (when the sun is doing it) → 사과가 익고 있어요.
If the fruit is ripening naturally, use the intransitive '익다'. If you are doing something to ripen it, use '익히다'.

Tips

Beyond Memorization

Don't just memorize words; '익히다' them by using them in five different sentences today.

Safety First

In Korean, '고기를 잘 익히다' is not just about taste, but also about safety (cooking it through).

Muscle Memory

When you practice an instrument, tell yourself '나는 이 곡을 익히고 있다' to focus on the goal of mastery.

Visual Mastery

Use '눈에 익히다' when you are looking at new vocabulary. Don't just read it; stare at it until it looks familiar.

Daily Routine

Try to '익히다' one small good habit every month. Use the word to describe your progress.

Networking

When meeting new people, try to '얼굴을 익히다' by making eye contact and saying their name.

Particle Power

Always remember that '익히다' needs an object (을/를). Without it, the sentence feels incomplete.

Cultural Immersion

When you move to Korea, you aren't just living there; you are '익히다'-ing the culture.

Onboarding

If you are new at a job, use '업무를 익히다' to show your commitment to becoming a proficient team member.

Mindfulness

Mastering your emotions is also a form of '익히다'. It takes time and 'heat' (effort).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IK' (I Know) + 'Hee' (Heat). You use 'Heat' to 'IK' (know) your food or your skills better.

Visual Association

Imagine a chef cooking a steak while simultaneously practicing a guitar. Both are '익히다'.

Word Web

Practice Cooking Mastery Habit Kimchi Skills Repetition Internalization

Challenge

Try to use '익히다' in a sentence about a skill you are currently working on and another sentence about what you had for dinner.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Korean word '익다' (to ripen/become familiar). The addition of the causative suffix '-히-' transforms it into 'to make ripe' or 'to make familiar.'

Original meaning: To bring something to a state of readiness or maturity.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to use the cooking sense when talking about people in a way that sounds like literal cannibalism.

English speakers often separate 'learning' and 'cooking,' but in Korean, they are linguistically linked through this word.

Korean cooking shows often use '익히다' as a key instruction. Educational slogans like '몸으로 익히는 교육' (Education learned through the body). Proverbs about ripening fruit often use the root '익다'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Culinary

고기를 익히다
채소를 익히다
속까지 익히다
김치를 익히다

Educational

단어를 익히다
원리를 익히다
문법을 익히다
글을 익히다

Professional

업무를 익히다
기술을 익히다
분위기를 익히다
시스템을 익히다

Sports

기본기를 익히다
동작을 익히다
기술을 익히다
규칙을 익히다

Social

예절을 익히다
얼굴을 익히다
이름을 익히다
문화에 익히다

Conversation Starters

"요즘 어떤 새로운 기술을 익히고 있나요?"

"한국어 발음을 익히는 가장 좋은 방법이 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

"고기를 어떻게 익혀 먹는 것을 좋아하세요? (레어, 미디엄, 웰던)"

"새로운 직장에 가면 무엇을 가장 먼저 익혀야 할까요?"

"악기를 익히는 데 얼마나 오래 걸렸나요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 새롭게 익힌 것에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about something new you mastered today.)

내가 가장 완벽하게 익힌 기술은 무엇인가요? (What is a skill you have mastered perfectly?)

외국어를 익히면서 겪은 가장 큰 어려움은 무엇인가요? (What was the biggest difficulty you faced while mastering a foreign language?)

어린 시절에 익힌 습관 중 지금까지 남아 있는 것은 무엇인가요? (What habit mastered in childhood remains with you today?)

요리를 할 때 가장 익히기 어려운 재료는 무엇인가요? (What is the hardest ingredient to cook/master in cooking?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common! It implies practicing the language until it feels natural, rather than just studying grammar rules. You can say '한국어를 익히다'.

'익히다' is the action you take (you cook the food), while '익다' is what happens to the food (the food becomes cooked). Example: '고기를 익혀요' vs '고기가 익었어요'.

It is neutral. You can use it in any setting, but for very formal reports, '습득하다' might be preferred.

Yes, it is often used with '습관' (habit). '좋은 습관을 익히다' means to form and master a good habit.

You can say '바짝 익혀 주세요' (Please cook it thoroughly/well-done).

Yes, just like cooking, making fruit ready to eat is '익히다'. You can '익히다' tomatoes by leaving them in the sun.

Yes, '이름을 익히다' means to familiarize yourself with names so you don't forget them.

It literally means 'to make (something) familiar to the hand,' implying mastering a manual or physical task.

The noun form is '익힘'. You might see this on a rice cooker button or in a workbook ('익힘책').

Yes, '예절을 익히다' is a standard way to say 'to learn/master manners'.