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A2 verb #2,500 most common 7 min read

당기다

To pull.

danggida
At the A1 level, '당기다' is primarily learned as a basic directional verb. You will most often see it on signs in public places. When you approach a shop or a cafe, you need to know whether to push (밀다) or pull (당기다) the door. At this stage, learners should focus on the imperative form '당기세요' (Please pull) or '당기시오' (Pull - formal sign style). You might also use it in very simple sentences about physical objects, like pulling a chair or a toy. The goal for A1 is simply to distinguish it from its opposite, '밀다'. You don't need to worry about cravings or schedules yet. Just remember: Pull = 당기다.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use '당기다' for more than just doors. This is where you learn to talk about your schedule. If you are meeting a friend and want to meet earlier, you can say '시간을 좀 당길 수 있어?' (Can we move the time up?). This is a very practical use for daily life. You also start to learn the expression '입맛이 당기다' to describe feeling hungry for a specific food. For example, '오늘은 피자가 당겨요' (I'm craving pizza today). A2 learners should be able to conjugate the verb into past, present, and future forms and use it with the correct particles (-을/를 for objects, -이/가 for appetite).
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical uses of '당기다'. This includes the sensation of skin tightness (피부가 당기다) which is common in conversations about weather or skincare. You also start to use it for 'drawing interest' or 'attracting' someone's heart (마음이 당기다). In a business context, you can use it to discuss moving deadlines or project phases forward. You should also be able to distinguish '당기다' from its compound '잡아당기다' and understand when the 'grabbing' nuance is necessary. Your sentences should become more complex, using connectors like '-어서/아서' or '-(으)니까'.
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At the B2 level, you use '당기다' with more nuance and in a wider variety of idiomatic expressions. You might describe a story as '흥미를 당기는' (interest-piquing). You understand the technical use of the word in sports (like archery or rowing) or mechanics (tension in a wire). You can also use it to describe social dynamics, such as '당기고 밀기' (pulling and pushing), which refers to the 'push-and-pull' or 'playing hard to get' in a relationship (often shortened to '밀당'). At this level, you should be able to use the verb in various registers, from very casual slang to formal business settings, without hesitation.
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At the C1 level, '당기다' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You might use it in literary or journalistic contexts to describe how a policy 'draws' public sentiment (민심을 당기다) or how a certain atmosphere 'pulls' at one's emotions. You are aware of the subtle differences between '당기다' and more formal synonyms like '유인하다' (to lure) or '매료하다' (to fascinate). You can use the word to describe complex physical sensations or abstract tensions in a narrative. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of the word in various dialects or specialized fields like music (tension of strings).
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '당기다' and all its historical and dialectal nuances. You can appreciate its use in classical literature or poetry where it might represent the pulling of fate or the cosmic draw of nature. You understand the etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'pull' family. You can use it in highly technical discussions about physics (tension forces) or advanced psychology (subconscious attraction). You are also capable of using it humorously or sarcastically in wordplay, and you can navigate the most subtle '밀당' (push-and-pull) dynamics in complex social or political negotiations.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

당기다 in 30 Seconds

  • Physical: Use it for doors, ropes, and handles. It is the direct opposite of '밀다' (push) and essential for basic navigation in Korea.
  • Time: Use it to move meetings or events earlier. It is very common in professional settings to 'pull' a deadline closer.
  • Appetite: Use it to express cravings. '입맛이 당기다' is the go-to phrase when you suddenly want to eat something specific.
  • Sensation: Use it for skin or muscle tightness. If your face feels dry and stretched, the verb '당기다' perfectly describes that feeling.

The Korean verb 당기다 (danggida) is a multifaceted word that primarily describes the action of pulling something toward oneself. However, its utility in the Korean language extends far beyond simple physical mechanics. At its core, it represents the reduction of distance—whether that distance is physical, temporal, or psychological. When you pull a door handle, you are using the physical sense. When you move a meeting from Friday to Wednesday, you are 'pulling' the time closer. When you feel a sudden craving for spicy rice cakes (떡볶이), your appetite is being 'pulled' toward that food. Understanding this verb requires a grasp of how Koreans perceive the movement of objects and concepts toward a center point of interest or the present moment.

Physical Pulling
The most basic use involves applying force to move an object closer to your body. This is the opposite of '밀다' (to push).
Temporal Advancement
Used when shifting a scheduled event to an earlier time or date, effectively 'pulling' the future event into the near-present.
Appetite and Desire
Describes a visceral pull or craving for specific flavors or experiences, often used with '입맛' (appetite).

"문을 힘껏 당기다." (To pull the door with all one's might.)

In a psychological context, '당기다' can describe an attraction. If a person or a hobby 'pulls' your heart (마음이 당기다), it means you are naturally drawn to it. This nuance is crucial for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural. Instead of just saying you 'like' something, saying it 'pulls' you implies a more instinctive, magnetic attraction. Furthermore, in the realm of physical sensations, it describes the feeling of skin being stretched or tight, such as after washing your face with a harsh soap. This 'tightness' is perceived as the skin being pulled from within.

"입맛이 당기는 음식을 먹고 싶어요." (I want to eat food that stimulates my appetite.)

Tension and Tightness
Used for strings, skin, or muscles that are taut or stretched.
Interest and Curiosity
When a story or a prospect 'pulls' your interest, making you want to know more.

"세안 후에 피부가 당겨요." (My skin feels tight after washing.)

Using 당기다 correctly depends heavily on the particle and the noun it accompanies. As a transitive verb, it usually takes the object particle -을/를 when you are physically pulling something or changing a schedule. However, when describing a sensation like skin tightness or appetite, it often appears in an intransitive-like structure where the subject is the thing doing the 'pulling' on you.

1. Physical Action (Object + 을/를)

When you are the agent of the action, use the structure [Noun]을/를 당기다. This is common for doors, ropes, or levers. In a gym setting, many exercises involve '당기는 운동' (pulling exercises). If you are telling someone to pull a door, you say "당기세요."

"줄을 세게 당기면 끊어질 수 있어요." (If you pull the rope hard, it might break.)

2. Scheduling (Time + 을/를)

This is a very common business and social usage. If a meeting was at 5 PM but you want it at 3 PM, you are 'pulling' the meeting. The opposite is '미루다' (to postpone/push back). You can say "일정을 하루 당겼어요" (I moved the schedule up by one day).

3. Appetite and Sensations (Subject + 이/가)

When your appetite is 'pulled' by food, or your skin feels 'pulled' due to dryness, the noun takes the subject particle. '입맛이 당기다' is a set phrase meaning to have an appetite or to crave something. '피부가 당기다' means your skin feels tight or dry.

"매콤한 음식이 당기네요." (I'm really craving something spicy.)

4. Psychological Attraction

If you find someone attractive or a proposal interesting, you can say "마음이 당기다." This suggests a subtle, internal pull toward that person or idea. It's less aggressive than '좋아하다' (to like) and more about the feeling of being drawn in.

You will encounter 당기다 in various daily environments in Korea, from the mundane to the professional. Recognizing these contexts will help you internalize its different meanings.

  • At the Entrance: Almost every door in Korea has a sign that says either 당기시오 (Pull) or 미시오 (Push). This is the most common written form you will see.
  • In Restaurants: You might hear a friend say, "오늘따라 시원한 맥주가 당기네" (I'm really craving a cold beer today). It's a very natural way to express a sudden desire for a specific food or drink.
  • In the Office: During project planning, a manager might say, "마감 기한을 좀 당길 수 있을까요?" (Can we move the deadline up a bit?). This is essential for professional communication.
  • In Skincare Shops: If you visit a dermatologist or a beauty store like Olive Young, you might describe your skin condition as "세안 후에 얼굴이 너무 당겨요" (My face feels so tight/dry after washing). The staff will then recommend moisturizing products.
  • In Sports and Fitness: Archers 'pull' the bowstring (활시위를 당기다), and rowers 'pull' the oars. In the gym, '렛 풀 다운' (Lat Pull Down) is often explained using the verb 당기다.

"방아쇠를 당기다." (To pull the trigger.)

In K-Dramas, you might hear a character say "자꾸 마음이 당겨서 어쩔 수 없었어" (I couldn't help it because my heart kept being drawn to [you/it]). This adds a layer of emotional vulnerability, suggesting the person isn't just making a choice but is responding to an internal force.

Even though 당기다 seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with similar-sounding words or use it in contexts where a different 'pull' verb is required.

Confusing with '담기다'
'담기다' means to be contained or put into something. Because they sound similar, beginners often mix them up. Remember: 당기다 (Pull) vs 담기다 (Contained).
Confusing with '닦다'
'닦다' means to wipe or brush. While the pronunciation is different, the 'd' and 'k' sounds can sometimes confuse very early learners.
Overusing '잡아당기다'
Learners often use '잡아당기다' for everything. While it means pull, it implies 'grabbing' first. You wouldn't use '잡아당기다' for moving a meeting date or for your skin feeling tight.

"틀린 표현: 회의를 잡아당겼어요. (X) -> 바른 표현: 회의를 당겼어요. (O)"

Another mistake is the particle usage with '입맛' (appetite). Learners often say "입맛을 당겨요" (I pull the appetite), but the natural expression is "입맛이 당겨요" (The appetite pulls/is stimulated). The food is the thing that makes the appetite act.

Finally, don't confuse '당기다' with '단기' (short term). Although they sound similar in fast speech, '단기' is a noun and '당기다' is a verb. Context usually clarifies this, but it's something to watch out for in listening exams.

Korean has several verbs for 'pulling' or 'drawing,' each with its own specific nuance. Knowing when to use which one will greatly improve your fluency.

끌다 (Kkeul-da)
This means to drag or pull something along the ground. It's used for heavy objects or metaphorically for 'dragging out' a conversation or 'drawing' attention (관심을 끌다).
잡아당기다 (Jaba-danggida)
A combination of '잡다' (to catch/hold) and '당기다'. It emphasizes the act of gripping something and pulling it. Use this when you are physically tugging on someone's sleeve or a rope.
앞당기다 (Ap-danggida)
Specifically used for time. While '당기다' can be used for time, '앞당기다' is more precise and common when saying 'to move forward' a schedule.

"캐리어를 끌고 가요." (Dragging a suitcase.) vs "줄을 당겨요." (Pulling a rope.)

There is also 유혹하다 (to tempt/seduce), which shares the psychological 'pull' of '마음이 당기다' but is much stronger and often has a negative or romantic connotation. 매료시키다 (to fascinate/charm) is the formal version of 'drawing someone in' through beauty or talent.

Lastly, 인수하다 (to take over) is used in business when one company 'pulls' another into its fold, but this is much more technical. For daily life, stick to '당기다' for cravings, schedules, and physical doors.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Informal

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Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

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Examples by Level

1

문을 당기세요.

Please pull the door.

-으세요 is a polite command.

2

이 줄을 당겨요?

Do I pull this rope?

Present tense question.

3

의자를 당겨 앉으세요.

Pull the chair and sit down.

Sequential action using -어/아.

4

세게 당기지 마세요.

Don't pull hard.

-지 마세요 means 'don't'.

5

손잡이를 당겨요.

Pull the handle.

Simple object + verb.

6

인형을 당겼어요.

I pulled the doll.

Past tense -었/았어요.

7

같이 당길까요?

Shall we pull together?

-(으)ㄹ까요 suggests an action.

8

이걸 당기면 열려요.

If you pull this, it opens.

-(으)면 indicates a condition.

1

회의를 한 시간 당겼어요.

We moved the meeting up by an hour.

Temporal use of 당기다.

2

오늘은 매운 음식이 당기네요.

I'm craving spicy food today.

-네(요) expresses realization or surprise.

3

피부가 조금 당겨요.

My skin feels a bit tight.

Sensation of tightness.

4

일정을 앞당길 수 있을까요?

Can we move the schedule forward?

앞당기다 is a common compound.

5

입맛이 당기는 반찬이 없어요.

There are no side dishes that stimulate my appetite.

Noun modifying form -는.

6

그 이야기가 제 관심을 당겼어요.

That story caught my interest.

Abstract 'pulling' of interest.

7

문을 안으로 당기세요.

Pull the door inward.

Directional adverb '안으로'.

8

줄다리기를 할 때 줄을 당겨요.

Pull the rope when playing tug-of-war.

Standard physical use.

1

세안 후에 얼굴이 당기는 느낌이 들어요.

I feel my face tightening after washing.

-는 느낌이 들다 (to have a feeling that...).

2

여행 날짜를 일주일 당기기로 했어요.

We decided to move the trip date up by a week.

-기로 하다 (to decide to).

3

별로 마음이 당기지 않는 제안이에요.

It's a proposal that doesn't really appeal to me.

마음이 당기다 (to be attracted/interested).

4

활시위를 팽팽하게 당겼어요.

I pulled the bowstring taut.

Adverb '팽팽하게' (tautly).

5

자꾸만 그 사람에게 마음이 당겨요.

I keep feeling drawn to that person.

Continuous feeling of attraction.

6

이 약은 식욕을 당기게 합니다.

This medicine stimulates the appetite.

-게 하다 (causative).

7

예산 부족으로 공사 기간을 당겨야 해요.

We have to shorten the construction period due to budget lack.

-아야/어야 하다 (must).

8

그의 연설은 대중의 마음을 당기는 힘이 있다.

His speech has the power to draw the hearts of the public.

Metaphorical power.

1

피부가 당기지 않도록 보습제를 바르세요.

Apply moisturizer so your skin doesn't feel tight.

-지 않도록 (so that... not).

2

그 영화는 관객의 호기심을 당기기에 충분했다.

The movie was enough to pique the audience's curiosity.

-기에 충분하다 (to be enough to...).

3

업무 마감일을 며칠 당겨 줄 수 있나요?

Can you move the work deadline up a few days?

-어/아 줄 수 있다 (can you do for me).

4

그녀는 밀고 당기기를 아주 잘해요.

She is very good at 'push and pull' (playing hard to get).

Noun form of the idiom '밀당'.

5

갑자기 단것이 당기는 걸 보니 스트레스를 받나 봐요.

Seeing how I'm craving sweets, I must be stressed.

-나 보다 (it seems that...).

6

낚싯줄을 당기는 손맛이 일품이에요.

The feeling of pulling the fishing line is excellent.

Sensation of 'son-mat' (hand-taste/feeling).

7

방아쇠를 당기기 직전의 긴장감.

The tension just before pulling the trigger.

Noun + 직전 (just before).

8

이 제품은 소비자들의 구매 욕구를 당깁니다.

This product stimulates consumers' desire to buy.

Marketing context.

1

그의 논리는 사람들의 고개를 끄덕이게 당기는 매력이 있다.

His logic has a charm that draws people to nod in agreement.

Complex metaphorical draw.

2

가뭄으로 인해 논바닥이 당기듯 갈라졌다.

The rice paddy cracked as if it were being pulled apart by the drought.

-듯 (as if).

3

정부는 선거를 앞두고 선심성 정책으로 표심을 당기려 한다.

The government tries to draw votes with populist policies ahead of the election.

-(으)려 하다 (intend to).

4

현악기의 줄을 너무 당기면 소리가 날카로워집니다.

If you pull the strings of a string instrument too much, the sound becomes sharp.

-어/아지다 (become).

5

그는 과거의 영광을 현재로 당겨오고 싶어 했다.

He wanted to pull the glory of the past into the present.

Abstract temporal movement.

6

근육이 당기는 통증이 느껴지면 즉시 운동을 멈추세요.

If you feel a pulling pain in your muscles, stop exercising immediately.

Medical/Physical description.

7

이 소설은 독자를 이야기 속으로 강렬하게 당긴다.

This novel intensely pulls the reader into the story.

Literary immersion.

8

그의 제안은 내 경제적 상황을 고려할 때 꽤 당기는 조건이었다.

His proposal was a quite attractive condition considering my economic situation.

Colloquial 'attractive/tempting'.

1

우주의 중력은 모든 만물을 자신에게로 당기는 근원적인 힘이다.

Universal gravity is the fundamental force that pulls all things toward itself.

Scientific definition.

2

시인은 언어의 팽팽한 긴장감을 당겨 시적 허용을 극대화했다.

The poet pulled the taut tension of language to maximize poetic license.

Literary criticism.

3

그 정치가는 교묘한 수사학으로 대중의 심리를 당기고 놓기를 반복했다.

The politician repeatedly pulled and released the public's psychology with clever rhetoric.

Psychological manipulation.

4

역사의 수레바퀴를 억지로 당기려 했던 독재자의 말로.

The end of a dictator who tried to forcibly pull the wheels of history.

Historical metaphor.

5

신경이 예민해져서 작은 소리에도 온몸이 당기는 듯한 기분이 들었다.

Because my nerves were sensitive, I felt as if my whole body was tightening at the slightest sound.

Somatic symptom description.

6

이 합의안은 양측의 이해관계를 절묘하게 당겨 맞춘 결과물이다.

This agreement is the result of exquisitely pulling and aligning the interests of both sides.

Negotiation nuance.

7

운명의 끈이 우리를 어디로 당길지는 아무도 모른다.

No one knows where the string of fate will pull us.

Philosophical usage.

8

그는 자신의 욕망을 당겨 채우기 위해 타인의 희생을 마다하지 않았다.

He did not hesitate to sacrifice others to pull in and fulfill his own desires.

Moral/Ethical description.

Common Collocations

문을 당기다
입맛이 당기다
시간을 당기다
피부가 당기다
줄을 당기다
마음이 당기다
방아쇠를 당기다
일정을 당기다
호기심을 당기다
활시위를 당기다

Common Phrases

당기시오 (Pull - on doors)

입맛이 당기네 (I'm craving this)

시간 좀 당길 수 있어? (Can we meet earlier?)

얼굴이 너무 당겨요 (My face is so dry/tight)

밀고 당기기 (Push and pull/flirting)

구미가 당기다 (To be interested/appetizing)

고삐를 당기다 (To tighten the reins/speed up)

방아쇠를 당기다 (To pull the trigger/start something)

줄을 당기다 (To pull a rope/tug-of-war)

관심을 당기다 (To draw interest)

Often Confused With

당기다 vs 담기다 (To be contained)

당기다 vs 닦다 (To wipe)

당기다 vs 닮다 (To resemble)

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

당기다 vs

당기다 vs

당기다 vs

당기다 vs

당기다 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

time

It always means making it earlier, never later.

tension

It describes the state of being stretched tight.

appetite

It implies a physical response to the thought of food.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '당기다' to mean 'pulling' a prank (use '장난치다' instead).
  • Confusing the spelling with '댕기다'.
  • Using '을/를' for skin tightness instead of '이/가'.
  • Using '당기다' for 'pulling' someone's hair (use '잡아당기다' for more impact).
  • Mixing up '당기다' (pull) and '밀다' (push) on doors.

Tips

Master the Mil-dang

Understanding '밀당' will help you navigate Korean social dynamics and dating much better.

Particle Check

Remember: Use '이/가' for feelings like appetite and skin tightness, and '을/를' for physical objects.

Office Talk

Using '당기다' to suggest an earlier deadline shows you are proactive in a Korean work environment.

Clear 'D'

Make sure the 'd' sound in 'dang' is clear and not breathy to avoid confusion with other words.

K-Beauty Tip

If you tell a shop assistant '피부가 당겨요', they will immediately know you need hydrating products.

Signage

Always look for '당기시오' on doors to avoid the embarrassment of pushing a pull door!

Variety

Try using '앞당기다' in your essays to show a higher level of vocabulary when discussing time.

Archery Metaphor

Think of pulling a bowstring taut; that tension is the essence of '당기다' in many contexts.

Craving

Use '당기다' when you don't just want food, but you feel a 'pull' toward a specific taste.

The 'Closer' Rule

If the action brings something closer to 'now' or 'me', '당기다' is likely the right verb.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Dangling' a carrot to 'Danggida' (pull) someone toward you.

Word Origin

Native Korean word.

Cultural Context

Skin 'pulling' (피부 당김) is a major concern in the K-beauty industry, leading to many hydrating products.

Mil-dang (밀당) is the art of emotional tug-of-war.

Advancing schedules (일정 당기기) is common in fast-paced Korean work culture.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"오늘 무슨 음식이 당겨요?"

"우리 회의 시간을 좀 당길 수 있을까요?"

"겨울이라 그런지 피부가 너무 당기지 않아요?"

"그 영화 예고편 보니까 구미가 당기더라고요."

"밀당하는 거 좋아하세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 가장 당겼던 음식에 대해 써보세요.

최근에 일정을 당겨야 했던 경험이 있나요?

누군가에게 마음이 당겼던 순간을 묘사해 보세요.

한국의 '밀당' 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

피부 관리를 위해 당김을 해결하는 나만의 방법은?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly yes, but it can also mean to crave food, feel skin tightness, or move a schedule earlier. It's all about bringing something closer.

Yes, '마음이 당기다' means you are attracted to them. It's a soft way of saying you're interested.

For time, yes. '앞당기다' is just more specific about moving it 'forward' to an earlier time.

It's a combination of 밀다 (push) and 당기다 (pull), referring to the games people play in relationships.

In Korean, the feeling of dry, tight skin is described as the skin 'pulling' itself.

It is a standard verb used in all registers, but '당기시오' is specifically for formal signs.

You can say '라면이 당겨요'.

Yes, '근육이 당기다' is used when a muscle feels tight or strained.

The opposite is '미루다' or '연기하다' (to postpone).

Both are used, but '입맛이 당기다' (The appetite pulls) is more common for the feeling of craving.

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