Korean word

도발하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationtobalhada

Meaning

  • verbprovoke

Example

그는 자꾸 나를 도발해.keu neun cha kku na reul to bal hae

He keeps provoking me.

Illustration for 도발하다 (provoke)

More examples

그는 경쟁자를 말로 도발했다.keu neun kyeong jaeng ja reul mal lo to bal haet tta

He verbally provoked his competitor.

Core concept

Words or actions push someone toward a reaction or action.

Common phrases

  • 상대를 도발하다sang dae reul to bal ha da

    provoke someone

  • 말로 도발하다mal lo to bal ha da

    provoke someone with words

  • 고의로 도발하다ko ui ro to bal ha da

    deliberately provoke someone

Similar words

자극하다chageukada: Stirring interest or curiosity so that something captures attention.
건드리다keondeurida: Lightly touching something or poking at a sensitive matter to bring out a reaction.
부추기다puchugida: Urging someone on until they take a particular action.

Definition in Korean

말이나 행동으로 상대를 자극하여 반응이나 행동을 유도하다.ma ri na haeng dong eu ro sang dae reul cha geu ka yeo pa neung i na haeng dong eul yu do ha da

Word origin

The verb comes from Sino-Korean roots meaning to challenge and set off, giving it the sense of causing a response.

Usage tips

  • It often suggests deliberate pressure, so it can sound more hostile than simply encouraging someone to act.

Other meanings

  • egg onverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 도발적tobaljeokprovocativeadjective
  • 도발성tobalseongprovocativenessnoun
  • 도발행위tobalhaengwiprovocative actnoun

Word lists with this word