Korean word

물다

Pronunciation

Romanizationmulda

Meaning

  • verbbite

Example

개가 내 다리를 물었어요.kae ga nae ta ri reul mu reo sseo yo

The dog bit my leg.

Illustration for 물다 (bite)

More examples

긴장해서 이를 꽉 물었어요.kin jang hae seo i reul kkwak mu reo sseo yo

I clenched my teeth tightly because I was nervous.

Core concept

A mouth closes on something with enough force to hold, tear, or hurt, and the same verb can extend to taking on a cost.

Common phrases

  • 이를 물다i reul mul da

    clench one's teeth

  • 물고 늘어지다mul go neu reo ji da

    hold on tenaciously

Similar words

씹다ssiptta: To use the teeth repeatedly to break food into smaller pieces.
깨물다kkaemulda: To give something a quick, firm bite that holds or presses it.
갉다kaktta: To wear away a surface by taking tiny bites from it over time.
물어뜯다mureotteuttta: To tear something apart by biting it forcefully and pulling.

Definition in Korean

입으로 씹거나 깨물어 물체를 떼어내거나 상처를 내는 뜻이 주된 의미이며, 관용적으로 벌금·배상금 따위를 '물다'로 나타내어 돈을 지불한다는 뜻으로도 쓰이는 동사i beu ro ssip kkeo na kkae mu reo mul che reul tte eo nae geo na sang cheo reul nae neun tteu si chu doen ui mi i myeo kwa nyong jeo geu ro peol geum pae sang geum tta wi reul mul da ro na ta nae eo to neul chi bul han da neun tteu seu ro do sseu i neun tong sa

Word origin

The word is a native Korean verb, but the historical connection between its biting sense and its use for paying a fine or compensation is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may first connect this verb only with animals, but Korean also uses it when a person becomes responsible for a financial penalty or loss.

Other meanings

  • gnawverb
  • snap atverb
  • payverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word