그림자 — meaning in English: shadow

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Guess the translation for shadow

펜

pen

확장

hwagjang

오류

olyu

그림자

geulimja

대회

daehoe

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 그림자 in everyday conversations, especially when discussing light and dark, such as during a sunny day when shadows appear. It's also used in artistic contexts, where someone might refer to the shadow of an object in a painting or photograph, emphasizing the play of light and shadow.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 그늘 (geuneul), which means 'shade' and refers more to the area blocked by light rather than the shadow itself. You would use 그림자 when focusing on the outline or form cast by an object, while 그늘 is more about the area that offers protection from the sun.

Culture

The word 그림자 has roots in the ancient need to explain the interplay of light and darkness, often viewed as symbolic in Korean culture. It can represent the unseen aspects of a person's life, akin to 'shadows' in Western literature that symbolize mystery or hidden truths. Interestingly, in Korean folklore, shadows were sometimes thought to house spirits, adding an intriguing layer to its significance.

FAQ

Q.What does 그림자 mean in English?

그림자 means 'shadow' in English, referring to the dark shape produced by an object blocking light.

Q.How do you use 그림자 in a sentence?

You can use 그림자 in a sentence like: '햇빛 아래서 그림자가 길어졌다' which means 'The shadow grew longer under the sunlight.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 그림자?

A common mistake is confusing 그림자 with 그늘. While both refer to aspects of light, 그림자 specifically denotes the shadow cast by an object, whereas 그늘 refers to a shaded area.

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