Vocabulary
말을 걸다
to approach and speak to someone
Meaning
Expression 말을 걸다: to initiate a conversation, to speak to someone first.
Why this form?
말하다 — to speak, say: does not specifically mean initiating contact with someone.
대화를 시작하다 — to start a conversation: emphasizes the beginning of an exchange, not merely addressing someone.
Forms not to confuse
- 말하다
그가 천천히 말했어요. — He spoke slowly.
- 대화를 시작하다
그녀가 대화를 시작했어요. — She started the conversation.
Examples
갑자기 누군가가 내 뒤에서 말을 건다. — Suddenly someone speaks to me from behind.
낯선 사람에게 먼저 말을 걸었어요. — I spoke to a stranger first.