Vocabulary
토닥이다
pat gently
Meaning
토닥이다 — Expressive base of 토닥이다, meaning to pat gently and repeatedly, often to comfort someone.
Why this form?
두드리다 (“knock, tap”) can describe firmer taps, such as on a door; 토닥이다 suggests gentle, comforting pats.
Examples
그는 손을 뻗어 내 머리를 토닥여 준다. — He reaches out and gently pats my head.
엄마가 아이의 등을 토닥였다. — The mother gently patted her child’s back.