맴돌다

From 맴 (maem, “circling”) + 돌다 (dolda, “to rotate”).

• (SK Standard/Seoul) IPA^(key): ~
• Phonetic hangul:
  • Though still prescribed in Standard Korean, most speakers in both Koreas no longer distinguish vowel length.

맴돌다 • (maemdolda) (infinitive 맴돌아, sequential 맴도니)

1. (transitive) to circle, encircle

   매들이 먹이를 찾아 들판 위를 맴돌고 있다.

   maedeuri meogireul chaja deulpan wireul maemdolgo itda.

   Hawks are circling over the fields, looking for prey.

2. (transitive) to hover (around)

   그의 성적은 학급에서 바닥을 맴돌고 있다

   geuui seongjeogeun hakgeubeseo badageul maemdolgo itda

   His grades stay around at the bottom of the class.

3. (transitive) to linger (on)

   그 생각이 계속 머릿속에서 맴돌았다.

   geu saenggagi gyesok meoritsogeseo maemdoratda.

   (please add an English translation of this usage example)

• 맴 (maem, “circling”)
• 돌다 (dolda, “to rotate”)

• 맴돌다 in Korean-English Learners' Dictionary, National Institute of Korean Language, cc by-sa 2.0 kr.