흔적

1. 본문

"흔적" (heunjeok) is a Korean word that generally translates to "trace," "mark," "vestige," or "sign" in English. It refers to the evidence left behind after something has disappeared or passed by. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and usage:
Meaning:

• Trace or Mark: It signifies a physical mark or remnant left by an object, person, or event. For instance, footprints in the snow (눈 위에 발자국), or tire tracks on a muddy road (진흙 길에 타이어 자국) are physical "흔적."
• Vestige: It can also refer to something that existed in the past but is now mostly gone, like the remnants of an old building or the fading signs of a past civilization.
• Sign or Indication: In a more abstract sense, "흔적" can represent evidence or an indication of something that happened.

Examples of Use:

• 흔적을 남기다 (heunjeogeul namgida): To leave a trace/mark/vestige.
• 흔적이 보이다 (heunjeogi boida): A trace/mark is visible.
• 흔적을 없애다 (heunjeogeul eopseada): To erase a trace/mark.
• 흔적을 지우다 (heunjeogeul jiuda): To wipe away a trace/mark.
• 흔적도 없이 사라지다 (heunjeokdo eopsi sarajida): To disappear without a trace.
• 산길에는 사람이 지나간 흔적이 없었다. There was no sign of anyone having passed on the mountain path.

Additional Contexts

• Vestigial Organs (흔적기관, heunjeokgigan): In biology, it refers to organs that have lost most or all of their original function through evolution. Examples include the human appendix, tailbone, and wisdom teeth.
• Music: There are mulitple songs titled "흔적". A 1992 song by 조용필 (CHO YONG PIL), and also an album by the artist 이적.

In summary, "흔적" encompasses the idea of something left behind, whether it's a physical mark, a remnant of the past, or a sign of a previous event.