뺏다 is a verb that means “to take away,” “to deprive,” or “to snatch” something from someone.
It often carries a nuance of force or unfairness — like taking something against someone’s will.
It’s a colloquial contraction of 빼앗다, which is the more formal/standard form.
그가 내 책을 뺏었어. He took away my book.
아이들이 서로 장난감을 뺏고 있어. The kids are snatching toys from each other.
경찰이 그의 운전면허를 뺏었다. The police took away his driver’s license.
시간을 뺏어서 미안해요. Sorry for taking up your time. (Here, 뺏다 is used figuratively — “taking someone’s time.”)
뺏다 = casual, everyday speech.
빼앗다 = more formal, often used in writing or official contexts.
Both are interchangeable, but 뺏다 feels lighter and more conversational.
Figurative Expressions with 뺏다
마음을 뺏다 to steal someone’s heart
Example:
그 배우가 관객들의 마음을 뺏었다. The actor stole the audience’s hearts.
시간을 뺏다 to take up someone’s time
Example:
회의가 너무 길어서 모두의 시간을 뺏었어. The meeting was too long and took up everyone’s time.
관심을 뺏다 to draw or steal attention
Example:
그 광고가 사람들의 관심을 뺏고 있어. That advertisement is grabbing people’s attention.
잠을 뺏다 to deprive someone of sleep
Example:
스트레스가 내 잠을 뺏고 있어. Stress is robbing me of sleep.