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감기

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '감기' primarily means 'cold' as in the common illness caused by a virus. It is a very common noun used in everyday conversation when talking about health.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '감기' when someone talks about symptoms like coughing, sore throat, or sneezing. It is used in both casual and polite speech, but usually appears in polite forms when giving advice or describing symptoms.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 감기에 걸리다: to catch a cold
  • 감기약: cold medicine
  • 감기에 걸리지 않다: to not catch a cold

These collocations are essential for expressing health-related conditions and advice.

Tips for Learners

Be careful not to confuse '감기' with similar sounding words. '감기' does not mean 'twine' or 'string'; that meaning is unrelated. Focus on its health-related meaning. When using it, you can combine it with verbs like '걸리다' (to catch) or '나다' (to have symptoms).

Understanding '감기' well will help you discuss common health issues naturally in Korean.

Example Sentences

요즘 감기에 걸려서 목이 많이 아파요.

Yojeum gamgie geollyeoseo moki mani apayo.

I caught a cold recently, so my throat hurts a lot.

감기에 걸리지 않도록 따뜻하게 입으세요.

Gamgie geolliji anhdorok ttatteuthage ibeuseyo.

Dress warmly so you don't catch a cold.

감기약을 먹고 푹 쉬는 게 좋아요.

Gamgi-yakeul meokgo puk swineun ge joayo.

It's good to take cold medicine and rest well.