Basic Meaning
"닭" primarily means "chicken," referring both to the live bird and the meat from it. It is a common word used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about food or animals.
Common Uses
You will often hear "닭" in contexts related to cooking, such as "닭고기" (chicken meat) or dishes like "닭볶음탕" (spicy braised chicken). It also appears when describing the animal itself, for example, "닭이 울다" (the chicken crows).
Collocations and Patterns
- 닭고기: chicken meat, used when talking about food.
- 닭장: chicken coop, referring to where chickens are kept.
- 닭이 울다: the chicken crows, describing the sound a chicken makes.
Usage Notes
"닭" is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Be careful not to confuse "닭" with "닭살," which means "goosebumps." Also, when talking about chicken meat, "닭고기" is more specific and commonly used than just "닭."