Usage of '또'
'또' is a very common adverb in Korean that primarily means 'again' or 'also'. It is used to indicate repetition of an action or to add additional information.
Common contexts
- Repetition: When you want to say something happens again, like watching a movie again or it raining again.
- Addition: When adding information, similar to 'also' or 'in addition'. For example, "He studies well and also plays sports well."
Collocations and patterns
- 또 + verb: to express doing something again (또 가다 - go again)
- 또 + noun + 도: to add another item or action (또 친구도 왔어요 - a friend also came)
- 또 + sentence: to emphasize repetition or additional information
Register and nuance
'또' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is very frequent in daily conversation and writing.
Common learner tip
Don't confuse '또' with '다시'. Both can mean 'again', but '다시' often emphasizes the action being repeated after stopping, while '또' can also mean 'also' or 'in addition'. For example, '또' can connect two qualities or actions, not just repeat one.
Understanding these nuances will help you use '또' naturally in various situations.