Meaning and Usage
The word '모든' means 'every' or 'all' and is used to refer to the entirety of a group or category. It is a determiner placed before a noun to emphasize inclusiveness without exception.
Common Collocations
- 모든 사람 (every person): used when referring to all people in a group.
- 모든 것 (everything): refers to all things or everything in general.
- 모든 준비 (all preparations): emphasizes that every necessary preparation is included.
Usage Notes
'모든' is a formal and neutral word suitable for both spoken and written Korean. It is often used in polite or formal contexts but can appear in casual speech as well. Unlike '다' which can be used as a pronoun or adverb, '모든' always modifies a noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '모든' with '모두'. '모든' modifies nouns (e.g., 모든 사람), while '모두' is used as a pronoun meaning 'everyone' or 'all' (e.g., 모두 왔어요 - Everyone came). Remember to use '모든' only before nouns.