Meaning and Usage
The adverb '바로' is commonly used to express immediacy, correctness, or exactness. It can mean 'right away,' 'just,' or 'exactly,' depending on the context.
Common Contexts
- To indicate doing something immediately or without delay: "바로 집에 가다" (go straight home).
- To emphasize exactness or correctness: "바로 그 사람" (that very person).
- To stress the need for prompt action: "바로 해결하다" (solve immediately).
Collocations and Patterns
- 바로 + verb: emphasizes immediacy (e.g., 바로 시작하다 - start right away).
- 바로 + noun: emphasizes exactness or identity (e.g., 바로 그 책 - that very book).
- 바로 + adjective/adverb: stresses correctness or precision (e.g., 바로 맞다 - exactly right).
Register and Politeness
'바로' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without changing form.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '바로' with '곧' (soon). '바로' stresses immediacy or exactness, while '곧' implies something will happen shortly but not necessarily immediately. Use '바로' when you want to express no delay or exactness.