Meaning and Usage
The adjective '비싸다' means 'to be expensive' and is commonly used to describe the high price of goods, services, or anything that costs money. It is a basic and essential word for everyday conversations about shopping, budgeting, or comparing prices.
Common Collocations
- 비싸다 + noun: to describe something as expensive (e.g., 비싼 가방 - expensive bag)
- 너무 비싸다: too expensive, often used to express inability or reluctance to buy
- 집값이 비싸다: housing prices are expensive
Register and Politeness
'비싸다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When speaking politely, it is often conjugated with polite endings (e.g., 비싸요).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '비싸다' with '싸다' (cheap). Remember that '비싸다' means expensive, the opposite of '싸다'.
Practical Tips
Use '비싸다' when you want to express that something costs a lot or is priced higher than expected. It can also imply that the price is a barrier to purchase, especially when combined with words like '너무' (too) or '많이' (very).