Meaning and Usage
The word '아기' specifically refers to a baby or infant, typically a very young child who cannot yet walk or talk. It is a common and affectionate term used in everyday conversation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '아기' in family settings, hospitals, or when talking about child care. It can be used to describe newborns, toddlers, or even as a cute way to refer to pets or small animals in informal speech.
Collocations and Patterns
- 아기가 웃다 (the baby smiles): describes a baby's actions.
- 아기를 돌보다 (to take care of a baby): common phrase related to caregiving.
- 아기 때문에 (because of the baby): used to explain situations influenced by the baby.
Register and Politeness
'아기' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When speaking politely, it is often combined with polite verb endings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '아기' with '아이' (child). '아기' refers to babies or infants, while '아이' can mean any child, including older kids. Use '아기' when emphasizing the very young age.