Meaning and Usage
The word '여자' means 'woman' or 'female' and is used to refer to adult females in general. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Common Collocations
- 여자 친구 (yeoja chingu): girlfriend
- 여자 직원 (yeoja jigwon): female employee
- 여자 아이 (yeoja ai): girl (female child)
These collocations are frequently used in daily life and help specify the role or relationship of the woman being referred to.
Register and Politeness
'여자' is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and formal speech. However, when referring to women respectfully, especially in formal contexts, terms like '여성' (female, woman) might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '여자' with '여성'. '여자' is more general and casual, while '여성' is more formal and often used in official or written language. Use '여자' for everyday conversation.
Summary
Use '여자' to talk about women in general, in relationships, or in professional contexts. Remember common phrases like '여자 친구' for girlfriend and '여자 직원' for female employee to sound natural.