Meaning and Usage
"위험" means "danger" or "risk" in Korean. It is a noun used to describe situations or conditions that could cause harm or loss.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "위험" in safety warnings, news reports, and everyday conversations about risky situations. It can describe physical danger, like accidents or natural disasters, as well as abstract risks, such as financial or health risks.
Collocations and Patterns
- 위험하다 (to be dangerous): Used to describe something that poses danger.
- 위험을 무릅쓰다 (to risk danger): Expresses taking a risk despite the danger.
- 위험 지역 (dangerous area): Refers to a place with potential hazards.
Register and Politeness
"위험" is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When giving warnings, it is often paired with polite endings like "-세요" to show respect.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "위험" with "위험성," which means "dangerousness" or "risk factor." "위험" is more general and concrete, while "위험성" is more abstract and used in technical contexts. Use "위험" for everyday conversation about danger.