Level 1

친구

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Meaning and Usage

"친구" means "friend" in Korean and is used to refer to someone with whom you share a close and friendly relationship. It is a very common and essential word for daily conversation.

Common Contexts

You can use "친구" when talking about schoolmates, colleagues, or anyone you consider a friend. It often appears in phrases about meeting, spending time, or helping friends.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 친구와 함께 (with a friend): used to express doing something together with a friend.
  • 친구를 만나다 (to meet a friend): common phrase for meeting friends.
  • 진짜 친구 (a true friend): emphasizes the sincerity or closeness of the friendship.

Register and Politeness

"친구" is neutral and informal, suitable for everyday conversation. When speaking formally, you might add honorifics or use more polite expressions, but "친구" itself remains the same.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "친구" with "동료" (colleague) or "지인" (acquaintance). Remember, "친구" implies a closer, more personal relationship than those terms.

Example Sentences

저는 학교에서 많은 친구를 만났어요.

Jeoneun hakgyoeseo manheun chingureul mannasseoyo.

I met many friends at school.

친구와 함께 영화를 보러 갔어요.

Chinguwa hamkke yeonghwareul boreo gasseoyo.

I went to watch a movie with a friend.

친구가 힘들 때 도와주는 것이 진짜 친구예요.

Chinguga himdeul ttae dowajuneun geosi jinjja chinguyeyo.

A true friend is someone who helps when you are having a hard time.