Meaning and Usage
The word '칼' primarily means 'knife' or 'blade' in Korean. It is a common noun used in everyday contexts such as cooking, cutting, or sometimes in metaphorical expressions.
Common Contexts
'칼' is most often used to refer to kitchen knives but can also mean any sharp blade, including pocket knives or swords in historical or literary contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 칼로 (with a knife): used to indicate the tool used for cutting or slicing.
- 칼을 들다 (to hold a knife): often used literally or figuratively.
- 칼날 (blade edge): refers to the sharp edge of the knife.
Register and Politeness
'칼' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal speech without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '칼' with '가위' (scissors). Remember, '칼' is a knife, usually a single blade, while '가위' refers to scissors with two blades.