Meaning and Usage
The noun '걸음' primarily refers to the act of walking or a single step. It can describe the physical movement of walking or be used metaphorically to indicate progress or stages.
Common Contexts
- Physical walking: Describing how someone walks or the pace of walking.
- Figurative use: Talking about the first step in a process or progress.
Collocations and Patterns
- '걸음이 빠르다/느리다' (to have a fast/slow pace): Used to describe someone's walking speed.
- '첫 걸음' (first step): Often used metaphorically to mean the beginning of something.
- '걸음으로' (by walking): Indicates the means or manner of movement.
Register and Politeness
'걸음' is a neutral noun used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neither formal nor informal.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '걸음' with '걷기' (the act of walking as a verb noun). '걸음' focuses more on the step or pace, while '걷기' emphasizes the action of walking itself. Use '걸음' when talking about steps or pace, and '걷기' when referring to walking as an activity.