Level 2

고치다

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Usage of 고치다

The verb 고치다 is commonly used to mean 'to fix' or 'to repair' something broken or malfunctioning, such as electronics, clothes, or machines. It also extends to correcting mistakes, like errors in grammar or writing.

Common contexts

  • Repairing physical objects: 컴퓨터, 자동차, 옷
  • Correcting errors: 문법, 글, 발음

Collocations and patterns

  • 고치다 + object (e.g., 고장 난 기계를 고치다) — to repair a broken machine
  • 고치다 + mistake (e.g., 글을 고치다) — to correct writing
  • 고치다 + 옷, 구멍 — to mend clothes or holes

Register and nuance

고치다 is a neutral verb suitable for everyday conversation and writing. It is polite when combined with polite endings (e.g., 고쳐요, 고쳤어요).

Common learner mistake

Do not confuse 고치다 with 바꾸다, which means 'to change' rather than 'to fix.' For example, 고치다 repairs something broken, while 바꾸다 replaces it with something else.

Example Sentences

컴퓨터가 고장 나서 고쳐야 해요.

Keompyuteoga gojang naseo gochyeoya haeyo.

The computer is broken, so it needs to be fixed.

문법을 잘못 썼으면 고쳐야 해요.

Munbeopeul jalmos sseosseumyeon gochyeoya haeyo.

If you wrote the grammar incorrectly, you should correct it.

옷에 구멍이 나서 고쳤어요.

Ose gumeongi naseo gochyeosseoyo.

There was a hole in the clothes, so I mended it.