Level 2

공부하다

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Meaning and Usage

"공부하다" means "to study" and is one of the most common verbs used when talking about learning or preparing academically. It is a regular verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Contexts

People use "공부하다" when referring to studying languages, preparing for exams, or learning new skills. It often appears with time expressions (e.g., 매일, 두 시간) and objects like subjects or languages (e.g., 한국어, 수학).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 공부하다 + subject (e.g., 한국어를 공부하다): to study a specific subject or language.
  • 열심히 공부하다: to study hard or diligently.
  • 시험 공부하다: to study for an exam.
  • 공부하다가 + 쉬다: to take a break while studying.

Register and Politeness

"공부하다" is neutral and polite when conjugated properly (e.g., 공부해요). It is suitable for everyday conversation, school, and work settings.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "공부하다" with "배우다" (to learn). "공부하다" emphasizes the act of studying or practicing, while "배우다" focuses on acquiring knowledge or skills from someone or something.

Example Sentences

저는 매일 두 시간씩 한국어를 공부해요.

Jeoneun maeil du siganssik hangugeoreul gongbuhaeyo.

I study Korean for two hours every day.

시험을 잘 보려면 열심히 공부해야 해요.

Siheomeul jal boryeomyeon yeolsimhi gongbuhaeya haeyo.

If you want to do well on the exam, you have to study hard.

공부하다가 잠깐 쉬는 것도 중요해요.

Gongbuhadaga jamkkan swineun geotdo jungyohaeyo.

Taking a short break while studying is also important.