Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '공장' (gongjang) primarily means 'factory' or 'manufacturing plant.' It refers to a place where goods are produced or assembled, such as a car factory or a textile factory.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '공장' in conversations about work, industry, or production. It can describe the physical location where manufacturing happens or the business entity itself.
Collocations and Patterns
- 공장 생산 (factory production): refers to the output or manufacturing process.
- 공장 근처 (near the factory): used to describe locations close to a factory.
- 공장 직원 (factory worker): refers to employees working in a factory.
- 공장 가동 (factory operation): describes the running or operation of a factory.
Register and Usage Notes
'공장' is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. It is not used to mean 'construction site' (which is '건설 현장' or '공사장'). Learners sometimes confuse '공장' with '공사장' because both relate to places involving work, but '공장' is for manufacturing, while '공사장' is for construction.
Tips for Learners
When talking about places where things are built or made, use '공장' for factories and '공사장' for construction sites. Remember that '공장' emphasizes production and manufacturing rather than building or construction work.