Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '마중' refers specifically to the act of going out to meet or receive someone, often at a place like an airport, station, or entrance. It implies a welcoming gesture and is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about picking someone up.
Common Contexts
'마중' is frequently used when describing meeting someone who is arriving from somewhere, such as a friend, family member, or guest. It often involves physically going out to a designated place to greet them.
Collocations and Patterns
- 마중 나가다: to go out to meet someone
- 마중 나오다: to come out to meet someone
- 마중 가다: to go to meet someone
These phrases emphasize the action of moving towards the person being met.
Register and Politeness
'마중' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a noun, so it often appears with verbs like 나가다 (to go out) or 나오다 (to come out).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '마중' with '맞이' which also means 'to welcome' but is more formal and used in different contexts such as ceremonies or events. '마중' is more casual and personal, used for meeting people in everyday situations.