Meaning and Usage
The verb '맞추다' primarily means 'to adjust' or 'to fit' something to a certain standard or condition. It can also mean 'to guess correctly' or 'to match' in various contexts.
Common Contexts
- Adjusting or setting something: You can 맞추다 a clock, a machine, or any device to make it work properly or show the correct value.
- Fitting or tailoring: 맞추다 is used when clothes or items are adjusted to fit a person’s body or needs.
- Guessing or answering correctly: It is often used when someone guesses an answer correctly or matches a solution.
Collocations and Patterns
- 시계 시간을 맞추다: to set the clock time accurately.
- 답을 맞추다: to get the answer right.
- 몸에 맞추다: to tailor or fit to the body.
Register and Politeness
맞추다 is a neutral verb commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neither formal nor informal but can be used in polite speech with appropriate endings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 맞추다 with 맞다, which means 'to be correct' or 'to be hit.' Remember, 맞추다 is an active verb meaning 'to make something match or fit,' while 맞다 is passive or descriptive.