Level 2

선수

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '선수' primarily means 'athlete' or 'player' in sports contexts. It refers to someone who competes in sports or games, often professionally or at a competitive level.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '선수' used when talking about sports like soccer, swimming, basketball, or any competitive physical activity. It can refer to both amateur and professional athletes.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 선수로 활동하다: to be active as a player/athlete
  • 선수 생활: an athlete's career
  • 선수촌: athlete's village (especially during events like the Olympics)

Register and Politeness

'선수' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '선수' with '선수' in other contexts (like 'preceding person' in some idiomatic expressions). Here, it specifically means an athlete. Also, '선수' is not used for casual players or hobbyists unless they compete seriously.

Example Sentences

그는 축구 선수로 유명하다.

Geuneun chukgu seonsuro yumyeonghada.

He is famous as a soccer player.

선수들은 경기 전에 충분히 준비 운동을 해야 한다.

Seonsudeureun gyeonggi jeone chungbunhi junbi undongeul haeya handa.

Players must do enough warm-up exercises before the game.

그는 수영 선수로 올림픽에 참가했다.

Geuneun suyeong seonsuro ollimpik-e chamgahada.

He participated in the Olympics as a swimmer.