Meaning and Usage
The word '여성' specifically refers to adult females or women. It is a formal and neutral term commonly used in official, social, and everyday contexts to denote women as a group or category.
Common Contexts
'여성' is often used when discussing gender-related topics such as employment, rights, facilities, and social roles. It appears in compound nouns like '여성복' (women's clothing) or '여성운동' (women's movement).
Collocations and Patterns
- 여성 직원 (female employee): used in workplace contexts.
- 여성 전용 (women-only): indicates spaces or services reserved for women.
- 여성의 권리 (women's rights): used in social and political discussions.
Register and Politeness
'여성' is a polite and formal term. In casual conversation, people might use '여자' to mean woman or girl, but '여성' is preferred in respectful or official contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '여성' with '여자'. '여자' can refer to girls or women in general and is less formal, while '여성' is more formal and adult-focused. Use '여성' when you want to sound respectful or formal.