Meaning and Usage
The adjective '유명하다' means 'to be famous' or 'well-known.' It is used to describe people, places, things, or events that are widely recognized or have a strong reputation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '유명하다' when talking about celebrities, restaurants, landmarks, or authors. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- '유명하다' + location: to indicate where someone or something is famous (e.g., '한국에서 유명하다' - famous in Korea).
- '맛있기로 유명하다': famous for being delicious, often used for food or restaurants.
- '~로 유명하다': famous for a particular reason or characteristic.
Nuances and Tips
When using '유명하다,' the focus is on the reputation or recognition rather than the reason itself, which is often added with '로' or '기로.' Avoid confusing '유명하다' with '인기 있다' (to be popular), as '유명하다' emphasizes recognition, not necessarily popularity.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes say '유명해요' without context. It’s better to specify what or where someone/something is famous for to sound natural, e.g., '그 가수는 노래로 유명해요.'