Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '재료' (jaeryo) primarily means 'material' or 'ingredient.' It is commonly used to refer to the components or substances used to make something, such as food ingredients, construction materials, or raw materials for manufacturing.
Common Contexts
- Cooking: '재료' refers to food ingredients like vegetables, meat, spices, etc.
- Construction or manufacturing: it means raw materials or supplies needed for building or production.
Collocations and Patterns
- 신선한 재료 (fresh ingredients): often used in cooking contexts to emphasize quality.
- 재료를 준비하다 (prepare materials): common when talking about getting materials ready for a task.
- 재료가 부족하다 (lack materials): used to express shortage of materials.
Register and Usage Notes
'재료' is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. It is not a verb and does not conjugate. Learners should not confuse it with '자료' (data, information), which sounds similar but has a different meaning.
Common Mistake
Confusing '재료' (material) with '자료' (data). Remember, '재료' relates to physical substances or ingredients, while '자료' refers to information or data.