Meaning and Usage
The verb '줄이다' means 'to reduce' or 'to decrease' something in quantity, size, or amount. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about lowering costs, reducing weight, or shortening time.
Common Collocations
- 비용을 줄이다 (reduce costs): Used when talking about saving money or cutting expenses.
- 체중을 줄이다 (lose weight): Commonly used in health and fitness contexts.
- 시간을 줄이다 (shorten time): Used when making a process or duration shorter.
Register and Politeness
'줄이다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It can be conjugated politely or casually depending on the situation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '줄이다' with '줄다' which means 'to decrease' but is intransitive. Remember, '줄이다' is a transitive verb and requires an object (something that is being reduced). For example, you say '비용을 줄이다' (reduce costs), not just '비용이 줄다'.