Meaning and Usage
The verb '초대하다' means 'to invite' someone to an event, place, or occasion. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when inviting people to gatherings such as parties, meetings, or ceremonies.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '초대하다' when talking about inviting friends, family, or colleagues to social events like dinners, weddings, or company functions.
Collocations and Patterns
- '친구를 초대하다' (to invite a friend): used in casual or personal invitations.
- '행사에 초대하다' (to invite to an event): often used in formal or official invitations.
- '초대장을 보내다' (to send an invitation card): refers to the act of sending formal invitations.
Register and Politeness
'초대하다' is neutral and polite enough for most situations. For very formal invitations, you might see more honorific or formal expressions, but '초대하다' is widely acceptable.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '초대하다' with '초청하다', which also means 'to invite' but is more formal and often used in official or ceremonial contexts. Use '초대하다' for everyday invitations.