Meaning and Usage
The verb '키우다' primarily means 'to raise' or 'to bring up,' commonly used for raising children, animals, or plants. It implies nurturing and helping something or someone grow over time.
Common Contexts
- Raising children or pets: "아이를 키우다" (to raise a child), "강아지를 키우다" (to raise a puppy).
- Growing plants: Although '키우다' is used, sometimes '기르다' is also common for plants.
Collocations and Patterns
- '아이를 키우다': to raise a child.
- '동물을 키우다': to raise an animal.
- '식물을 키우다': to grow plants.
These collocations emphasize care and responsibility.
Register and Politeness
'키우다' is a standard verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral in formality and can be used in polite or casual speech depending on the sentence ending.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '키우다' with '기르다,' which can overlap in meaning. '키우다' often focuses on the act of raising or nurturing, while '기르다' can also mean to cultivate or develop skills. Context will guide the correct choice.