Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '피곤' means fatigue or tiredness. It is commonly used to express physical or mental exhaustion after work, study, or other activities.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '피곤' in daily conversations when someone talks about being tired after a long day or needing rest. It is a noun but often used with the verb '하다' (to do) to form '피곤하다' meaning 'to be tired.'
Collocations and Patterns
- 피곤하다: to be tired (most common usage)
- 너무 피곤하다: to be very tired
- 피곤해서 잠이 오다: to be so tired that you feel sleepy
- 피곤을 풀다: to relieve fatigue
Register and Politeness
'피곤' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with '하다' and conjugated politely (피곤해요), it is suitable for everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '피곤' with '힘들다' (to be difficult or exhausting). '피곤' focuses on tiredness, while '힘들다' can refer to emotional or physical difficulty. Use '피곤' specifically for fatigue.
Understanding '피곤' helps you express your physical or mental state clearly in Korean conversations, especially when discussing health, work, or rest.