Meaning and Usage
"하루" means "a day" in Korean and is commonly used to refer to a 24-hour period or the duration of daylight. It is a basic time unit frequently used in daily conversation.
Common Collocations
- 하루에 (per day): used to express frequency within a day, e.g., 하루에 세 번 (three times a day).
- 하루 종일 (all day long): emphasizes the entire day, often used to describe continuous actions or states.
- 하루만 (just one day): used to specify a single day, often in requests or conditions.
Register and Politeness
"하루" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often combined with polite endings in sentences.
Tips for Learners
Be careful not to confuse "하루" with "날," which also means "day" but is more general and can refer to a calendar day or date. "하루" often emphasizes the duration or quantity of time. For example, "하루에 세 번" focuses on frequency within a day, while "날" might be used when talking about specific dates.