Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '호수' (hosu) specifically means 'lake,' a natural body of freshwater surrounded by land. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about nature, travel, or geography.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '호수' when discussing outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, or hiking near lakes. It can also appear in descriptions of scenic views or environmental topics.
Collocations and Patterns
- 호수 주변 (hosu jubyeon): around the lake — used to describe locations or activities near a lake.
- 호수에 비치다 (hosu-e bichida): to be reflected in the lake — often used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
- 호수에서 수영하다 (hosu-eseo suyeonghada): to swim in the lake — a common phrase for recreational activities.
Register and Usage Notes
'호수' is a neutral noun suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is not used metaphorically in everyday speech, so it generally refers to the physical lake itself.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '호수' with '호수(號數)' meaning 'number' or 'issue' in other contexts, but in spoken and most written Korean, '호수' as 'lake' is clear from context. Pay attention to the sentence to avoid confusion.