Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '가루' refers to powder or flour, typically fine particles of substances like wheat flour, spices, or medicinal powders. It is a common noun used in everyday contexts such as cooking, medicine, and sometimes cosmetics.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '가루' in cooking scenarios, for example, 밀가루 (wheat flour), 설탕 가루 (powdered sugar), or 고춧가루 (red pepper powder). It can also refer to powdered medicine or supplements.
Collocations and Patterns
- 밀가루: wheat flour, essential for baking.
- 고춧가루: red pepper powder, used in Korean cuisine.
- 가루를 물에 타다: to mix powder with water, common for drinks or medicine.
- 가루가 날리다: powder scatters, often a caution when handling.
Register and Politeness
'가루' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '가루' with '분말' (another word for powder, often more technical or scientific). '가루' is more common in daily life and cooking, while '분말' is used in scientific or industrial contexts.