Meaning and Usage
The adverb '꾸준히' means to do something steadily or consistently without giving up. It often implies persistence and regularity over time, which is essential for achieving long-term goals.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see '꾸준히' used with verbs related to effort and improvement, such as 노력하다 (to make effort), 공부하다 (to study), 운동하다 (to exercise), and 일하다 (to work). It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady pace rather than sudden bursts of activity.
Collocations and Patterns
- 꾸준히 노력하다: to make continuous effort
- 꾸준히 공부하다: to study consistently
- 꾸준히 운동하다: to exercise regularly
- 꾸준히 성장하다: to grow steadily
These collocations highlight the word’s role in describing ongoing, disciplined actions.
Register and Nuance
'꾸준히' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It conveys a positive attitude toward persistence and is often used to encourage or praise steady effort.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '꾸준히' with '계속' (continuously), but '계속' focuses more on uninterrupted action, while '꾸준히' emphasizes steady, persistent effort over time. For example, you might '계속 걷다' (keep walking without stopping), but '꾸준히 걷다' suggests walking regularly as a habit.