Level 3

도로

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The word '도로' primarily means 'road' or 'street' in Korean. It refers to a physical path or route used for vehicles and pedestrians. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.

Common Contexts

'도로' is often used when talking about transportation, directions, traffic conditions, or infrastructure. For example, you might hear it in news reports about traffic jams or in giving directions.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 도로가 막히다: 'the road is blocked' or 'traffic jam' – used when describing traffic congestion.
  • 도로를 건너다: 'to cross the road' – common when giving safety instructions.
  • 도로 공사: 'road construction' – refers to maintenance or building of roads.

Register and Politeness

'도로' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal speech without change.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '도로' with '길' (gil), which also means 'road' or 'way'. '길' is more general and can refer to paths, streets, or ways figuratively, while '도로' specifically refers to paved roads or streets used for vehicles.

Example Sentences

이 도로는 서울과 부산을 연결합니다.

I doro neun Seoul gwa Busan eul yeon-gyeolhamnida.

This road connects Seoul and Busan.

도로가 막혀서 약속 시간에 늦었어요.

Doroga makhyeoseo yaksok sigan e neujeosseoyo.

I was late for the appointment because the road was blocked.

도로를 건널 때는 신호등을 꼭 지켜야 합니다.

Dororeul geonneul ttaeneun sinhodeungeul kkok jikyeoya hamnida.

You must always obey the traffic lights when crossing the road.