Meaning and Usage
The verb '돌보다' means 'to take care of' or 'to look after' someone or something, often implying responsibility and attentiveness. It is commonly used when referring to caring for people such as children, elderly, or sick family members.
Common Contexts
You will hear '돌보다' in family settings (e.g., 돌보다 for children or elderly), healthcare (nursing or caregiving), and volunteer work.
Collocations and Patterns
- '아이를 돌보다': to take care of a child
- '병자를 돌보다': to nurse a sick person
- '노인을 돌보다': to care for the elderly
These collocations emphasize the object being cared for and often imply a nurturing or responsible role.
Register and Politeness
'돌보다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When speaking politely, it is often combined with polite endings (e.g., 돌봐요, 돌봅니다).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '돌보다' with '보다' (to see/watch). Remember that '돌보다' specifically means to care for or look after, not just to look at something.