Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '만남' refers to a meeting or encounter between people. It can describe casual or formal meetings, including chance encounters, social gatherings, or business meetings.
Common Contexts
- Casual encounters: '우연한 만남' (chance meeting) often implies an unexpected or spontaneous meeting.
- Formal meetings: '사업 만남' or '회의 만남' refers to business or official meetings.
- Social or romantic contexts: '첫 만남' (first meeting) is often used when talking about first impressions or initial encounters.
Collocations and Patterns
- '만남을 가지다' (to have a meeting): used when arranging or holding a meeting.
- '만남의 장소' (meeting place): refers to the location where people meet.
- '만남을 약속하다' (to promise a meeting): used when setting up a meeting time.
Register and Nuance
'만남' is a neutral noun suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in written and spoken Korean without any special honorifics. When referring to meetings with superiors or elders, polite speech is added around the noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '만남' with '회의' (meeting) which is more specific to formal business meetings. '만남' is broader and can include informal or social encounters, so choose based on context.