Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '모래' means 'sand' and is commonly used to describe the granular material found on beaches, deserts, or playgrounds. It is a noun and appears frequently in everyday conversation when talking about nature or outdoor activities.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '모래' in contexts related to the beach (해변), sandboxes (모래사장), or natural phenomena like wind blowing sand (바람에 모래가 날리다). It can also appear in idiomatic expressions or metaphors, but its primary use is literal.
Collocations and Patterns
- 모래사장 (sand beach or sandbox): a common place where children play.
- 모래성 쌓다 (to build a sandcastle): a typical activity involving 모래.
- 모래가 날리다 (sand blows): used to describe sand being blown by the wind.
Register and Politeness
'모래' is a neutral noun with no specific formality level. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '모래' with '흙' (soil/dirt). Remember, '모래' refers specifically to sand, which is finer and found in places like beaches, while '흙' is soil or earth used for planting.