Meaning and Usage
밤늦다 literally means "to be late at night." It is commonly used to describe times that are quite late, often past usual bedtime or social hours. It is an adjective describing the lateness of the night.
Common Contexts
This word is often used when talking about staying up late, working late, or social activities that happen after typical evening hours. It can imply tiredness or inconvenience if something happens 밤늦다.
Collocations and Patterns
- 밤늦게까지 (until late at night): used to express continuing an action until late night.
- 밤늦게 전화하다 (to call late at night): often used with a negative nuance, as calling late is usually discouraged.
- 밤늦게 돌아오다 (to come back late at night): describing returning home or to a place late.
Register and Politeness
밤늦다 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when combined with verbs or in requests, politeness levels may vary.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 밤늦다 with 밤늦게. 밤늦다 is an adjective meaning "late at night," while 밤늦게 is an adverb meaning "late at night" describing when an action happens. For example, 밤늦게 공부하다 (to study late at night) uses the adverb form.