Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '사회' (sahoe) primarily means 'society' or 'social.' It refers to the collective group of people living together in an organized community, as well as the cultural and social systems that connect them.
Common Contexts
You will often see '사회' used in contexts related to social issues, societal structure, or cultural discussions. For example, phrases like '현대 사회' (modern society) or '사회 문제' (social problems) are very common.
Collocations and Patterns
- 사회 문제 (social issues): used when discussing problems affecting society.
- 사회적 책임 (social responsibility): refers to duties or obligations toward society.
- 사회 생활 (social life): daily interactions and activities within society.
Register and Nuance
'사회' is a neutral, formal noun used in both spoken and written Korean. It is common in news, academic, and everyday contexts. When combined with adjectives or other nouns, it often forms compound words describing social phenomena.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '사회' with '문화' (culture). While related, '사회' focuses more on the social structure and community, whereas '문화' emphasizes cultural aspects like art, customs, and traditions. Understanding this distinction helps in choosing the right word.