Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '장래' refers to the future, especially in terms of one's personal prospects or life path. It is often used when talking about future plans, hopes, or career aspirations.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '장래' in conversations about education, jobs, and life goals. For example, students might discuss their '장래 희망' (future hope or dream job).
Collocations and Patterns
- 장래 희망: future aspiration or dream job
- 장래 계획: future plan
- 장래가 밝다: to have a bright future
These collocations are common in both spoken and written Korean and help express hopes or expectations about what lies ahead.
Register and Politeness
'장래' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in everyday conversation, school settings, and professional discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '장래' with '미래,' which also means 'future.' The difference is that '장래' often implies personal or career-related future prospects, while '미래' is more general and abstract. Use '장래' when talking about someone's future plans or potential.