Level 3

제대로

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Meaning and Usage

'제대로' means 'properly' or 'correctly' and is used to describe doing something in an appropriate or suitable manner. It often implies that something should be done fully, accurately, or without mistakes.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear '제대로' in contexts related to work, study, or behavior, emphasizing the importance of doing things well or correctly.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '제대로 하다' — to do something properly or correctly.
  • '제대로 못 하다' — to not do something properly.
  • '제대로 끝내다' — to finish something properly.

These patterns highlight the expectation of quality or correctness in actions.

Register and Politeness

'제대로' is neutral in politeness and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in everyday speech and writing.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '제대로' with '잘' (well). While both can mean 'well,' '제대로' stresses correctness and appropriateness, not just quality. For example, '제대로 공부하다' means to study properly, not just to study well.

Example Sentences

이 일을 제대로 끝내야 해요.

I ireul jedaero kkeutnaeya haeyo.

You have to finish this work properly.

제대로 공부하지 않으면 시험에 떨어질 거예요.

Jedaero gongbuhaji aneumyeon siheome tteoreojil geoyeyo.

If you don't study properly, you will fail the exam.

그 사람은 제대로 된 말을 하지 않아요.

Geu sarameun jedaero doen mareul haji anayo.

That person doesn't speak properly.