Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '간호' primarily refers to nursing or caring for someone who is ill or in need of assistance. It is commonly used in medical contexts, especially relating to nurses and patient care.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '간호' in hospitals, clinics, or caregiving settings. It can refer to professional nursing by healthcare workers or informal care given by family members.
Collocations and Patterns
- 간호사 (nurse): a professional nurse
- 환자 간호 (patient care): caring for patients
- 간호하다 (to nurse/care for): the verb form
- 노인 간호 (elderly care): care for senior citizens
Register and Politeness
'간호' is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with verbs like '하다', it forms common expressions used in everyday speech and professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '간호' with '돌보다' (to look after) which is more general. '간호' specifically implies medical or health-related care, so use it when referring to nursing or caregiving in a health context.