Meaning and Usage
The verb '고민하다' means to be troubled or worried about something, often involving deep thought or anxiety. It is commonly used when someone is facing a difficult decision or problem.
Common Contexts
People often use '고민하다' when discussing personal choices, such as career paths, relationships, or daily decisions like what to wear. It expresses a thoughtful or anxious state.
Collocations and Patterns
- 고민하다 + about something (고민하다 + 에 대해): to worry or think deeply about a specific topic.
- 고민 중이다: to be in the middle of worrying or deciding.
- 고민하지 마세요: a polite way to tell someone not to worry.
Register and Politeness
'고민하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Adding polite endings like '-세요' makes it suitable for polite conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '고민하다' with simple thinking verbs like '생각하다'. '고민하다' implies more emotional involvement or difficulty in decision-making, not just casual thinking.