Level 4

귀가

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Meaning and Usage

The noun '귀가' specifically refers to the act of returning home or going back to one's residence. It is commonly used in daily conversation to talk about the time or situation of going home after work, school, or outings.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '귀가' in contexts related to commuting or finishing daily activities, such as '퇴근 후 귀가' (returning home after work) or '귀가 시간이 늦다' (to come home late).

Collocations and Patterns

  • '귀가하다': to return home (formal)
  • '귀가 시간이 늦다': to come home late
  • '귀가길': the way home

These expressions are useful for talking about daily routines and schedules.

Register and Politeness

'귀가' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with '하다' (귀가하다), it sounds more formal and is often used in written or official contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '귀가' with '귀' (ear) because they look similar. Remember that '귀가' here means 'returning home' and is a compound word, not related to the body part 'ear'.

Example Sentences

퇴근 후에 바로 귀가했어요.

Toegeun hu-e baro gwiga haesseoyo.

I went straight home after work.

비가 와서 귀가길이 미끄러웠어요.

Biga waseo gwigagi mikkeureowosseoyo.

It rained, so the way home was slippery.

귀가 시간이 늦으면 부모님이 걱정하세요.

Gwiga sigani neut-eumyeon bumonim-i geogjeonghaseyo.

If you come home late, your parents will worry.