Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '끼' refers to a single meal or repast, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to talk about eating habits or meal times.
Common Collocations
- '세 끼' (three meals): Refers to the typical three meals a day.
- '아침 끼', '점심 끼', '저녁 끼': Specify breakfast, lunch, and dinner respectively.
- '끼를 거르다': To skip a meal.
Register and Nuance
'끼' is an informal, everyday word used in spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse '끼' with '끼니', which also means meal but is slightly more formal or literary. '끼' is more colloquial and frequently used in daily speech.
Practical Tips
Use '끼' when talking about meals in a general or specific sense, especially when discussing eating patterns or meal preparation. It helps to pair it with time markers like '아침', '점심', or '저녁' for clarity.