Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '단골' primarily refers to a 'regular customer' or 'frequent visitor' to a particular place, such as a restaurant, cafe, or shop. It implies a familiar and repeated relationship between the customer and the business.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '단골' used when talking about places where someone goes often and is recognized by the staff or owner. It can also imply a friendly or trusted relationship.
Collocations and Patterns
- 단골 손님: regular customer
- 단골 가게: a store or restaurant one frequently visits
- 단골이 되다: to become a regular customer
- 단골로 삼다: to make someone a regular customer
Register and Nuance
'단골' is a neutral term used in everyday conversation. It is neither formal nor informal but fits well in casual and polite speech. When you say you are a '단골' somewhere, it often implies trust and familiarity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '단골' with '고객' (customer) which is more general and does not imply frequency or familiarity. Remember, '단골' specifically means a regular or repeat customer, not just any customer.