Meaning and Usage
The verb '면하다' means to escape or avoid something undesirable, such as punishment, responsibility, or an unpleasant situation. It is often used in formal or written contexts.
Common Collocations
- 벌금형을 면하다: to escape a fine
- 책임을 면하다: to avoid responsibility
- 처벌을 면하다: to avoid punishment
These collocations show that '면하다' is frequently used with legal or moral consequences.
Nuances
When using '면하다', the speaker implies successfully avoiding or escaping something negative. It often carries a nuance of relief or cleverness.
Register
'면하다' is more formal and less common in casual spoken Korean. In everyday conversation, verbs like '피하다' (to avoid) or '도망가다' (to run away) might be more common.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '면하다' with '피하다'. While both mean 'to avoid', '면하다' often implies avoiding consequences or responsibilities, whereas '피하다' is more general avoidance of people, places, or things.