Meaning and Usage
The verb '방문하다' means 'to visit' and is commonly used when referring to going to a place or person for a short stay or meeting. It is a formal and polite verb often used in both everyday and professional contexts.
Common Contexts
You can use '방문하다' when talking about visiting friends, family, institutions like museums or offices, or clients in a business setting. It implies a purposeful visit rather than just passing by.
Collocations and Patterns
- 방문하다 + 장소 (e.g., 박물관을 방문하다): to visit a place
- 사람을 방문하다 (e.g., 친구를 방문하다): to visit a person
- 직접 방문하다: to visit directly, emphasizing personal presence
Register and Politeness
'방문하다' is neutral to formal and suitable for polite conversation and writing. It is more formal than '가다' (to go) when used in the context of visiting someone.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '방문하다' with '찾다' (to look for) or '가다' (to go). Remember, '방문하다' specifically means to visit with the nuance of meeting or staying briefly, not just going somewhere.