Meaning and Usage
The verb '살피다' means to watch or observe something carefully and attentively. It often implies paying close attention to details or conditions, whether in people, situations, or objects.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see '살피다' used in contexts involving care, inspection, or monitoring. For example, doctors 살피다 patients, parents 살피다 their children, or someone 살피다 a situation to understand it better.
Collocations and Patterns
- 상황을 살피다: to observe or assess a situation
- 상태를 살피다: to check or examine a condition
- 아이를 살피다: to watch over a child
These collocations emphasize careful observation or monitoring.
Register and Politeness
'살피다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is polite and neutral, suitable for everyday conversation and written language.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '살피다' with '보다' (to see) or '지켜보다' (to watch over). '살피다' specifically stresses careful and attentive observation, not just casual looking. Use it when you want to express thorough attention or inspection.