Understanding '소득' (Income)
'소득' refers to the money or earnings a person receives, typically from work, business, or investments. It is a formal noun often used in financial, tax, and economic contexts.
Common Contexts and Usage
You will frequently see '소득' in discussions about salaries, taxes (like '소득세' meaning income tax), and financial reports. It is important to distinguish '소득' from '수입', which can also mean income but is broader and can include non-monetary gains.
Typical Collocations
- 소득세 (income tax): the tax levied on income.
- 소득 신고 (income declaration): reporting income for tax purposes.
- 소득 증가 (income increase): when income rises.
- 소득 수준 (income level): the amount of income someone has.
Register and Politeness
'소득' is a neutral, formal noun suitable for written and spoken language, especially in official or business settings. It is not used in casual conversation to refer to money earned day-to-day.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '소득' with '수입'. Remember, '소득' specifically refers to earnings or income, often taxable, while '수입' can mean any kind of revenue or import. Use '소득' when talking about personal or business earnings.