Meaning and Usage
The verb '실패하다' means 'to fail' and is commonly used to describe unsuccessful attempts in various contexts such as exams, business, or personal goals. It is a regular verb and often appears in everyday conversation.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '실패하다' when talking about failing tests, projects, or plans. It can express both literal failure and metaphorical setbacks.
Collocations and Patterns
- 실패하다 + 에 (시험에 실패하다): to fail at something specific, like an exam.
- 실패를 두려워하다: to fear failure.
- 실패를 경험하다: to experience failure.
Register and Politeness
'실패하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Adding polite endings like '-요' makes it suitable for polite conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '실패하다' with '포기하다' (to give up). Remember, '실패하다' means to fail, but you can still continue, whereas '포기하다' means to quit or give up entirely.