Meaning and Usage
"아이디어" means "idea" in Korean and is used to express thoughts, concepts, or creative suggestions. It is a loanword from English and is widely used in both casual and formal contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "아이디어" in conversations about brainstorming, problem-solving, or planning. It can refer to anything from a simple thought to a complex plan.
Collocations and Patterns
- 아이디어가 떠오르다: an idea comes to mind, used when suddenly thinking of something.
- 아이디어를 내다/제안하다: to come up with or suggest an idea, common in meetings or discussions.
- 좋은 아이디어: a good idea, used to praise or recommend a thought.
Register and Politeness
"아이디어" is neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and formal speech without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "아이디어" with "생각" (thought) but "아이디어" usually implies a creative or practical concept, while "생각" is more general. Use "아이디어" when emphasizing novelty or usefulness.