Meaning and Usage
The adjective '안전하다' means 'to be safe' or 'to be secure.' It is commonly used to describe places, actions, or objects that do not pose danger or risk.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '안전하다' when talking about physical safety, such as safe neighborhoods, safe driving, or products that meet safety standards.
Collocations and Patterns
- 안전하다 + 장소 (e.g., 안전한 지역): describing a safe place.
- 안전하게 + verb (e.g., 안전하게 운전하다): adverbial form meaning 'safely' to describe how an action is done.
- 안전 기준 (safety standards): used when discussing regulations or certifications.
Register and Politeness
'안전하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When giving advice or commands, the polite form '안전하게 하세요' or '안전하게 운전하세요' is common.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '안전하다' with '안심하다' (to feel relieved). Remember, '안전하다' describes the state of being safe, while '안심하다' is about feeling safe or reassured.