Meaning and Usage
The verb '양보하다' means to yield, give way, or make a concession. It is commonly used in contexts where someone voluntarily steps back or allows another person to go first, such as in traffic or negotiations.
Common Contexts
- Traffic situations: yielding the right of way.
- Negotiations or discussions: making concessions to reach an agreement.
- Everyday situations: sharing or giving up something for others.
Collocations and Patterns
- '길을 양보하다' (to yield the road): used when letting someone pass first.
- '서로 양보하다' (to make concessions to each other): used in mutual compromise.
- '양보하지 않다' (not to yield): often used to describe stubbornness or conflict.
Register and Politeness
'양보하다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When making polite requests, it is common to add '-해 주세요' as in '양보해 주세요'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '양보하다' with '포기하다' (to give up). '양보하다' implies a voluntary concession often for mutual benefit, while '포기하다' means to abandon or quit something entirely.