Meaning and Usage
The verb '연구하다' means 'to research' or 'to investigate.' It is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts when someone studies a subject deeply to discover new information or understand it better.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '연구하다' in sentences related to science, education, and technology. For example, scientists researching new medicines, students investigating topics for papers, or companies studying market trends.
Collocations and Patterns
- 연구하다 + object: to research something specific (e.g., 연구하다 새로운 기술 - research new technology)
- 연구를 하다: a more formal or written style of saying 'to conduct research'
- 깊이 연구하다: to research deeply or thoroughly
Register and Politeness
'연구하다' is a neutral verb suitable for formal and informal contexts. It is often used in written language, academic papers, and formal speeches.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '연구하다' with '공부하다' (to study). '공부하다' is more general and refers to learning or studying, while '연구하다' implies systematic investigation or research, often with a goal of discovery or analysis.