Level 4

운전자

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Meaning and Usage

The word '운전자' specifically refers to a person who drives a vehicle, such as a car, bus, or truck. It is a formal noun commonly used in everyday conversation, news, and official contexts.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '운전자' in discussions about traffic safety, driving regulations, or when describing someone’s role in operating a vehicle.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 운전자를 조심하다 (to be careful of the driver): used when warning pedestrians or other drivers.
  • 운전자가 신호를 지키다 (the driver obeys the signal): emphasizes the driver's compliance with traffic rules.
  • 운전자가 피곤하다 (the driver is tired): often used to explain causes of accidents or unsafe driving.

Register and Politeness

'운전자' is neutral and polite enough for formal and informal situations. It is not slang and is appropriate in written and spoken Korean.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '운전자' with '기사' (driver, often professional or chauffeur). '운전자' is more general and neutral, while '기사' can imply a professional driver or chauffeur role. Use '운전자' when referring to any driver in general.

Example Sentences

운전자는 항상 안전 운전에 신경 써야 합니다.

Unjeonjaneun hangsang anjeon unjeone singyeong sseoya hamnida.

Drivers must always pay attention to safe driving.

운전자가 휴대폰을 사용하면 사고 위험이 커집니다.

Unjeonjaga hyudaepon-eul sayonghamyeon sago wimyeongi keojimnida.

If the driver uses a mobile phone, the risk of accidents increases.

이 버스의 운전자는 친절해서 승객들이 좋아합니다.

I beoseuui unjeonjaneun chinjeolhaeseo seunggaegdeuri joahamnida.

The driver of this bus is kind, so the passengers like him.