Meanings and Usage
The Korean word '의사' primarily means 'doctor' or 'physician' in everyday conversation. It is a formal noun used to refer to medical professionals. Another important meaning of '의사' is 'intention' or 'will,' which is often used in contexts involving communication of one's thoughts or decisions.
Common Collocations
- 의사 선생님 (doctor, polite form)
- 의사 표현 (expression of intention)
- 의사 결정 (decision making)
These collocations are frequently used in both spoken and written Korean.
Register and Politeness
When referring to a medical doctor, '의사' is neutral and polite enough for formal and informal contexts. When used to mean 'intention,' it often appears in formal or semi-formal settings such as meetings or official discussions.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse '의사' meaning 'doctor' with '의사' meaning 'intention.' Context usually clarifies the meaning, but paying attention to surrounding words like '선생님' (teacher, doctor) or '표현' (expression) helps avoid misunderstanding.
Practical Tips
Use '의사' to talk about medical professionals or to discuss someone's will or intention in formal situations. Remember that in casual speech, 'doctor' might also be referred to as '닥터' (from English), but '의사' is the standard Korean term.