Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '재수' primarily means 'luck' or 'fortune,' referring to the good or bad chance that affects outcomes in life. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to talk about whether things go well or poorly due to luck.
Common Contexts
'재수' is often used when discussing exams, work, or daily events where luck plays a role. For example, students might say they have '재수가 좋다' (good luck) before a test.
Collocations and Patterns
- 재수가 좋다: to have good luck; used when things go favorably.
- 재수가 나쁘다: to have bad luck; used when things go unfavorably.
- 재수 없게: unfortunately or by bad luck; often used to describe an unlucky event.
Register and Nuance
'재수' is informal and commonly used in casual speech. It can sometimes carry a slightly superstitious tone, as it refers to chance rather than effort.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '재수' with '운' (운 means 'luck' or 'fortune' as well but is more formal and abstract). '재수' is more colloquial and often used in spoken Korean.