Level 4

착각

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean noun '착각' refers to a mistaken perception or illusion, often when someone misinterprets a situation or sensory input. It can mean a hallucination or simply a wrong assumption about reality.

Common Contexts

'착각' is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe misunderstandings or false impressions. For example, thinking someone is angry when they are not, or mistaking a shadow for a person.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 착각하다: to be mistaken or to have an illusion
  • ~인 줄 착각하다: to mistakenly think that ~ is true
  • 착각에서 벗어나다: to get out of an illusion or misconception

Register and Nuance

'착각' is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It often implies that the speaker wants to correct a false belief or perception.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '착각' with '오해' (misunderstanding). While '오해' involves misunderstanding someone's intention or words, '착각' focuses more on false perception or mistaken belief about facts or appearances.

Example Sentences

그는 내가 화난 줄 착각했어요.

Geuneun naega hwanan jul chakgakhaesseoyo.

He mistakenly thought I was angry.

어두운 방에서 그림자가 사람처럼 보여서 착각했어요.

Eoduun bangeseo geurimjaga saramcheoreom boyeoseo chakgakhaesseoyo.

In the dark room, I was under the illusion that the shadow looked like a person.

성공했다고 착각하지 마세요. 아직 시작에 불과해요.

Seonggonghaetdago chakgakaji maseyo. Ajik sijage bulgwahaeyo.

Don't be under the illusion that you have succeeded. It's just the beginning.