Meaning and Usage
"참석하다" means "to attend" or "to take part in" an event, meeting, or gathering. It is a formal verb commonly used in both spoken and written Korean, especially in professional or official contexts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "참석하다" used when talking about attending meetings, ceremonies, classes, or social events. It implies physical presence and participation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 참석하다 + 에: to attend a specific event or place (e.g., 회의에 참석하다 - attend a meeting)
- 꼭 참석하다: to definitely attend (used to emphasize attendance)
- 참석하지 못하다: to be unable to attend
Register and Politeness
"참석하다" is neutral to formal and fits well in polite speech and formal writing. It is appropriate in business, academic, and official settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "참석하다" with "참가하다," which also means "to participate." "참석하다" emphasizes physical attendance, while "참가하다" can imply active participation or involvement beyond just being present. Use "참석하다" when focusing on presence at an event.