Level 4

피하다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The verb '피하다' means 'to avoid' or 'to keep away from' something. It is commonly used when someone wants to stay away from unpleasant situations, people, or things.

Common Contexts

  • Avoiding physical obstacles or dangers
  • Avoiding social interactions or uncomfortable topics
  • Avoiding traffic or busy times

Collocations and Patterns

  • '문제를 피하다' (to avoid a problem)
  • '사람을 피하다' (to avoid a person)
  • '위험을 피하다' (to avoid danger)
  • '시간을 피하다' (to avoid a certain time)

Register and Politeness

'피하다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often combined with polite endings depending on the situation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '피하다' with '도망가다' (to run away). '피하다' implies avoidance or evasion, often mentally or by choice, while '도망가다' implies physically running away from something.

Use '피하다' when you want to express deliberate avoidance rather than escape.

Example Sentences

그는 어려운 질문을 피하려고 했다.

Geuneun eoryeoun jilmun-eul piharyeogo haetda.

He tried to avoid difficult questions.

교통 체증을 피하기 위해 일찍 출발했다.

Gyotong chejeung-eul pihagi wihae iljjik chulbalhaetda.

I left early to avoid traffic jams.

그는 사람들과의 만남을 피하는 편이다.

Geuneun saramdeulgwa-ui mannam-eul pihaneun pyeonida.

He tends to avoid meeting people.