Meaning and Usage
The verb '확대하다' means 'to enlarge' or 'to expand'. It is commonly used when talking about making something physically bigger, such as images or maps, as well as abstract expansions like business areas or scopes.
Common Contexts
- Visual enlargement: photos, maps, documents.
- Business or organizational expansion: markets, operations, influence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 사진을 확대하다 (to enlarge a photo)
- 사업 영역을 확대하다 (to expand business areas)
- 지도를 확대하다 (to zoom in on a map)
These collocations show how '확대하다' is used with objects that can be physically or conceptually enlarged.
Register and Politeness
'확대하다' is a standard verb used in formal and informal contexts. It is neutral in politeness and can be combined with polite endings like '-요' or formal endings like '-습니다'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '확대하다' with '늘리다' (to increase) or '키우다' (to raise/grow). '확대하다' specifically implies making something bigger in size or scope, not just increasing quantity or raising something.
Use '확대하다' when emphasizing the enlargement or expansion aspect, especially visually or conceptually.