Meaning and Usage
The noun '후회' means 'regret' or 'repentance' and is commonly used to express feelings of wishing one had acted differently in the past. It often appears in everyday conversation when reflecting on past decisions or actions.
Common Collocations
- 후회하다: to regret (verb form)
- 후회가 되다: to become regretful
- 후회하지 않다: to not regret
These collocations are frequently used to talk about emotions related to past choices.
Register and Politeness
'후회' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with verbs like '하다', the politeness level depends on the verb ending.
Usage Tips
When using '후회', speakers often imply a sense of learning from past mistakes or a wish to change the past. It is common to see it paired with expressions indicating time, such as '그때' (back then) or '지금' (now).
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '후회' with '미안하다' (to be sorry). Remember, '후회' focuses on regret about one's own past actions, while '미안하다' is an apology directed toward others.