Meaning and Usage
The adjective '간접적' describes something that is indirect or not done in a straightforward manner. It often contrasts with '직접적' (direct). This word is commonly used in formal and academic contexts but also appears in everyday conversation when discussing communication styles, problem-solving methods, or experiences.
Common Collocations
- 간접적으로 말하다: to speak indirectly, often to soften criticism or avoid confrontation.
- 간접 경험: indirect experience, learning through observation or secondhand information.
- 간접 영향: indirect influence, effects that are not immediate or obvious.
Nuances and Tips
Using '간접적' implies a degree of subtlety or mediation. For example, when giving feedback, a 간접적 표현 (indirect expression) is often preferred to avoid offending someone. Learners sometimes confuse 간접적 with simply being vague, but 간접적 specifically means the action or effect is mediated through something else rather than direct.
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'간접적' is neutral to formal and suitable for written and spoken Korean, especially in academic, professional, or polite contexts.