대상

daesang

To be dealing with/concerned about

TOPIK 5

Meaning and Usage

The Korean noun '대상' (daesang) primarily means 'target,' 'object,' or 'subject' of something. It refers to the person, group, or thing that is the focus or concern of an action, study, program, or feeling.

Common Contexts

  • In research or studies, '대상' indicates the participants or subjects being studied.
  • In marketing or media, it refers to the target audience or demographic.
  • In everyday conversation, it can describe the object of feelings or attention.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '대상을 대상으로 하다' (to target or focus on a particular group)
  • '연구 대상' (research subject)
  • '대상자' (target person, participant)
  • '대상 범위' (scope of target)

Register and Usage Notes

'대상' is a formal noun often used in academic, professional, or official contexts but also appears in everyday speech when specifying targets or subjects. It is not typically used for casual or emotional targets without additional context.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '대상' with '목적' (purpose) or '목표' (goal). Remember, '대상' refers to the object or person concerned, not the purpose or goal itself.

Example Sentences

이 연구의 대상은 20대 대학생들입니다.

I yeonguui daesangeun 20dae daehaksaengdeulimnida.

The subjects of this study are college students in their twenties.

이 프로그램은 어린이를 대상으로 만들어졌습니다.

I peurogeuraemeun eorinireul daesangeuro mandeureojyeotseumnida.

This program was made for children as the target audience.

그는 항상 자신의 가족을 행복의 대상으로 생각합니다.

Geuneun hangsang jasinui gajogeul haengboge daesangeuro saenggakhamnida.

He always considers his family as the source of his happiness.