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.