Meaning and Usage
"매번" means "every time" or "each time" and is used to express that something happens consistently or repeatedly without exception. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
Common Collocations
- 매번 시험 (every exam): to talk about repeated events like tests.
- 매번 늦다 (always late): to express habitual actions.
- 매번 반복하다 (repeat every time): to emphasize repetition.
Nuances
Using "매번" implies a sense of regularity or routine. It can carry a neutral, positive, or negative tone depending on context. For example, "매번 좋은 결과" (good results every time) is positive, while "매번 실수" (mistakes every time) is negative.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "매번" with "항상" (always). While both indicate frequency, "항상" emphasizes a continuous state or habit, whereas "매번" highlights each individual occurrence. For example, "항상 바쁘다" means "always busy" as a general state, but "매번 바쁘다" stresses being busy every single time something happens.
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"매번" is neutral and widely used in spoken and written Korean, suitable for formal and informal situations.