Level 5

문병

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '문병' (munbyeong) specifically refers to the act of visiting someone who is ill, usually in a hospital or at home. It is a culturally significant gesture showing care and support.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '문병' used when talking about visiting friends, family, or colleagues who are hospitalized or recovering from illness. It is common to bring small gifts or flowers as a sign of respect and encouragement.

Politeness and Register

'문병' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when speaking politely, it is common to use polite verb endings with related verbs like '가다' (to go) or '하다' (to do).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 문병을 가다: to go visit someone who is sick
  • 문병을 오다: (used when the patient says) someone comes to visit
  • 문병 선물: gifts brought for a hospital visit

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '문병' with general visiting words like '방문' (visit), but '문병' is specifically for visiting sick people. Using it in other contexts may sound odd.

Understanding '문병' helps learners express empathy and social etiquette in Korean culture effectively.

Example Sentences

친구가 병원에 입원해서 문병을 갔어요.

Chinguga byeongwone ipwonhaeseo munbyeongeul gasseoyo.

My friend was hospitalized, so I went to visit him.

문병을 갈 때는 작은 선물이나 꽃을 가져가는 것이 예의입니다.

Munbyeongeul gal ttaeneun jageun seonmulina kkot-eul gajyeoganeun geosi yeuimnida.

When visiting someone in the hospital, it is polite to bring a small gift or flowers.

문병을 가는 것은 아픈 사람에게 큰 힘이 됩니다.

Munbyeongeul ganeun geoseun apeun saramege keun himi doemnida.

Visiting someone who is sick gives them great strength.