Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '보상' (bosang) primarily means 'compensation' or 'reward' given to someone for loss, damage, or effort. It is commonly used in contexts involving financial or material reimbursement, such as workplace bonuses, insurance claims, or legal settlements.
Common Contexts
- Workplace: 보상 often refers to bonuses or rewards for good performance.
- Legal/Insurance: It is used when discussing compensation for damages or injuries.
- Psychology: The term appears in discussions about how people seek to balance losses.
Collocations and Patterns
- 보상을 받다: to receive compensation
- 보상을 요구하다: to demand compensation
- 보상 심리학: compensation psychology
- 성과에 따른 보상: performance-based compensation
Register and Nuance
'보상' is a formal noun used in both spoken and written Korean, especially in professional, legal, and academic contexts. It is not typically used for casual rewards or gifts, where words like '상' or '선물' might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '보상' with '보수' (payment or salary). While both relate to money, '보상' focuses on compensation for loss or effort, whereas '보수' refers to regular payment or salary. Use '보상' when emphasizing reimbursement or reward for specific actions or damages.