Meanings and Usage
The Korean word '수도' primarily means 'capital city' (首都) but can also refer to 'water supply' or 'waterworks' (水道). The meaning depends on context, so it's important to pay attention to surrounding words.
Capital City Usage
When talking about countries or regions, '수도' refers to the capital city. For example, 서울은 대한민국의 수도입니다 (Seoul is the capital of South Korea). This is a very common and formal usage.
Water Supply Usage
In everyday life, '수도' often relates to water supply systems, such as 수도 시설 (water supply facilities) or 수도 요금 (water bill). This usage is common in household or municipal contexts.
Common Collocations
- 수도 요금: water bill, used when discussing utility payments.
- 수도 시설: water supply facilities, referring to infrastructure.
- 수도권: metropolitan area around the capital, often used in news or geography.
Tips for Learners
Be careful not to confuse '수도' with similar-sounding words. The context usually clarifies whether it means 'capital' or 'water supply.' When you hear '수도' in a sentence about cities or countries, it means 'capital.' When related to homes or utilities, it means 'water supply.'