Meaning and Usage
The noun '의존' refers to the state of depending on or relying on someone or something. It often implies a relationship where one party needs support or assistance from another, whether emotionally, financially, or practically.
Common Contexts
'의존' is frequently used in contexts such as financial dependence (e.g., on family), emotional dependence, or technological dependence. It can describe both positive support systems and negative over-reliance.
Collocations and Patterns
- 의존하다: to depend on; the most common verb form used with 의존.
- 경제적 의존: financial dependence; used when talking about money-related reliance.
- 기술 의존도: degree of technological dependence; common in discussions about technology and society.
- 의존하지 않다: to not depend on; often used to express independence or self-reliance.
Register and Nuance
'의존' is a formal noun often used in written and spoken Korean, especially in academic, social, or professional contexts. It is neutral in politeness but tends to appear in more serious discussions rather than casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '의존' with '존재' (existence) or '의지' (will, reliance). Remember that '의존' specifically emphasizes dependence or reliance on something external, not just presence or intention.