Level 5

장하다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '장하다' is used to express admiration or praise for someone's admirable, commendable, or excellent behavior or achievement. It often conveys a sense of pride or respect.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear '장하다' used when praising children, friends, or colleagues for their efforts or accomplishments. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to carry a warm, encouraging tone.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '장하다' + noun (e.g., '장한 아들'): to describe someone as admirable or praiseworthy.
  • '장하게 싸우다': to fight bravely or honorably.
  • '장한 일을 하다': to do a commendable or worthy deed.

Register and Politeness

'장하다' is generally neutral to polite and can be used in everyday conversation as well as in more formal speech. It is not overly formal but respectful.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '장하다' with '잘하다' (to do well). While '잘하다' focuses on skill or ability, '장하다' emphasizes admiration for the effort, character, or moral quality behind the action.

Use '장하다' when you want to express respect or pride in someone's admirable qualities or achievements, not just their competence.

Example Sentences

아들이 시험에서 좋은 성적을 받아서 정말 장하다.

Ari soni siheomeseo joheun seongjeogeul badaseo jeongmal janghada.

My son got good grades on the exam; he is really admirable.

그는 어려운 상황에서도 포기하지 않고 끝까지 장하게 싸웠다.

Geuneun eoryeoun sanghwangeseodo pogihaji anko kkeutkkaji janghage ssawotda.

He fought bravely until the end without giving up even in difficult situations.

장한 일을 했을 때는 칭찬을 아끼지 말아야 한다.

Janghan ireul haesseul ttaeneun chingchaneul akkiji maraya handa.

You should not hesitate to praise when someone has done a commendable job.