Meaning and Usage
"적자" refers to a financial deficit or being "in the red," commonly used in business and accounting contexts. It indicates that expenses exceed income.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "적자" when discussing company finances, budgets, or government spending. It is a formal term used in news reports, business meetings, and financial statements.
Collocations and Patterns
- 적자를 기록하다: to record a deficit
- 적자를 줄이다: to reduce a deficit
- 적자 상태: deficit status
These collocations help express the state or action related to financial losses.
Register and Nuance
"적자" is a formal noun and is not used in casual conversation about personal money troubles. Instead, people might use simpler expressions. It is important to use "적자" in appropriate formal or professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "적자" with "흑자" (surplus). Remember, "적자" means loss, while "흑자" means profit or surplus. Using them incorrectly can change the meaning drastically.