Meaning and Usage
The noun '증명' (jeungmyeong) primarily means 'proof' or 'certification'. It is used when referring to evidence or documents that verify facts, identities, or claims.
Common Contexts
You will often see '증명' in formal or official contexts such as legal situations, academic admissions, or administrative procedures where proof or certification is required.
Collocations and Patterns
- 증명서 (certificate): a document that certifies something.
- 증명하다 (to prove): the verb form used to express the act of proving or verifying.
- 신분증명 (identity proof): used when referring to identity verification.
Usage Notes
'증명' is a formal noun and is often paired with verbs like '하다' to form '증명하다' (to prove). Learners should not confuse it with casual expressions of showing or explaining something. It specifically relates to official or factual proof.
Common Mistake
Avoid using '증명' when you mean to simply 'show' or 'display' something casually. For example, '보여주다' is more appropriate for casual showing, while '증명하다' implies formal proof.