Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '측' primarily means 'side' or 'party' and is often used to indicate a particular group, person, or direction in relation to something else. It can refer to physical sides (like left or right), figurative sides (such as parties in a dispute), or people involved (like one side in a negotiation).
Common Collocations
- '자기 측' (one's own side): Refers to oneself or one's group.
- '양측' (both sides): Used when talking about two parties or sides involved.
- '측근' (close associate): Literally 'side close', meaning a trusted person near someone.
Usage Notes
'측' is a formal noun often used in written or formal spoken Korean, especially in news, legal, or business contexts. It is not commonly used alone in casual conversation but appears in compound words or set phrases.
Common Confusions
Learners sometimes confuse '측' with '쪽' (jjok), which also means 'side' but is more colloquial and used for physical directions or sides. '측' tends to be more abstract or formal.
Summary
Understanding '측' helps learners talk about sides, parties, or directions in a more formal or abstract way, especially useful in discussions, negotiations, or descriptions involving multiple parties.