Meaning and Usage
"문밖" literally means "outside the door" and is used to describe a location just beyond the door of a room or building. It is a common spatial expression in Korean.
Contexts
You will often hear "문밖" when someone is talking about waiting for someone, leaving shoes, or describing something happening just outside a room or house.
Common Collocations
- 문밖에서 기다리다: to wait outside the door
- 문밖에 놓다: to put something outside the door
- 문밖으로 나가다: to go outside the door
Register and Politeness
"문밖" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a straightforward locative noun.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "문밖" with "문 앞" (in front of the door). "문밖" emphasizes being outside the door boundary, while "문 앞" can mean the area immediately in front of the door but not necessarily outside the building.