Meaning and Usage
The verb '성숙하다' primarily means 'to mature' or 'to ripen.' It is used both literally, such as fruits or crops ripening, and figuratively, to describe people or societies developing maturity in behavior or attitude.
Common Contexts
- Literal: Describing fruits, crops, or natural processes reaching full development.
- Figurative: Describing emotional, intellectual, or social maturity in individuals or groups.
Collocations and Patterns
- 성숙한 태도 (mature attitude): Used to describe someone's behavior or mindset.
- 성숙한 사회 (mature society): Refers to a society that is developed in terms of values and respect.
- 완전히 성숙하다 (to be fully mature): Emphasizes complete ripening or development.
Register and Usage Notes
'성숙하다' is a formal verb often used in written language, news, and formal speech. In casual conversation, people might use simpler expressions like '자라다' (to grow) or '어른스럽다' (to be adult-like) when referring to maturity in people.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '성숙하다' with '성장하다' (to grow). '성장하다' focuses on growth or development over time, while '성숙하다' emphasizes reaching a mature or complete state. For example, a child '성장하다' as they get taller, but they '성숙하다' when they develop mature behavior.