Meaning and Usage
The adjective '성실하다' describes someone who is sincere, diligent, and responsible. It is often used to praise a person's attitude toward work, study, or relationships. It implies reliability and earnestness.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '성실하다' in professional or academic settings when describing a person's work ethic or character. It is a positive trait valued in Korean culture.
Collocations and Patterns
- 성실하게 일하다: to work diligently
- 성실한 태도: a sincere or earnest attitude
- 성실히 공부하다: to study diligently
These collocations emphasize the consistent and earnest effort someone puts into their tasks.
Register and Politeness
'성실하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often found in written evaluations or spoken compliments.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '성실하다' with '진실하다' (truthful). While both relate to honesty, '성실하다' focuses more on diligence and sincerity in effort rather than just truthfulness.