Level 6

승부

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Meaning and Usage

The word '승부' primarily means 'a contest' or 'a match' where two or more parties compete to determine a winner. It is commonly used in sports, games, and any situation involving competition or rivalry.

Common Contexts

  • Sports and games: describing matches or competitions.
  • Figurative use: referring to any situation where a decisive outcome or result is sought.
  • Describing a person's competitive spirit or desire to win (승부욕).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 승부를 가리다: to decide the outcome of a contest.
  • 승부욕이 강하다: to have a strong competitive spirit.
  • 승부를 내다: to settle a contest or competition.

Register and Nuance

'승부' is a neutral noun used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with 욕 (욕 meaning desire or appetite), it forms '승부욕', which specifically refers to a person's strong desire to win or compete.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '승부' with '경기' (game/match). While '경기' refers more to the event or game itself, '승부' emphasizes the contest or the outcome between competitors. Use '승부' when focusing on the competition or result rather than just the event.

Example Sentences

이번 경기는 정말 중요한 승부다.

Ibeon gyeonggineun jeongmal jungyohan seungbuda.

This game is a really important match.

승부를 가리기 위해 마지막까지 최선을 다했다.

Seungbureul garigi wihae majimakkaji choeseoneul daehaetda.

We did our best until the end to decide the outcome.

그는 승부욕이 강해서 어떤 일이든 포기하지 않는다.

Geuneun seungbuyogi ganghaeseo eotteon irideun pogihaji anhneunda.

He has a strong competitive spirit and never gives up on anything.