Level 6

알코올

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

"알코올" refers to alcohol in general, including alcoholic beverages and chemical alcohol. It is a formal noun often used in medical, legal, and everyday contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 알코올 함량 (alcohol content): used when discussing the percentage of alcohol in drinks.
  • 알코올 검사 (alcohol test): refers to tests measuring blood alcohol levels, common in driving or medical checks.
  • 알코올 중독 (alcohol addiction): a term for alcohol dependency or abuse.

Usage Notes

When using "알코올," speakers often imply the presence or effect of alcohol, especially regarding health or safety. It is more formal than 술 (alcoholic drink) and is used in scientific or official contexts. Learners should not confuse "알코올" with "술," which is more casual and refers specifically to alcoholic beverages.

Common Mistake

Confusing "알코올" with "술" can lead to unnatural expressions. For example, saying "술 함량" instead of "알코올 함량" is incorrect because "술" means the drink, not the chemical content.

Use "알코올" when discussing alcohol content, effects, or tests, and "술" when talking about drinking socially or ordering drinks.

Example Sentences

이 술에는 알코올 함량이 높아서 조심해야 해요.

I suleneun alkool hamryangi nopaseo josimhaeya haeyo.

This drink has a high alcohol content, so you need to be careful.

운전하기 전에 알코올 검사를 받았습니다.

Unjeonhagi jeone alkool geomsa-reul badasseumnida.

I took an alcohol test before driving.

알코올 중독은 심각한 건강 문제입니다.

Alkool jungdok-eun simgakhan geongang munjeimnida.

Alcohol addiction is a serious health problem.