Meaning and Usage
The verb '재우다' primarily means 'to put someone to sleep' or 'to make someone sleep.' It is commonly used when talking about putting babies, children, or pets to bed. It can also be used figuratively in some contexts to mean helping someone fall asleep.
Common Collocations
- 아기를 재우다: to put a baby to sleep
- 잠을 재우다: to help someone fall asleep
- 강아지를 재우다: to put a puppy or dog to sleep
These collocations are frequently used in daily conversation, especially among parents or pet owners.
Register and Politeness
'재우다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the sentence ending. It is not honorific.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '재우다' with '자다' (to sleep). Remember, '재우다' is a causative verb meaning 'to cause someone to sleep,' while '자다' means 'to sleep' oneself.
Summary
Use '재우다' when you want to express the act of helping or causing someone else to sleep, especially children or pets. It is a practical verb for everyday situations involving sleep routines.