Meaning and Usage
The verb '중단하다' means to interrupt or stop an ongoing action or process. It is often used in formal or neutral contexts to describe the halting of events, work, or communication.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see '중단하다' used with meetings, construction, broadcasts, or any activity that can be paused or stopped temporarily or permanently.
Collocations and Patterns
- '중단하다 + 명사' (e.g., 회의 중단하다): to stop a specific event or activity.
- '중단되다' (passive form): to be interrupted or stopped.
- '~로 인해 중단하다' (due to ~): to stop because of a reason.
Register and Politeness
'중단하다' is a standard verb suitable for both written and spoken Korean, especially in formal or official contexts. It is not casual or slang.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '중단하다' with '멈추다' (to stop) or '그만두다' (to quit). '중단하다' implies a temporary or situational stop, often with the possibility of resuming, whereas '그만두다' often means quitting permanently.