Level 6

중대하다

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Meaning and Usage

The adjective '중대하다' describes something of great importance or gravity. It is often used in formal or serious contexts such as legal, official, or critical situations.

Common Contexts

You will frequently encounter '중대하다' when discussing decisions, problems, crimes, or events that have significant consequences. It emphasizes the seriousness and weight of the matter.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 중대한 문제 (important issue): used when highlighting a problem that requires careful attention.
  • 중대한 결정 (important decision): refers to decisions with significant impact.
  • 중대한 범죄 (serious crime): legal term for crimes with severe consequences.

Register and Politeness

'중대하다' is formal and typically used in written language, news reports, official statements, or formal speech. It is not common in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '중대하다' with '중요하다' (important). While both mean important, '중대하다' carries a stronger sense of seriousness and gravity, often implying legal or official significance. Use '중대하다' when you want to stress the critical nature of something.

Example Sentences

이 문제는 매우 중대하므로 신중하게 처리해야 합니다.

I munjeneun maeu jungdaehameuro sinjunghage cheryehaeya hamnida.

This issue is very important, so it must be handled carefully.

중대한 결정을 내리기 전에 모든 정보를 검토해야 합니다.

Jungdaehan gyeoljeongeul naerigi jeone modeun jeongboreul geomtohaeya hamnida.

Before making an important decision, you must review all the information.

그 사건은 중대한 범죄로 간주됩니다.

Geu sageoneun jungdaehan beomjoero ganjudoemnida.

That case is considered a serious crime.