사고 — meaning in English: accident

sago · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for accident

돌

dol

인상

insang

사고

sago

의제

uije

연합

yeonhab

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 사고 (sago) when discussing traffic incidents, workplace mishaps, or any unforeseen event resulting in damage or harm. For example, during a conversation about road safety, someone might say, '어제 큰 사고가 났어요' (There was a big accident yesterday).

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 재해 (jaehae), which refers more to disasters or calamities rather than accidents. You would choose 사고 when talking about everyday incidents, while 재해 might be used in discussions about significant natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.

Culture

The word 사고 (sago) has roots in classical Chinese, where it originally referred to thoughts or ideas. Over time, this term evolved to encompass the notion of accidents or unforeseen events, reflecting a cultural sensitivity to the unpredictable nature of life. In Korean society, there is a strong emphasis on safety, making discussions about 사고 frequent in daily conversations.

FAQ

Q.What does 사고 mean in English?

사고 (sago) translates to 'accident' in English, denoting an unexpected event that causes damage or injury.

Q.How do you use 사고 in a sentence?

You can use 사고 in a sentence like this: '나는 사고를 목격했다' (I witnessed an accident). This shows the word's application in real-life situations.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 사고?

A common mistake is confusing 사고 with 사건 (sajeon), which means 'incident' or 'case.' While 사고 specifically refers to accidents, 사건 can encompass a broader range of occurrences, including criminal cases.

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