I'm learning 한국어

사고 — meaning in English: accident

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

Guess the translation for thinking
자극
jageug
택시
taegsi
튜브
tyubeu
회장
hoejang
사고
sago
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Korean for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 사고 (sago) in everyday conversations when discussing traffic incidents or mishaps at home. For example, if someone were to report a minor car accident to a friend, they might say, '어제 사고 났어요' (I had an accident yesterday). It's also common in news reports or official documents related to accidents.
Synonyms & nuances
The word 사고 (sago) is often compared to 사건 (sajeon), which means 'incident' or 'event.' While 사고 usually implies an unintended and often negative occurrence, 사건 can refer to any notable event, including planned or positive ones. Choose 사고 when discussing mishaps specifically.
Culture
Interestingly, the term 사고 (sago) can also refer to a broader meaning of 'thought' or 'consideration' in certain contexts. This duality reflects the Korean approach to understanding events — as both incidents and points of reflection. In traditional tales, accidents are often seen as lessons, highlighting the cultural significance of learning from misfortunes.
FAQ
Q.What does 사고 mean in Korean?
사고 (sago) means 'accident' in Korean, indicating an unintentional event that causes harm or damage.
Q.How do you use 사고 in a sentence?
You can use 사고 in a sentence like, '그 차 사고는 큰 문제였어요,' which translates to 'That car accident was a big problem.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 사고?
A common mistake is using 사고 when referring to planned events. Remember, 사고 specifically refers to accidents, while 사건 can be used for any significant event.
Learn korean with Maspeak →
Korean 2000