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도움 — meaning in English: help

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

Guess the translation for help
도움
doum
디스크
diseukeu
편안함
pyeon
곡선
gogseon
입력
iblyeog
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use '도움' in everyday conversations, especially when asking someone for assistance. For example, you might hear it in a classroom setting when a student asks a teacher for help with a difficult problem, or in a café when a customer requests help from the staff.
Synonyms & nuances
While '도움' means 'help', another word, '지원' (jiwon), means 'support' and often refers to more formal assistance, like financial aid or organizational help. One would choose '도움' when speaking casually to a friend or family member about needing assistance in daily tasks.
Culture
'도움' is derived from the Old Korean word '돕다', which means 'to assist'. In Korean culture, there's a strong emphasis on community and interdependence, making the concept of helping one another a significant part of social interactions. This word encapsulates not only physical help but also emotional and moral support, reflecting the close-knit nature of Korean society.
FAQ
Q.How do you use the word '도움' in a sentence?
'도움' can be used in sentences like '제가 도와줄까요?' which translates to 'Shall I help you?'. It's versatile and can fit many contexts involving assistance.
Q.Is '도움' used in formal situations?
'도움' is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. However, in particularly formal contexts, you might hear '도움' paired with honorifics or more formal verbs to show respect.
Q.What are common mistakes with using '도움'?
A common mistake is to use '도움' without context, which can lead to misunderstandings. Always make sure to specify what kind of help you are referring to for clarity.
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