neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 죄수 (joesu) in legal and everyday conversations, particularly in discussions regarding crime, law enforcement, or social justice. For example, you might hear it in a courtroom drama or a documentary about the prison system, where the focus is on the lives of individuals who have been incarcerated.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 죄수 is 범죄자 (beomjoeja), which means 'criminal.' The nuance lies in the fact that 죄수 specifically refers to someone who is currently imprisoned, while 범죄자 may refer to anyone who has committed a crime, regardless of their current status.
Culture
The word 죄수 (joesu) is derived from the characters '죄' meaning 'crime' and '수' meaning 'person.' This etymology highlights the intrinsic connection between the concept of crime and being a prisoner in Korean culture. Interestingly, discussions about 죄수 can also evoke broader societal debates on rehabilitation versus punishment in contemporary Korea.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 죄수 in English?
The word 죄수 (joesu) translates to 'prisoner' in English, referring specifically to someone who is incarcerated due to a legal conviction.
Q.How do you use 죄수 in a sentence?
You can use 죄수 in a sentence like this: '그 죄수는 10년 형을 선고받았다,' which means 'That prisoner was sentenced to 10 years.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 죄수?
A common mistake is using 죄수 interchangeably with 범죄자 (beomjoeja), but remember that 죄수 specifically refers to someone who is in prison, while 범죄자 refers to anyone who has committed a crime.