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한국어
대학 — meaning in English: University
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university
자선
jaseon
저장
jeojang
대학
daehag
흥분
heungbun
섬
seom
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 대학 in various scenarios, such as discussing education, making plans for higher studies, or meeting friends who are university students. For instance, you might hear someone say, '나는 대학에 다녀요' (I go to university) when talking about their academic life.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 고등학교 (godeung hakgyo), meaning 'high school.' While 고등학교 refers to secondary education, 대학 specifically denotes higher education institutions. You would use 대학 when discussing post-secondary studies, as it implies a level of education beyond high school.
Culture
The term 대학 is derived from a combination of the Chinese characters 大 (big) and 学 (study), which together convey the idea of a significant place of learning. In South Korea, universities are highly regarded and play a crucial role in the education system, often shaping one’s career and social status. There is a concept called 'Suneung,' the college entrance exam, which highlights the competitive nature of university admissions in the country.
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