수리하다 vs 고치다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 수리하다
Listen to 고치다
| 수리하다 | 고치다 |
|---|---|
soo-ree-HA-da verb | go-chi-da verb |
| to repair or fix something that is broken | to fix, repair, or mend something |
How they differ
고치다 is broader and more everyday than 수리하다. It can mean repairing a broken object, but it also commonly means correcting a habit, problem, or mistake, so its use is less strictly technical.
When to use each
When to use 수리하다: Use 수리하다 when you want to sound more formal, technical, or businesslike about repairing a broken object or machine.
When to use 고치다: Use 고치다 when speaking naturally in daily conversation, especially if you are talking about fixing something casually or correcting something non-physical.
Side-by-side examples
- 시계를 수리하다
(to repair a watch) - 시계를 고치다
(to fix a watch)
Register & nuance: 고치다 is the more common everyday word, while 수리하다 sounds more formal and official.