조심하다 vs 삼가다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 조심하다
Listen to 삼가다
| 조심하다 | 삼가다 |
|---|---|
joo-SIM-ha-da verb | samgada verb |
| to be careful; to watch out and avoid danger or mistakes | to refrain from; to avoid doing something out of caution, respect, or propriety |
How they differ
삼가다 means intentionally holding back from an action, often because it is improper, harmful, or socially inappropriate. 조심하다 means being careful while acting, whereas 삼가다 often means not doing the action at all.
When to use each
When to use 조심하다: Use 조심하다 when someone should proceed carefully but still do the action.
When to use 삼가다: Use 삼가다 when you want to say someone should refrain from an action altogether, especially in polite or formal contexts.
Side-by-side examples
- 차가 다니니 조심하세요.
(Cars are passing by, so be careful.) - 회의 중에는 휴대전화 사용을 삼가 주세요.
(Please refrain from using your mobile phone during the meeting.)
Register & nuance: 삼가다 is more formal and polite, and it is common in notices, announcements, and respectful requests.