조심하다 vs 신중하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 조심하다
Listen to 신중하다
| 조심하다 | 신중하다 |
|---|---|
joo-SIM-ha-da verb | sinjunghada verb |
| to be careful; to watch out and avoid danger or mistakes | to be prudent; to be cautious and thoughtful before acting |
How they differ
신중하다 emphasizes careful judgment and deliberation before making a decision. 조심하다 is more about avoiding danger, harm, or mistakes in action, while 신중하다 highlights thinking carefully beforehand.
When to use each
When to use 조심하다: Use 조심하다 when the focus is on safe behavior or avoiding an immediate risk.
When to use 신중하다: Use 신중하다 when you want to describe someone who thinks carefully before deciding or speaking.
Side-by-side examples
- 계단을 내려갈 때 조심하세요.
(Be careful when you go down the stairs.) - 그는 큰 결정을 내릴 때 항상 신중하다.
(He is always prudent when making big decisions.)
Register & nuance: 신중하다 is slightly formal and is often used for decisions, opinions, and serious matters.