Distinguishing Near-Synonyms: Vocabulary Nuance

On TOPIK vocabulary items, the key skill is choosing the right near-synonym to fit the context. This lesson examines the subtle differences within representative synonym pairs.

1. 고치다 (gochida) vs 수리하다 (surihada) vs 수정하다 (sujeonghada)

고치다 is the broadest (illness, machines, habits, writing); 수리하다 (修理) is mainly for machines and buildings; 수정하다 (修正) is for correcting errors in text or plans.

고장 난 세탁기를 기사님이 수리했다.

gojang nan setalgi-reul gisanim-i surihaetda.

The technician repaired the broken washing machine.

오랜 나쁜 습관을 고치기는 쉽지 않다.

oraen nappeun seupgwan-eul gochigi-neun swipji anta.

It is not easy to fix a long-held bad habit.

2. 바라다 (barada) vs 바라보다 (baraboda) vs 기대하다 (gidaehada)

바라다 means to wish; 바라보다 means to set one's gaze on something; 기대하다 means to expect and look forward to something turning out well.

그는 창밖을 멍하니 바라보고 있었다.

geu-neun changbak-eul meonghani barabogo isseotda.

He was gazing blankly out the window.

올해는 작년보다 좋은 실적을 기대하고 있다.

olhae-neun jangnyeon-boda joeun siljeok-eul gidaehago itda.

We are anticipating better results this year than last.

3. 두껍다 (dukkeopda) vs 두텁다 (duteopda)

두껍다 is for physical thickness (a book, clothing); 두텁다 is for abstract depth such as affection, relationships, or trust.

두 사람은 오랜 세월 두터운 우정을 쌓아 왔다.

du saram-eun oraen sewol duteoun ujeong-eul ssaa watda.

The two have built a deep friendship over many years.

4. Learning by Antonyms

Grouping antonym pairs alongside synonyms strengthens your vocabulary network: 늘다↔줄다 (increase ↔ decrease), 모으다↔흩어지다 (gather ↔ scatter), 받아들이다↔거부하다 (accept ↔ reject), 신중하다↔경솔하다 (prudent ↔ rash).

그는 신중한 사람이라 경솔하게 행동하지 않는다.

geu-neun sinjunghan saram-ira gyeongsolhage haengdonghaji anneunda.

He is a prudent person, so he does not act rashly.

Word	Use	Example
수리하다	machines and buildings	에어컨을 수리하다
수정하다	text and plans	원고를 수정하다
두껍다	physical thickness	두꺼운 책
두텁다	abstract depth	두터운 신뢰
바라다	a wish	행복을 바라다
기대하다	expectation; anticipation	성과를 기대하다

💡 Tip: It is effective to learn near-synonyms by their collocations. Remember each not as a single word but with the partners it pairs with, e.g. 신뢰가 두텁다 (deep trust), 우정이 두텁다 (deep friendship).

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