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물질 — meaning in English: matter

muljil · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for substance
기쁨
gippeum
물질
muljil
국가
gugga
기업
gieob
이동
idong
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technical common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use '물질' (muljil) in scientific discussions, especially in the fields of physics and chemistry. For example, during a lecture on the properties of matter or when discussing the composition of various substances in a laboratory setting, this term is frequently employed.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for '물질' is '재료' (jaeryo), which means 'material' and is often used in crafting or cooking contexts. You would choose '물질' over '재료' when discussing scientific or philosophical concepts related to matter, as '물질' carries a more formal and abstract connotation.
Culture
'물질' has its roots in classical Chinese, where it was originally used to describe material things as opposed to abstract concepts. The word reflects a cultural emphasis on tangible, empirical understanding in both traditional and modern Korean science. Interestingly, in everyday conversation, it might also refer to 'things' in a broader sense, which showcases the word's flexibility in both casual and technical contexts.
FAQ
Q.What does '물질' mean in English?
'물질' translates to 'matter' in English, referring to physical substances that occupy space and have mass. It can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
Q.How do you use '물질' in a sentence?
You can use '물질' in sentences like '이 물질은 화학 반응에서 중요한 역할을 합니다,' which means 'This matter plays an important role in the chemical reaction.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with '물질'?
A common mistake is confusing '물질' with '물' (mul), which means 'water.' Remember that '물질' refers specifically to matter in a broader sense, while '물' is a specific type of matter.
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