고치다 (go-chi-da, gochida) · 수리하다 (su-ri-ha-da, surihada)
고치다 is used for everyday, often informal repairs or fixes, while 수리하다 is more formal and typically refers to professional or technical repairs.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To fix or correct something broken, wrong, or incorrect in everyday or informal contexts, often by oneself.
When to use
everyday simple repair, text or grammar correction, minor malfunction fix
The nuance
Use 고치다 when fixing broken items or correcting mistakes in everyday situations, often implying simple or personal repair rather than professional service.
To professionally repair broken machines, electronics, or other items, usually by an expert or technician.
When to use
professional repair, machine or electronic repair, formal repair request
The nuance
Use 수리하다 for repair work requiring professional skills or equipment, suitable for formal and technical contexts.
내가 핸드폰 화면을 고쳤어.
nae-ga haen-deu-pon hwa-myeon-eul go-chyeoss-eo., nae ga haen deu pon hwa myeon eul go chyeoss eo.
고치다 is appropriate for simple, everyday repairs done personally.
핸드폰을 수리했어.
haen-deu-pon-eul su-ri-haess-eo., haen deu pon eul su ri haess eo.
수리하다 fits professional repair contexts, especially for electronics.
컴퓨터를 고쳤어요.
keom-pyu-teo-reul go-chyeoss-eo-yo., keom pyu teo reul go chyeoss eo yo.
고치다 is used when fixing minor issues personally.
컴퓨터를 수리했어요.
keom-pyu-teo-reul su-ri-haess-eo-yo., keom pyu teo reul su ri haess eo yo.
수리하다 implies professional repair.
자동차를 고쳤어요.
ja-dong-cha-reul go-chyeoss-eo-yo., ja dong cha reul go chyeoss eo yo.
For cars needing professional repair, use 수리하다 instead of 고치다.
자동차를 수리했어요.
ja-dong-cha-reul su-ri-haess-eo-yo., ja dong cha reul su ri haess eo yo.
수리하다 is appropriate for professional car repairs.
문법을 수리하다.
mun-beop-eul su-ri-ha-da., mun beop eul su ri ha da.
수리하다 is not used for grammar correction; 고치다 is correct.
문법을 고치다.
mun-beop-eul go-chi-da., mun beop eul go chi da.
고치다 is used for correcting grammar or writing.
Which word fits better for repairing a car, 고치다 or 수리하다?
Which word is appropriate for correcting grammar mistakes?
Which word to use when a professional repairs a phone screen?
