복습하다 (bok-seup-ha-da, bokseuphada) · 공부하다 (gong-bu-ha-da, gongbuhada)
복습하다 (boksŭp-hada) means reviewing learned material, while 공부하다 (gongbu-hada) means studying new or general material.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To review or study material already learned
When to use
Review after class, Checking before exam, Refreshing memory
The nuance
Use 복습하다 when reviewing or repeating material already learned, not for first-time learning.
To study new material or engage in general learning
When to use
Learning new subject, Starting exam preparation, Studying at school
The nuance
Use 공부하다 for learning new material or general studying, including but not limited to review.
나는 어제 배운 내용을 복습했어요.
na-neun eo-je bae-un nae-yong-eul bok-seup-haess-eo-yo., na neun eo je bae un nae yong eul bok seup haess eo yo.
복습하다 is correct because it refers to reviewing previously learned material.
나는 어제 배운 내용을 공부했어요.
na-neun eo-je bae-un nae-yong-eul gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., na neun eo je bae un nae yong eul gong bu haess eo yo.
공부하다 is correct as it broadly means studying, including reviewing learned content.
시험 전에 복습했어요.
si-heom jeon-e bok-seup-haess-eo-yo., si heom jeon e bok seup haess eo yo.
복습하다 fits well for reviewing before an exam.
시험 전에 공부했어요.
si-heom jeon-e gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., si heom jeon e gong bu haess eo yo.
공부하다 naturally fits studying to prepare for an exam.
새로운 단어를 복습했어요.
sae-ro-un dan-eo-reul bok-seup-haess-eo-yo., sae ro un dan eo reul bok seup haess eo yo.
복습하다 is incorrect because new words are not yet learned material to review.
새로운 단어를 공부했어요.
sae-ro-un dan-eo-reul gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., sae ro un dan eo reul gong bu haess eo yo.
공부하다 is correct for learning new material.
학교에서 복습해요.
hak-gyo-e-seo bok-seup-hae-yo., hak gyo e seo bok seup hae yo.
복습하다 fits reviewing learned content after class at school.
학교에서 공부해요.
hak-gyo-e-seo gong-bu-hae-yo., hak gyo e seo gong bu hae yo.
공부하다 is natural for general studying at school.
Which word to use when reviewing learned material?
Which word fits starting to learn a new subject?
Appropriate expression for checking material before exam?
What does it mean?
