친구 (chin-gu, chingu)
친구 (chingu) is a common Korean word meaning a close companion or friend. This guide explains its meaning and usage clearly.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
친구 (chingu) means a person with whom one shares closeness and trust, usually of similar age or interests.
Nuances
When to use
Everyday conversation, School life, Work relationships
In context
친구 is a noun referring to a person. It can be used as subject, object, or complement in sentences. It works in both formal and informal speech depending on context.
저는 어릴 때부터 친구가 많아요.
jeo-neun eo-ril ttae-bu-teo chin-gu-ga man-a-yo., jeo neun eo ril ttae bu teo chin gu ga man a yo.
Saying 'have many friends' is natural and correct.
친구는 우리 가족과 같아요.
chin-gu-neun u-ri ga-jok-gwa gat-a-yo., chin gu neun u ri ga jok gwa gat a yo.
Comparing a friend to family is common and natural.
친구를 만나서 밥을 먹었어요.
chin-gu-reul man-na-seo bap-eul meok-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu reul man na seo bap eul meok eoss eo yo.
Using 친구 as an object in 'met a friend' is correct.
친구가 학교에 갑니다.
chin-gu-ga hak-gyo-e gap-ni-da., chin gu ga hak gyo e gap ni da.
친구 as subject in this sentence is natural.
친구가 아닌 사람도 같이 갔어요.
chin-gu-ga a-nin sa-ram-do gat-i gass-eo-yo., chin gu ga a nin sa ram do gat i gass eo yo.
The phrase 'a person who is not a friend' is clear and natural.
친구를 좋아해요.
chin-gu-reul joh-a-hae-yo., chin gu reul joh a hae yo.
The phrase 'like a friend' is natural and common.
친구가 많아서 행복해요.
chin-gu-ga man-a-seo haeng-bok-hae-yo., chin gu ga man a seo haeng bok hae yo.
Saying 'have many friends' is natural and correct.
친구가 아니에요.
chin-gu-ga a-ni-e-yo., chin gu ga a ni e yo.
The negative form 'not a friend' is natural.
What does 친구 mean?
Which sentence correctly uses 친구?
What is important in a 친구 relationship?
