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A2 adjective #3,000 most common 8 min read

푸짐하다

pujimhada
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 푸짐하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 푸짐하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 푸짐하다 as a special way to say 'a lot of food.' While you might already know '많아요' (it's a lot), '푸짐해요' is a more positive and polite way to describe a meal that looks very good and big. Imagine you go to a Korean restaurant and they give you many side dishes. You can point at the table and say '와! 푸짐해요!' to show you are happy. It is mainly used for food at this stage. You can use it to describe a big lunch or a dinner with your family. It is a great word to use to be polite to someone who cooks for you.
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At the A2 level, you should start using 푸짐하다 to describe not just the quantity but the 'generosity' of a situation. You can use it as an adjective before a noun, like '푸짐한 저녁' (an abundant dinner) or '푸짐한 선물' (a generous gift). You should also learn the adverb form '푸짐하게' to describe how you eat or how someone serves food. For example, '푸짐하게 먹었어요' (I ate abundantly/heartily). This level involves understanding that this word is specifically for positive abundance, usually involving food, gifts, or hospitality. It's a key word for surviving social situations in Korea where food is involved.
At the B1 level, you can use 푸짐하다 to discuss cultural concepts like 'In-sim' (generosity of heart). You should be able to explain why a certain restaurant is popular by mentioning its 'pujim-han' portions. You can also start to distinguish it from similar words like '넉넉하다' (ample) or '풍부하다' (abundant in resources). At this level, you might use it in writing to describe a scene in a story, such as a holiday feast. You understand that '푸짐하다' carries a nuance of warmth and 'Jeong' (affection) that a simple word like '많다' lacks. You can also use it in more complex sentence structures with connectors like '-어서/아서' or '-니까'.
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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 푸짐하다 in various registers, from casual talk with friends to more formal descriptions. You can use it metaphorically, though it remains most common in physical contexts. You understand the social implications of the word—how calling a meal 'pujim-hada' is a way of acknowledging the host's social status and kindness. You can use it to compare different types of hospitality or to describe the 'richness' of a traditional market experience. Your vocabulary includes collocations like '푸짐한 상차림' (an abundant table setting) and '푸짐한 인심' (generous heart/hospitality).
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At the C1 level, you recognize 푸짐하다 in literature and high-level journalism. You understand its role in the Korean 'food identity' and can discuss how the concept of 'pujim-ham' has changed from a necessity in times of poverty to a luxury or a marketing tool in modern times. You can use the word to describe the 'richness' of an experience or a collection of items in a more abstract sense, though you still respect its primary connection to physical abundance. You can also identify when the word is used ironically or with specific stylistic intent in modern prose.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the nuances of 푸짐하다. You can discuss its etymology and its relation to other words in the 'abundance' semantic field with precision. You can use it to analyze Korean cultural products, such as films or novels, where a 'pujim-han' meal might symbolize family reconciliation or social class. You are aware of regional variations in how abundance is expressed and can use the word with perfect timing in any social or professional context to convey exactly the right amount of warmth and appreciation.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

푸짐하다 in 30 Seconds

  • Pujim-hada means abundant or generous, specifically for food and gifts.
  • It carries a warm, positive nuance of hospitality and satisfaction.
  • Commonly used in restaurants and family gatherings to praise the host.
  • It is an adjective, used as '푸짐한' (modifier) or '푸짐하게' (adverb).

The Korean adjective 푸짐하다 (pujim-hada) is a word that warms the heart as much as it fills the stomach. At its core, it describes something—most commonly food or a meal—that is abundant, plentiful, and generous in portion. However, to a Korean speaker, it carries a much deeper emotional weight than simply 'large.' It evokes the image of a table overflowing with dishes, where the host's affection and hospitality are visible through the sheer volume of the offering. When you see a table so full that there is hardly any room to put down your spoon, that is the essence of being 푸짐하다.

Visual Abundance
It refers to the physical sight of a large quantity that looks satisfying and rich.
Emotional Generosity
It implies the 'In-sim' (generosity of heart) of the person providing the food.
Sensory Satisfaction
It suggests a feeling of being well-fed and cared for.

"어머니가 푸짐하다고 느낄 정도로 저녁을 준비하셨어요." (Mother prepared dinner to the point where it felt abundant.)

In a cultural context, Korea has a long history of showing love through food. In the past, when food was scarce, providing a 'pujim-han' meal was the ultimate sign of respect and care. Even today, in modern restaurants, if the side dishes (banchan) are refilled without asking, customers will remark that the restaurant is 'pujim-hada.' It is not just about the calories; it is about the feeling of plenty that transcends the physical meal.

"시장에서 상인이 덤을 푸짐하게 주셨어요." (The merchant at the market gave me a generous amount of extra items.)

Furthermore, the word often appears in the form of an adverb, 푸짐하게, to describe the action of serving or eating. To 'eat abundantly' (푸짐하게 먹다) is a common goal for family gatherings or celebrations like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or Seollal (Lunar New Year). It represents a break from the mundane and an entry into a space of celebration and communal joy.

Context: Restaurants
Used to praise the portion sizes and variety of side dishes.
Context: Home
Used to thank the host for their effort and kindness.

"이 식당은 인심이 좋아서 음식이 정말 푸짐해요." (This restaurant has a good heart, so the food is really abundant.)

Using 푸짐하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a descriptive verb (adjective). In Korean, adjectives function similarly to verbs, meaning they can end a sentence or modify a noun directly. To modify a noun, you use the form 푸짐한. For example, 'a generous meal' becomes 푸짐한 식사. When used as a predicate to describe a subject, you conjugate it based on the politeness level: 푸짐해요 (polite), 푸짐합니다 (formal), or 푸짐해 (casual).

Noun Modification
푸짐한 + Noun (e.g., 푸짐한 선물, 푸짐한 안주).
Adverbial Use
푸짐하게 + Verb (e.g., 푸짐하게 차리다, 푸짐하게 담다).

One of the most common ways to use this word is in the phrase '상을 푸짐하게 차리다', which means 'to set the table abundantly.' This is often said when someone has prepared many different types of food for a guest. If you are the guest, saying "정말 푸짐하네요!" (It's really abundant!) is a high compliment to the host's cooking and hospitality. It acknowledges the effort they put into the preparation.

"명절이라 그런지 상이 아주 푸짐하군요." (Since it's a holiday, the table is very abundant indeed.)

It is important to note that 푸짐하다 is almost always positive. While words like '과하다' (excessive) might imply there is too much of something in a negative way, 푸짐하다 implies that the abundance is a good thing that brings satisfaction. You wouldn't use it to describe a 'pujim-han' amount of homework or a 'pujim-han' amount of trash, as those are negative burdens. It is reserved for things that are meant to be enjoyed or appreciated.

In spoken Korean, you will often hear it used with intensifiers like 정말 (really), 아주 (very), or 참 (truly). For example, "음식이 참 푸짐하네요!". In more modern slang or casual contexts, people might use it when talking about 'Anju' (snacks served with alcohol). A 'pujim-han anju' is a sign of a great bar or a generous friend.

You will encounter 푸짐하다 in various settings, ranging from traditional markets to modern television shows. One of the most common places is at a traditional Korean restaurant (Han-sik-jib). When the server brings out a dozen side dishes along with the main course, customers will often exclaim, "와, 진짜 푸짐하다!". This word is a staple of restaurant reviews on platforms like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps, where users praise the 'Ga-seong-bi' (cost-effectiveness) of a place by describing the portions as 'pujim.'

Traditional Markets
Where elderly vendors give 'extra' (deom) to customers.
TV Food Shows
Hosts use it to describe the visual appeal of a large spread of food.
Family Gatherings
During holidays when the table is filled with traditional delicacies.

On Korean variety shows and Mukbang (eating broadcasts), the word is used constantly. Creators want to show their audience a 'pujim-han' meal to stimulate their appetite. It creates a sense of visual 'healing' for the viewers. You might hear a host say, "오늘 메뉴가 정말 푸짐한데요?" (The menu today is really abundant, isn't it?). This sets a positive tone for the entire segment.

"이 가격에 이렇게 푸짐하게 나오다니 믿기지 않아요." (I can't believe it's served so abundantly at this price.)

Another common place is in advertisements. Food delivery apps or supermarket flyers often use the phrase '푸짐한 구성' (abundant composition/set) to entice buyers. It suggests that the customer is getting a lot of value for their money. Whether it's a pizza with many toppings or a lunch box with many side dishes, 'pujim-hada' is the go-to marketing term for 'generous portions.'

While 푸짐하다 is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make the mistake of using it in contexts where '많다' (many/much) or '충분하다' (enough) would be more appropriate. The most important distinction is that 푸짐하다 carries a sense of satisfaction and visual richness. You wouldn't say your 'work is pujim-hada' just because you have a lot of it. That would sound like you are happy about having too much work, which is confusing!

Mistake: Using for negative things
Avoid: 쓰레기가 푸짐하다 (The trash is abundant). Use '많다' instead.
Mistake: Confusing with '충분하다'
'충분하다' means you have exactly enough. '푸짐하다' means you have more than enough in a pleasing way.

Another mistake is the confusion between 푸짐하다 and 뚱뚱하다 (fat). In some languages, 'generous' can be a euphemism for someone's body size. In Korean, 푸짐하다 is occasionally used to describe a person's physique, but it is very specific. It usually describes someone who looks 'pleasantly plump' or 'sturdy' in a way that suggests they are well-fed and healthy, often used for grandmothers or jolly figures. However, it can be offensive if used incorrectly, so it's safer for learners to stick to using it for food or objects.

"(Incorrect) 숙제가 푸짐해서 기분이 안 좋아요." (I feel bad because the homework is abundant.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget to use the correct particle. Since it is an adjective, the subject of the sentence should take -이/가. For example, "고기가 푸짐해요" (The meat is abundant). If you want to say 'I ate abundantly,' you must use the adverbial form: "푸짐하게 먹었어요". Using 푸짐하다 먹었어요 is grammatically incorrect.

Korean has several words that describe 'abundance,' each with a slightly different nuance. Understanding these can help you choose the most natural word for your situation. The closest synonym is 풍성하다 (pung-seong-hada). While 푸짐하다 is very down-to-earth and often related to food and 'Jeong,' 풍성하다 sounds a bit more formal or poetic. It is often used for harvests, hair volume, or abstract things like 'a rich life.'

풍성하다 (Pung-seong-hada)
Rich, plentiful. Often used for nature, harvests, or hair.
넉넉하다 (Neok-neok-hada)
Ample, sufficient. Focuses on having enough and not being short of anything.
풍부하다 (Pung-bu-hada)
Abundant, plentiful. Often used for resources, experience, or vitamins.

Another word is 그득하다 (geudeuk-hada), which means 'to be full to the brim.' This is more about the physical state of being full, like a glass full of water or a heart full of joy. Unlike 푸짐하다, it doesn't necessarily imply the 'generosity' of a host. Then there is 많다 (man-ta), the most basic word for 'many' or 'much.' It is neutral and can be used for anything, whether good or bad.

"비타민이 풍부한 과일" vs "양이 푸짐한 과일"

The difference between 풍부하다 and 푸짐하다 in the example above is that the first refers to the internal content (vitamins), while the second refers to the external quantity (the amount of fruit). If you are at a buffet, you would say the food is 푸짐하다. If you are talking about a country's natural resources, you would say they are 풍부하다. Choosing the right word shows a high level of Korean proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Adjective to Noun modification (-ㄴ/은)

Adjective to Adverb conversion (-게)

Exclamatory endings (-네요, -구나)

Comparison markers (-보다, -에 비해)

Reason connectors (-아서/어서, -니까)

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Examples by Level

1

피자가 정말 푸짐해요.

The pizza is really abundant/large.

Subject + Adjective

2

와, 음식이 푸짐하다!

Wow, the food is abundant!

Exclamatory form

3

점심이 푸짐해요.

The lunch is abundant.

Polite present tense

4

푸짐한 사과예요.

They are abundant/plentiful apples.

Noun modification

5

우리 집 저녁은 푸짐해요.

Our home's dinner is abundant.

Possessive + Subject

6

빵이 아주 푸짐해요.

The bread is very abundant.

Adverb '아주' + Adjective

7

푸짐한 밥상이에요.

It is an abundant dining table.

Noun + Copula

8

선물이 푸짐해요.

The gifts are abundant.

Simple description

1

식당에서 푸짐하게 먹었어요.

I ate abundantly at the restaurant.

Adverbial form '푸짐하게'

2

어머니가 푸짐한 상을 차려 주셨어요.

Mother set an abundant table for me.

Modifier '푸짐한' + Noun

3

이 가게는 양이 정말 푸짐해요.

This shop's portions are really abundant.

Topic + Subject + Adjective

4

생일 파티에 푸짐한 음식이 있었어요.

There was abundant food at the birthday party.

Past tense '있었어요'

5

과일을 푸짐하게 샀어요.

I bought fruit abundantly.

Adverb + Verb

6

푸짐한 선물을 받아서 기뻐요.

I am happy because I received a generous gift.

Reason connector '-아서'

7

반찬이 푸짐해서 배가 불러요.

The side dishes are abundant, so I am full.

Cause and effect

8

추석에는 음식을 푸짐하게 준비해요.

On Chuseok, we prepare food abundantly.

Time marker + Adverb

1

한국의 인심은 푸짐하기로 유명해요.

Korean hospitality is famous for being abundant.

-기로 유명하다 (famous for...)

2

시장에 가면 푸짐한 정을 느낄 수 있어요.

If you go to the market, you can feel abundant affection.

-을 수 있다 (can...)

3

그 식당은 가격에 비해 음식이 아주 푸짐해요.

Compared to the price, that restaurant's food is very abundant.

-에 비해 (compared to)

4

손님을 위해 상을 푸짐하게 차리는 것이 한국의 문화예요.

Setting the table abundantly for guests is Korean culture.

-는 것 (nominalization)

5

푸짐한 안주 덕분에 술자리가 즐거웠어요.

Thanks to the abundant snacks, the drinking session was fun.

덕분에 (thanks to)

6

이벤트 경품이 생각보다 훨씬 푸짐하네요.

The event prizes are much more abundant than I thought.

생각보다 (than thought)

7

여행지에서 푸짐한 아침 식사를 대접받았어요.

I was treated to an abundant breakfast at the travel destination.

Passive '대접받다'

8

어려운 이웃에게 푸짐한 도시락을 전달했어요.

We delivered abundant lunch boxes to neighbors in need.

Beneficiary marker '-에게'

1

넉넉한 형편은 아니지만 마음만은 푸짐해요.

We aren't well-off, but our hearts are abundant.

Contrast marker '-지만'

2

할머니의 푸짐한 손맛이 그리워요.

I miss my grandmother's abundant 'hand-taste' (cooking skill).

Metaphorical use of '손맛'

3

그 영화는 볼거리가 푸짐해서 지루할 틈이 없어요.

That movie has so much to see that there's no time to be bored.

볼거리 (things to see)

4

푸짐하게 차려진 음식을 보니 군침이 돌아요.

Seeing the abundantly set food makes my mouth water.

-니 (discovery/reason)

5

이번 축제는 프로그램이 정말 푸짐하게 구성되었네요.

This festival's program is really abundantly organized.

Passive '구성되다'

6

그는 인심이 푸짐해서 주변에 사람이 많아요.

Because his generosity is abundant, he has many people around him.

Reason connector '-아서'

7

푸짐한 보상보다는 진심 어린 사과를 원해요.

I want a sincere apology rather than an abundant reward.

-보다는 (rather than)

8

계절마다 푸짐한 자연의 선물을 즐길 수 있어요.

You can enjoy the abundant gifts of nature every season.

Metaphorical use

1

작가는 고향의 풍경을 푸짐한 필치로 묘사했다.

The author described the hometown scenery with an abundant (rich) touch.

Literary usage

2

현대 사회에서 '푸짐함'의 의미가 변질되고 있다.

The meaning of 'abundance' is being distorted in modern society.

Nominalized form in quotes

3

그의 강연은 유익한 정보가 푸짐하게 담겨 있었다.

His lecture was filled abundantly with useful information.

Abstract usage

4

푸짐한 상차림 뒤에 숨겨진 주부의 노고를 잊지 말아야 한다.

We must not forget the housewife's hard work hidden behind the abundant table.

Relative clause

5

전통 시장의 푸짐함은 대형 마트가 흉내 낼 수 없는 매력이다.

The abundance of traditional markets is a charm that large supermarkets cannot imitate.

-ㄹ 수 없는 (cannot...)

6

풍요 속의 빈곤이라더니, 상은 푸짐한데 먹을 게 없네.

They say poverty amidst plenty; the table is abundant, but there's nothing to eat.

Proverbial expression

7

푸짐한 성과를 거두기 위해서는 인내와 노력이 필수적이다.

Patience and effort are essential to reap abundant results.

-기 위해서 (in order to)

8

그의 삶은 비록 짧았으나 푸짐한 유산을 남겼다.

Although his life was short, he left an abundant legacy.

Contrastive '-으나'

1

한국인의 정서에 깊이 뿌리박힌 '푸짐함'은 공동체 의식의 발로이다.

The 'abundance' deeply rooted in the Korean psyche is an expression of community spirit.

Academic/Sociological tone

2

미학적 관점에서 볼 때, 푸짐한 구도는 안정감과 풍요로움을 준다.

From an aesthetic point of view, an abundant composition provides a sense of stability and richness.

Technical terminology

3

물질적 푸짐함이 정신적 빈곤을 가릴 수는 없다.

Material abundance cannot hide spiritual poverty.

Philosophical contrast

4

역사적으로 푸짐한 연회는 권력의 과시 수단으로 활용되기도 했다.

Historically, abundant banquets were also used as a means of displaying power.

Historical context

5

언어의 푸짐한 쓰임새를 이해하는 것이 유창성의 척도이다.

Understanding the abundant usage of language is a measure of fluency.

Metalinguistic use

6

그 정책은 겉보기에는 푸짐해 보이나 실효성은 의문이다.

The policy looks abundant on the surface, but its effectiveness is questionable.

Critical analysis

7

푸짐한 자연의 섭리 앞에 인간은 겸허해질 수밖에 없다.

Humans cannot help but be humble before the abundant providence of nature.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (no choice but to)

8

이 저서에는 저자의 수십 년간의 연구 결과가 푸짐하게 녹아 있다.

This book contains decades of the author's research results abundantly melted into it.

Metaphorical '녹아 있다'

Common Collocations

푸짐한 상차림
음식이 푸짐하다
푸짐하게 먹다
푸짐한 선물
양이 푸짐하다
푸짐한 안주
인심이 푸짐하다
푸짐한 혜택
푸짐한 경품
푸짐하게 차리다

Common Phrases

정말 푸짐하네요!
푸짐하게 주세요.
상이 푸짐해요.
푸짐한 한 끼
푸짐한 인심
푸짐한 구성
푸짐하게 한 상
푸짐한 대접
푸짐한 볼거리
푸짐한 먹거리

Often Confused With

푸짐하다 vs 많다 (general many)

푸짐하다 vs 풍성하다 (more formal/nature)

푸짐하다 vs 충분하다 (just enough)

Idioms & Expressions

"상이 휘어지게 푸짐하다 (A table so abundant it bends)"
"인심이 푸짐하다 (To have a generous heart)"
"입이 푸짐하다 (To have a lot to talk about or eat)"
"손이 크다 (To have a 'big hand' - to cook/give abundantly)"
"배가 터지게 푸짐하다 (Abundant enough to burst one's stomach)"
"눈이 푸짐하다 (A feast for the eyes)"
"마음이 푸짐하다 (To have a rich/generous mind)"
"덤이 푸짐하다 (To get a lot of extra items for free)"
"소문난 잔치에 먹을 것 없다 (Opposite: A famous feast with nothing to eat)"
"보기 좋은 떡이 먹기도 좋다 (Good looking food - often pujim-han - tastes good)"

Easily Confused

푸짐하다 vs 많다

Neutral, can be negative. '푸짐하다' is always positive and hearty.

푸짐하다 vs 풍성하다

More formal, used for harvests or hair. '푸짐하다' is more common for meals.

푸짐하다 vs 넉넉하다

Focuses on having plenty/enough. '푸짐하다' focuses on the visual/emotional richness.

푸짐하다 vs 뚱뚱하다

Means 'fat'. Don't use '푸짐하다' for people unless you are very careful.

푸짐하다 vs 충분하다

Means 'sufficient'. '푸짐하다' means 'more than enough' in a good way.

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

food focus

Primarily used for food, but extendable to gifts and hospitality.

positive only

Almost never used for negative abundance.

visual aspect

Strongly implies that the abundance is visible to the eye.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for negative things (e.g., 푸짐한 쓰레기).
  • Using it as a verb without '하다' (e.g., 푸짐해요 vs 푸짐다).
  • Confusing it with '뚱뚱하다' when talking about people.
  • Using the object marker with the adjective (e.g., 푸짐한을 먹다).
  • Using it for things that are 'enough' but not 'generous' (use 충분하다 instead).

Tips

Complimenting the Host

When invited to a Korean home, saying the food is 'pujim-hada' is better than just saying it's 'delicious'.

Adverbial Usage

Use '푸짐하게' when you want to describe the *way* something was done, like serving or eating.

Pair with '인심'

The phrase '인심이 푸짐하다' is a very common way to describe a kind and generous person or business.

Market Manners

In traditional markets, if a vendor gives you extra, say '우와, 정말 푸짐해요! 감사합니다!'.

Visual Cues

If you can see the table surface, it might not be '푸짐하다'. If it's covered in plates, it definitely is!

Avoid Negative Contexts

Don't use it for things like traffic, debt, or illness.

Level Up

Once you master '푸짐하다', try using '풍성하다' for more formal writing.

Enthusiasm

Koreans often say this word with a bit of a 'wow' tone. Let your voice reflect the abundance!

Restaurant Reviews

This is the #1 word to use in a positive review for a Korean restaurant.

Table Bending

Remember the phrase '상이 휘어지게' to describe the ultimate 'pujim' experience.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Native Korean

Cultural Context

The concept of social bonding through sharing.

The generosity of the Korean people.

The variety of side dishes that contribute to the 'pujim' feeling.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"여기 양이 정말 푸짐하네요, 그렇죠?"

"추석 때 음식을 푸짐하게 드셨어요?"

"어떤 음식이 가장 푸짐하게 나와요?"

"푸짐한 선물을 받으면 기분이 어때요?"

"이 식당은 인심이 푸짐해서 좋아요."

Journal Prompts

최근에 먹은 가장 푸짐한 식사에 대해 써 보세요.

누군가에게 푸짐한 선물을 준 적이 있나요?

한국의 '푸짐한 인심'을 느껴본 경험이 있나요?

푸짐한 상차림을 보면 어떤 생각이 드나요?

내가 생각하는 '푸짐한 삶'이란 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is sometimes used to describe a person who is pleasantly plump or has a generous-looking physique, but it's risky for learners. Stick to food and gifts.

Yes! Saying '음식이 정말 푸짐하네요' is a great compliment to the restaurant.

'푸짐하다' is more colloquial and food-centered. '풍성하다' is more formal and used for things like harvests or hair volume.

It's not common. For money, '넉넉하다' or '많다' is better. However, '푸짐한 상금' (abundant prize money) is possible.

Use the adverb form: '푸짐하게 먹었어요'.

It is an adjective (descriptive verb) in Korean.

No, because homework is usually negative. Use '많다' for homework.

It's an idiom meaning the table is so 'pujim' that its legs are bending under the weight of the food.

Yes, it is a standard Korean word used across the peninsula.

Yes, '푸짐한 제안' can be used if the offer includes many benefits.

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