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Featured Word B1

오염 (noun)

The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.

💬 Example

"수질 오염으로 인해 물고기들이 죽어가고 있습니다."

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 'O' as an oil spill and 'Yeom' as 'Yum' (not!). Oil makes things not yum. O-Yeom = Pollution.

🏛️ Origin

🔗 Synonyms
공해 더럽힘 감염
⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using '오염하다' instead of '오염시키다'. → Always use '오염시키다' for the active 'to pollute'.

Saying '방이 오염됐어요' for a messy room. → Use '방이 더러워요' or '방이 지저분해요'.

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