찾다 (To Look For / To Find)
The verb 찾다 means both to look for something and to find it. You can use it when searching for a lost item, navigating to a location, or trying to reach a specific person.
Frequent Combinations
지갑을 찾다 (look for a wallet)
출구를 찾다 (look for/find an exit)
담당자를 찾다 (look for the person in charge)
Sentence Frame
Object · Marker · Verb
[Item/Person] · 을 / 를 · 찾다
You can easily create new sentences by swapping the noun:
지갑을 찾았어요.
우유를 찾고 있어요.
기다리다
The verb 기다리다 means spending time until someone arrives, transport comes, or an event happens.
Frequent Combinations
친구를 기다리다 (wait for a friend)
버스를 기다리다 (wait for a bus)
차례를 기다리다 (wait for one's turn)
Common Mistake: Do not translate the English word "for" into Korean when waiting. In Korean, the person or thing you are waiting for is simply the direct object. Just use the 을/를 marker.
Natural: 친구를 기다려요.
Unnatural: 친구를 위해 기다려요.
만나다
The verb 만나다 is used when gathering with friends, running into someone, or having a business meeting.
Frequent Combinations
친구를 만나다 (meet a friend)
고객을 만나다 (meet a customer)
동료를 만나다 (meet a colleague)
Sentence Frame
Place · Object · Verb
[Place]에서 · [Person]을 / 를 · 만나다
This frame is extremely common for setting up plans:
카페에서 친구를 만나요.
회사에서 고객을 만났어요.