~쯤
~쯤 en 30 segundos
- ~쯤 is a Korean particle meaning 'about' or 'approximately' that attaches directly to nouns.
- It is primarily used for estimating time (3시쯤), quantity (5개쯤), and price (만원쯤).
- Unlike English, it always follows the noun and has no space between the noun and the particle.
- Using ~쯤 makes your speech sound more natural, polite, and flexible in social situations.
The Korean particle ~쯤 (jjeum) is an essential tool for expressing approximation, roughly equivalent to the English words 'about,' 'around,' or 'approximately.' In the Korean language, precision is often balanced with a culturally ingrained sense of flexibility, especially in social settings where being too exact might come across as overly rigid or demanding. By adding ~쯤 to a noun, speakers soften their statements, providing a comfortable margin of error for time, quantity, or degree.
- Core Function
- It functions as a postpositional particle that attaches directly to the end of a noun without any intervening space. It indicates that the preceding noun is an estimated value rather than a fixed, absolute fact.
- Social Nuance
- Using ~쯤 is common when making plans. If you say you will meet someone at '3시' (3 o'clock), it implies a strict deadline. However, '3시쯤' (around 3 o'clock) allows both parties a few minutes of leeway, which is very common in casual Korean social dynamics.
내일 오후 두 시쯤 만날까요? (Shall we meet around 2 PM tomorrow?)
Beyond time, this particle is indispensable in the marketplace or when discussing quantities. If you are at a traditional market (sijang) and want to buy a certain amount of fruit, you might say '사과 다섯 개쯤 주세요' (Give me about five apples). This signals to the vendor that you aren't strictly limited to five; if they have a bundle of six for a good price, you are open to it. It reflects a communicative style that prioritizes the general intent over mathematical perfection.
저 가방은 오만 원쯤 해요. (That bag costs about 50,000 won.)
Furthermore, ~쯤 can be used with spatial nouns or abstract concepts to indicate a general point or level. Phrases like '이쯤' (about here/this point) or '그쯤' (about there/that point) are frequently heard in conversations to refer to a specific stage in a process or a physical location that isn't precisely defined. This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency particles in the Korean language, bridging the gap between specific data and human estimation.
Integrating ~쯤 into your Korean sentences requires understanding its placement and the types of nouns it typically follows. Unlike English 'about,' which is a preposition, ~쯤 is a suffix-like particle. This means the word order is reversed compared to English. For example, instead of saying 'about 10 people,' you say '10 people about' (열 명쯤).
- 1. With Time (시, 분, 일, 달, 년)
- When attached to specific times or durations, it indicates an approximate window. '한 시쯤' means around 1:00, while '한 시간쯤' means for about an hour. Note the difference between a point in time and a duration.
- 2. With Quantities and Counters
- It follows counters like '개' (items), '명' (people), '병' (bottles), or '권' (books). For instance, '학생 열 명쯤' (about ten students).
한국에 온 지 삼 년쯤 됐어요. (It has been about three years since I came to Korea.)
One important grammatical rule is the lack of spacing. In the standard Korean orthography (Hangeul Matchumpbeop), particles are attached directly to the preceding word. Beginners often make the mistake of adding a space, but '10시 쯤' is incorrect; it must be '10시쯤'. This rule applies regardless of whether the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant.
여기에 얼마쯤 더 있어야 해요? (How much longer do we have to stay here?)
When asking questions about quantity or time, ~쯤 is frequently attached to question words like '얼마' (how much), '몇' (how many), or '언제' (when). '언제쯤' is a very polite way to ask 'around when' something will happen, as it sounds less demanding than a sharp '언제?'. It gives the listener the freedom to provide a non-specific answer, which is often preferred in Korean business etiquette and polite social interactions.
In everyday Korean life, ~쯤 is ubiquitous. You will hear it from the moment you wake up and check the weather forecast to the moment you make dinner plans with colleagues. It is a word that thrives in the 'grey areas' of life where exactness is either impossible or unnecessary.
- In the Kitchen & Restaurants
- When following a recipe or ordering food, you'll hear '소금 한 꼬집쯤' (about a pinch of salt) or '30분쯤 기다려야 해요' (you have to wait about 30 minutes). Servers use it to manage customer expectations without making absolute promises.
- Transportation & Directions
- Taxi drivers often say, '여기서 10분쯤 걸려요' (It takes about 10 minutes from here). In a country with heavy traffic like Korea, the '쯤' acts as a safety net for the driver's estimate.
이번 주말 토요일쯤 시간이 어때요? (How is your time around this Saturday?)
In K-Dramas and movies, ~쯤 is used to express emotional distance or realization. A character might say '이쯤에서 그만하자' (Let's stop around here/at this point), indicating they want to end a relationship or a conflict. In this context, '이쯤' doesn't refer to a physical place but a metaphorical point in their shared history. This abstract usage is very common in dramatic dialogue.
내일은 오전 10시쯤 비가 올 것 같아요. (It looks like it will rain around 10 AM tomorrow.)
Finally, in news reports, when the exact number of casualties or the exact amount of damage isn't yet known, journalists use ~쯤 or its more formal synonym 정도. However, ~쯤 remains the preferred choice for spoken news and radio broadcasts because it sounds natural and flows well with the rhythm of Korean speech. Whether you are listening to a podcast or talking to a neighbor, you will find this particle acting as the lubricant that makes Korean conversation smooth and flexible.
While ~쯤 is relatively straightforward, English speakers often stumble due to structural differences or over-application. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise (even when you are being approximate!).
- 1. The Spacing Error
- As mentioned before, ~쯤 is a particle. In Korean grammar, particles must be attached to the preceding noun without a space. Writing '한 달 쯤' is a common mistake; it must be '한 달쯤'.
- 2. Using it with Verbs
- You cannot attach ~쯤 directly to a verb stem. For example, to say 'about to eat,' you cannot say '먹다쯤'. You must use a noun-form or a different grammatical structure like '~ㄹ 때쯤' (around the time when...).
❌ 어제쯤 학교에 갔어요. (Incorrect usage for past specific events)
Another common mistake is using ~쯤 with specific, fixed past events where approximation makes no sense. If you went to school yesterday, you know you went yesterday. Saying 'I went to school about yesterday' sounds strange in both languages. However, you can say '어제 오후 두 시쯤' (around 2 PM yesterday) because the specific time within the day can be approximated.
❌ 매우 쯤 (Very about - Incorrect combination)
Lastly, learners sometimes try to use ~쯤 with adverbs like '매우' (very) or '진짜' (really). These don't mix. ~쯤 is for nouns and quantities. If you want to say 'about very much,' the logic fails. Stick to using it with numbers, durations, times, and locations. Understanding that ~쯤 is a 'noun-attaching estimation tool' will help you avoid these logical and grammatical errors.
Korean has several ways to express approximation, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific context. While ~쯤 is the most common in casual speech, you should also be familiar with 정도 and 약.
- ~쯤 vs. 정도 (Jeongdo)
- ~쯤 is a particle (no space), whereas 정도 is a noun (requires a space). 정도 sounds slightly more formal and precise. You can say '10명쯤' or '10명 정도'. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 정도 is preferred in writing and professional reports.
- ~쯤 vs. 약 (Yak)
- 약 is a prefix-like adverb that comes *before* the noun. It is often used in news broadcasts or technical documents. For example, '약 3시간' (approximately 3 hours). It feels more 'clinical' than the friendly ~쯤.
비교:
1. 한 달쯤 (Casual, spoken)
2. 한 달 정도 (Neutral, written/spoken)
3. 약 한 달 (Formal, news)
There is also the suffix ~여 (yeo), which is very formal and typically used in historical or statistical contexts, such as '십여 년' (ten-plus years). This is much more restrictive than ~쯤 and is rarely used in daily conversation. Another alternative is using ~가량 (garyang), which is similar to 정도 but even more formal, often found in newspapers.
In summary, if you are talking to friends, ordering food, or making casual plans, ~쯤 is your best friend. If you are writing an essay or giving a presentation, 정도 or 약 will make you sound more professional. Understanding these subtle shifts in register is a key part of moving from an A2 to a B1 level in Korean.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
While many Korean grammatical terms are derived from Chinese (Hanja), '~쯤' is a pure Korean particle, which is why it feels so natural in casual spoken language.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing it like 'zum' or 'jum' without the tense 'jj' sound.
- Making the 'eu' sound like 'oo' (as in 'moon').
- Adding a pause before the word, which breaks the particle flow.
Nivel de dificultad
Very easy to recognize at the end of nouns.
The only difficulty is remembering not to put a space before it.
Requires practice for the tense 'jj' sound.
Distinct sound makes it easy to catch in conversation.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Particle Spacing
10시쯤 (O) / 10시 쯤 (X)
Combination with ~에
두 시쯤에 만나요.
Combination with ~은/는
이쯤은 괜찮아요.
Modified by ~ㄹ 때
집에 갈 때쯤 비가 왔어요.
Quantity + 쯤
사과 세 개쯤 샀어요.
Ejemplos por nivel
한 시쯤 만나요.
Let's meet around 1 o'clock.
Time noun + 쯤
사과 두 개쯤 있어요.
There are about two apples.
Quantity counter + 쯤
학생 다섯 명쯤 왔어요.
About five students came.
Person counter + 쯤
커피 세 잔쯤 마셔요.
I drink about three cups of coffee.
Drink counter + 쯤
우유 한 병쯤 필요해요.
I need about one bottle of milk.
Bottle counter + 쯤
집에 세 시쯤 가요.
I go home around 3 o'clock.
Time noun + 쯤
오렌지 네 개쯤 주세요.
Please give me about four oranges.
Quantity counter + 쯤
친구 두 명쯤 만나요.
I meet about two friends.
Person counter + 쯤
이 가방은 오만 원쯤 해요.
This bag costs about 50,000 won.
Currency noun + 쯤
한 시간쯤 기다렸어요.
I waited for about an hour.
Duration noun + 쯤
언제쯤 도착해요?
Around when will you arrive?
Question word + 쯤
얼마쯤 더 가야 돼요?
About how much further do we have to go?
Question word + 쯤
한국어 공부한 지 일 년쯤 됐어요.
It's been about a year since I studied Korean.
Time duration + 쯤
저녁 여덟 시쯤에 전화할게요.
I will call you at around 8 PM.
Time + 쯤 + 에 (particle combination)
사탕 열 개쯤 샀어요.
I bought about ten candies.
Quantity counter + 쯤
키가 170센티미터쯤 돼요.
My height is about 170 centimeters.
Measurement unit + 쯤
다음 주 월요일쯤 다시 이야기합시다.
Let's talk again around next Monday.
Specific date + 쯤
비빔밥은 오천 원쯤 할 거예요.
Bibimbap will probably cost around 5,000 won.
Price estimation + future tense
시험 공부를 일주일쯤 했어요.
I studied for the exam for about a week.
Duration + 쯤
그 사람은 서른 살쯤 되어 보여요.
That person looks to be about thirty years old.
Age + 쯤
서울에서 부산까지 네 시간쯤 걸려요.
It takes about four hours from Seoul to Busan.
Travel duration + 쯤
어제는 열 시쯤 잠들었어요.
Yesterday, I fell asleep around 10 o'clock.
Past point in time + 쯤
이 책은 300페이지쯤 돼요.
This book is about 300 pages long.
Page counter + 쯤
그 영화는 두 시간쯤 해요.
That movie is about two hours long.
Duration + 쯤
이쯤에서 결론을 내리는 게 좋겠어요.
It would be good to draw a conclusion at this point.
Abstract location (이쯤) + 에서
그 정도 돈이면 집 한 채쯤 살 수 있어요.
With that much money, you can buy about one house.
Hypothetical quantity + 쯤
내일 오후쯤이면 서류가 준비될 겁니다.
The documents will be ready by around tomorrow afternoon.
Future time + 쯤 + 이면
그 소문은 사실이 아닐 거라는 것쯤은 알아요.
I know at least that much—that the rumor isn't true.
Noun phrase + 쯤 + 은 (emphasis)
우리 학교에는 외국인 학생이 백 명쯤 있어요.
There are about a hundred international students in our school.
Large quantity + 쯤
이 비타민은 하루에 두 알쯤 먹으면 돼요.
You just need to take about two of these vitamins a day.
Dosage estimation + 쯤
그는 이미 포기할 때쯤 되었어요.
It's about time he gave up.
Verb (~ㄹ 때) + 쯤
그때쯤이면 날씨가 아주 추워질 거예요.
By that time, the weather will get very cold.
Abstract time (그때) + 쯤 + 이면
인생의 반쯤 왔을 때 뒤를 돌아보게 된다.
When you've come about halfway through life, you look back.
Fractional noun + 쯤
이쯤 해 두는 것이 서로에게 좋을 것 같습니다.
I think leaving it at this point would be good for both of us.
Idiomatic '이쯤 해 두다'
그 정도 고통쯤은 충분히 견딜 수 있습니다.
I can certainly endure that much pain.
Abstract noun + 쯤 + 은 (belittling the difficulty)
사태가 이쯤 되니 아무도 입을 열지 않았다.
Now that things had reached this point, no one opened their mouth.
Situation (사태) + 이쯤 (at this point)
그는 쉰 살쯤 되어 보이는 중년 신사였다.
He was a middle-aged gentleman who looked to be about fifty.
Age estimation in description
한 달쯤 뒤에 다시 논의해 봅시다.
Let's discuss it again in about a month.
Time duration + 쯤 + 뒤 (after)
이 상처쯤이야 금방 나을 거예요.
A wound like this will heal in no time.
Noun + 쯤 + 이야 (casual emphasis/dismissal)
그곳에 도착할 때쯤이면 해가 질 거예요.
By the time we arrive there, the sun will be setting.
Complex time clause + 쯤
그의 명성에 비하면 이 정도 비난쯤은 아무것도 아니다.
Compared to his reputation, this much criticism is nothing.
Abstract noun + 쯤 (dismissive nuance)
역사의 흐름이 이쯤에서 바뀐 것으로 보인다.
It appears the flow of history changed at around this point.
Historical time point + 쯤
누구라도 그쯤 되면 화가 날 법도 하다.
Anyone would likely get angry if things got to that point.
Conditional abstract point + 쯤
그가 성공한 비결은 이쯤에서 밝혀질 것이다.
The secret to his success will be revealed at around this stage.
Narrative stage + 쯤
우리는 이미 서로의 마음을 어느 정도쯤은 읽고 있었다.
We were already reading each other's minds to some extent.
Degree noun + 쯤 + 은
그때 그 시절쯤의 향수를 불러일으키는 노래다.
It's a song that evokes nostalgia for around that era.
Vague time period + 쯤
이쯤에서 그만두는 것이 현명한 처사일지도 모른다.
Stopping at this point might be the wise thing to do.
Decision point + 쯤
그의 실력으로 보아 그쯤은 식은 죽 먹기였을 것이다.
Considering his skill, that much must have been a piece of cake.
Task difficulty + 쯤 (dismissive)
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To leave it at that; to stop at a certain point.
오늘은 이쯤 해 둡시다.
— To reach that level or point.
나이가 그쯤 되면 이해할 거야.
— Around tomorrow; sometime tomorrow.
내일쯤 연락할게요.
— Where are you around? (Asking for location during travel).
지금 어디쯤이야? 다 왔어?
— About how much does it cost?
수리비가 얼마쯤 들어?
— This much is nothing (dismissive of difficulty).
이쯤이야 혼자서도 할 수 있어.
— Around that time.
그때쯤이면 다 끝날 거예요.
— About once; at least once.
한 번쯤 가보고 싶어요.
— To be half-dead (idiomatic for being very tired).
어제 너무 힘들어서 반쯤 죽었어요.
— Around this time of year/day.
작년 요맘때쯤에 비가 많이 왔어요.
Se confunde a menudo con
정도 is a noun and needs a space. It is slightly more formal than ~쯤.
약 goes before the noun. It is often used in official reports or news.
Modismos y expresiones
— To call it a day; to stop at this point in a process.
회의는 이쯤에서 그만합시다.
Neutral— That's enough; stop doing that (often used in anger).
야, 이제 그쯤 해라. 듣기 싫다.
Informal/Rough— This much is as easy as eating cold porridge (very easy).
이쯤이야 식은 죽 먹기지!
Informal— To not know where one stands or how much progress has been made.
프로젝트가 어디쯤 왔는지 모르겠어요.
Neutral— By around tomorrow (implies hopeful expectation).
내일쯤이면 기분이 풀릴 거야.
Neutral— To be half-out of one's mind (very shocked or tired).
그 소식을 듣고 반쯤 정신이 나갔어요.
Informal— At this point, you're just looking for a fight/trouble (famous political quote).
이쯤 되면 막 하자는 거지요?
Informal/Aggressive— For quite a while (approximate long duration).
한참쯤 뒤에 그가 나타났다.
Neutral— Even I know that much (dismissive).
그쯤은 나도 아니까 잔소리 마.
Informal— To what extent; around where.
어느쯤이 적당할까요?
NeutralPatrones de oraciones
Time + 쯤
3시쯤 만나요.
Quantity + 쯤
사과 두 개쯤 있어요.
Price + 쯤
만원쯤 해요.
언제쯤 + Verb
언제쯤 도착해요?
Duration + 쯤
한 달쯤 됐어요.
어디쯤 + Verb
지금 어디쯤 오고 있어요?
이쯤에서 + Verb
이쯤에서 멈춥시다.
Noun + 쯤이야
이 상처쯤이야 금방 나아요.
Familia de palabras
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Extremely High (Daily usage)
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Jjeum' as 'Just around' (J-Around). It starts with a 'J' sound and means 'around'.
Asociación visual
Imagine a circle drawn loosely around a specific point on a map. The circle is the '~쯤'.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use '~쯤' three times today: once for time, once for a price you guess, and once for a quantity of items.
Origen de la palabra
Native Korean particle. It has been used for centuries to denote approximation.
Significado original: Estimation, boundary, or approximate point.
KoreanicContexto cultural
None. It is a neutral and safe particle to use in all social settings.
In English, we often use 'ish' (e.g., three-ish). '~쯤' is the Korean equivalent of '-ish' but more grammatically versatile.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Shopping
- 얼마쯤 해요?
- 이거 한 개쯤 더 있어요?
- 만 원쯤 깎아주세요.
- 다섯 개쯤 주세요.
Meeting Friends
- 몇 시쯤 만날까?
- 두 시쯤 어때?
- 어디쯤 왔어?
- 언제쯤 도착해?
Cooking
- 소금 조금쯤 넣으세요.
- 10분쯤 끓이세요.
- 반쯤 익었을 때 넣으세요.
- 설탕 한 스푼쯤.
Directions
- 여기서 5분쯤 걸려요.
- 저기 사거리쯤에서 내리세요.
- 어디쯤인지 아세요?
- 반쯤 가면 보여요.
Work/Deadlines
- 내일쯤 끝날 것 같아요.
- 이쯤에서 마무리하죠.
- 보고서는 금요일쯤 드릴게요.
- 얼마쯤 더 걸릴까요?
Inicios de conversación
"오늘 몇 시쯤 저녁 먹을까요?"
"한국에 오신 지 얼마쯤 되셨어요?"
"여기서 집까지 얼마나쯤 걸려요?"
"가방에 책이 몇 권쯤 들어 있어요?"
"내일 날씨가 몇 도쯤 될까요?"
Temas para diario
오늘 하루 중 가장 행복했던 시간은 몇 시쯤이었나요? 왜 그랬나요?
한 달쯤 뒤에 꼭 이루고 싶은 목표 세 가지를 써 보세요.
일주일쯤 휴가가 생긴다면 어디에 가고 싶나요?
자신의 한국어 실력이 어느 정도쯤 왔다고 생각하나요?
어렸을 때 가장 좋아했던 장난감은 몇 개쯤 있었나요?
Summary
The particle ~쯤 is your go-to tool for being 'approximate' in Korean. It attaches directly to nouns (like time or numbers) to say 'about.' For example, '2시쯤' means 'around 2 o'clock.' Always remember: no space!
- ~쯤 is a Korean particle meaning 'about' or 'approximately' that attaches directly to nouns.
- It is primarily used for estimating time (3시쯤), quantity (5개쯤), and price (만원쯤).
- Unlike English, it always follows the noun and has no space between the noun and the particle.
- Using ~쯤 makes your speech sound more natural, polite, and flexible in social situations.
Ejemplo
두 시쯤 도착할 거예요.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de communication
~대해서
A2About; a particle indicating the subject of discussion.
~ 에 대해
A2Significa 'sobre' o 'acerca de'. Se usa para indicar el tema de lo que se habla o piensa.
동의
B1El acto de estar de acuerdo con la opinión o propuesta de alguien.
모호성
B2La cualidad de estar abierto a más de una interpretación; inexactitud o falta de claridad. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>모호성</mark> se refiere a que algo no está claro y puede entenderse de diferentes maneras. Es una falta de certeza o precisión.
그리고
A1Una conjunción que significa 'y' o 'y luego'. Se usa para conectar dos oraciones o acciones.
공지
A2Un anuncio formal o notificación pública dirigida a un grupo específico.
답하다
A1Responder a una pregunta o mensaje.
대답하다
A1Responder a una pregunta o a una llamada. 'Ella respondió con una sonrisa a mi pregunta.'
대답
A1Respuesta; Réplica. Ella no dio ninguna respuesta.
묻다
A1Preguntar algo a alguien. 'Le pregunté la dirección.'