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A1 adjective #100 más común 9 min de lectura

작다

jakda Top 100

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 작다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 작다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic and literal meaning of '작다'. It is used to describe physical objects and people's height in simple sentences. You learn to conjugate it in the present tense (작아요) and use it as a noun modifier (작은). The focus is on everyday items like shoes, bags, and rooms. At this stage, the primary goal is to distinguish '작다' from its opposite '크다' (big) and to avoid confusing it with '적다' (few). Learners should be able to say things like 'The bag is small' or 'I have a small room.' The grammar is kept simple, usually following the [Subject] + [Particle] + [Adjective] pattern. Understanding that '키가 작다' is the way to say someone is short is a key milestone for A1 learners. This level provides the foundation for all future uses of the word.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use '작다' in more complex sentence structures, including comparisons and reasons. You might use the '-아/어서' ending to explain why something is a problem (e.g., '신발이 작아서 발이 아파요' - My feet hurt because the shoes are small). Comparisons using '-보다' become common, such as '이 사과가 저 사과보다 작아요' (This apple is smaller than that apple). Learners also start to encounter '작다' in common phrases related to volume and sound. The use of '작다' to describe a 'small voice' or 'low volume' is introduced. At this stage, the learner is expected to handle basic shopping interactions where size is a factor and to describe people and places with more detail than at the A1 level.

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At the B1 level, the use of '작다' extends into more abstract and idiomatic territory. Learners begin to understand that '작다' can describe not just physical size, but also the scale of events, problems, or feelings. For example, '작은 변화' (a small change) or '작은 희망' (a small hope). The word starts appearing in more varied grammatical forms, such as '작아지다' (to become small/shrink) and '작게' (small/quietly as an adverb). B1 learners should be able to use '작다' to express humility, such as calling a gift a '작은 선물'. They also start to recognize the word in different registers, from informal conversations to more formal written texts. The distinction between '작다' and its synonyms like '조그맣다' becomes clearer, allowing for more expressive language.

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At the B2 level, learners use '작다' with a high degree of nuance. They can distinguish between physical smallness and metaphorical insignificance. The word is used in complex discussions about social issues, business (e.g., '중소기업' - small and medium enterprises), and literature. B2 learners are comfortable with Hanja-based words that use the root '소' (small) and can switch between native Korean and Hanja-derived terms depending on the context. They understand idiomatic expressions like '간이 작다' (to be chicken-hearted/timid) and can use '작다' to describe subtle differences in quality or performance. The ability to use '작다' in hypothetical situations and complex argumentative sentences is expected. At this level, the learner's vocabulary is rich enough to choose '작다' or a more specific synonym to convey exact meaning.

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At the C1 level, '작다' is used in highly sophisticated ways, often appearing in academic, professional, or literary contexts. The learner understands the philosophical implications of 'smallness' in Korean thought and literature. They can analyze how '작다' is used to create specific moods or to critique social structures (e.g., the 'small' person vs. the 'big' system). C1 learners are adept at using '작다' in formal speeches and written reports, often pairing it with advanced grammar to express precision. They can navigate the subtle social cues involved in using '작다' as a form of politeness or self-deprecation. The word is no longer just a descriptor but a tool for nuanced communication, capable of conveying irony, modesty, or technical detail with ease.

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At the C2 level, the learner has a native-like grasp of '작다' and all its related forms and nuances. They can use the word in any context, from slang to high-level academic discourse. They are familiar with archaic or rare uses of the word in classical literature and can appreciate the historical evolution of its meaning. C2 learners can effortlessly play with the word's connotations in creative writing or persuasive speaking. They understand the deepest cultural roots of the word, including its role in traditional Korean aesthetics that value the small and the humble. At this level, '작다' is part of a vast, interconnected web of vocabulary that the learner uses with total spontaneity and precision, reflecting a complete mastery of the Korean language.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

작다 en 30 segundos

작다 means 'to be small' in size, height, or volume.
It is an adjective (descriptive verb) conjugated as 작아요 or 작은.
Commonly used for physical objects, people's height, and quiet sounds.
Must be distinguished from 적다, which means 'few' or 'little' in quantity.

The Korean word 작다 (jak-da) is a fundamental adjective primarily used to describe physical size, height, or volume that is below average or limited in scale. In its most basic form, it translates to 'to be small' or 'to be little.' However, its application in Korean culture and language is nuanced, often extending beyond mere physical dimensions to encompass concepts of sound, importance, and even personality traits. When you first learn Korean, this is one of the essential 'building block' adjectives that allows you to describe the world around you, from the size of a cup to the height of a person. It is important to distinguish it from its common 'false friend' 적다 (jeok-da), which refers to quantity (few/little) rather than size.

Physical Size: Used for objects like clothes, shoes, rooms, or animals. If a shirt doesn't fit because it's too tight, you say it is '작다'.

이 신발은 저에게 너무 작아요. (These shoes are too small for me.)

Height of People: In Korean, to say someone is short, you use the phrase '키가 작다' (literally: the height is small). Using '짧다' (short in length) for a person's height is incorrect.

제 동생은 키가 작지만 농구를 잘해요. (My younger sibling is short, but plays basketball well.)

Sound and Volume: When a voice is quiet or the TV volume is low, Koreans describe the sound as being '작다'. It contrasts with '크다' (big/loud).

목소리가 너무 작아서 안 들려요. (Your voice is too small/quiet, so I can't hear you.)

Furthermore, '작다' can be used metaphorically. For instance, '도량이 작다' refers to someone who is narrow-minded or lacks a 'big heart.' In professional contexts, a '작은 회사' (small company) refers to a startup or an SME. The versatility of this word makes it indispensable for daily conversation. Whether you are shopping for groceries and looking for '작은 사과' (small apples) or describing a '작은 변화' (small change) in your routine, this word covers all bases of diminutiveness. In literature, '작다' often evokes feelings of humbleness, intimacy, or insignificance, depending on the context. Understanding '작다' is the first step toward mastering spatial descriptions in Korean.

Using 작다 correctly requires understanding its conjugation and its role as a descriptive verb (adjective). In Korean, adjectives function like verbs, meaning they can end a sentence. To use '작다' in a sentence, you must conjugate it based on the politeness level and the tense. The most common forms are '작아요' (polite present), '작습니다' (formal present), and '작았다' (past tense). When you want to use it to modify a noun (e.g., 'a small house'), you use the form '작은'. This '은' ending is crucial for turning the base adjective into a modifier.

Sentence Ending (Polite): The stem '작' is followed by '아요' because the vowel in the stem is 'ㅏ'.

방이 생각보다 작아요. (The room is smaller than I thought.)

Noun Modification: Place '작은' before the noun you want to describe.

작은 선물이지만 받아 주세요. (It's a small gift, but please accept it.)

When using '작다' to describe height, the subject is usually '키' (height). For example, '키가 작아요' is the standard way to say someone is short. If you want to emphasize that something is 'too' small, you add the adverb '너무' or '정말' before '작다'. In more advanced usage, '작다' can be combined with other verbs. For instance, '작아지다' means 'to become small' or 'to shrink.' This is often used when clothes shrink in the wash or when someone's confidence decreases. Understanding these patterns allows you to express a wide range of observations about the physical world and abstract concepts. Remember that in Korean, context often dictates whether '작다' refers to size, volume, or importance, so pay attention to the nouns being described.

You will encounter 작다 in almost every facet of Korean life. From the bustling markets of Seoul to the quiet dialogues in K-dramas, it is a ubiquitous term. In a shopping mall (백화점), you might hear a customer saying '사이즈가 너무 작아요' (The size is too small) while trying on clothes. In a classroom, a teacher might ask a student to speak louder because their voice is '작다'. It is also a key word in describing geography, such as '작은 마을' (a small village) or '작은 섬' (a small island). The word is deeply embedded in the way Koreans perceive and categorize their surroundings.

In Restaurants: When ordering food, you might specify a '작은 사이즈' (small size) for drinks or portions.

콜라 작은 거 하나 주세요. (Please give me one small cola.)

In Social Settings: Koreans often use '작다' to be humble about their own achievements or gifts, referring to them as '작은 성의' (small sincerity/token of appreciation).

이것은 저의 작은 성의입니다. (This is a small token of my appreciation.)

In media, you'll hear '작다' in song lyrics to describe '작은 꿈' (small dreams) or '작은 행복' (small happiness/joys), emphasizing the beauty of the little things in life. In news reports, it might describe a '작은 사고' (minor accident) or a '작은 차이' (small difference) in statistics. Because it is an A1 level word, it is used frequently and simply, making it one of the first words you'll be able to pick out when listening to native speakers. Whether it's a mother telling her child their hands are '작다' or a technician saying a component is '작다', the word is a constant thread in the fabric of Korean communication. Pay attention to how it's often paired with '귀엽다' (to be cute), as small things are frequently associated with cuteness in Korean culture.

One of the most frequent hurdles for English speakers learning Korean is the distinction between 작다 (jak-da) and 적다 (jeok-da). In English, the words 'small,' 'little,' and 'few' can sometimes overlap, but in Korean, the line is very sharp. '작다' refers exclusively to physical size, height, or volume (dimensions). '적다' refers exclusively to quantity or amount (how many/how much). If you say '사람이 작아요' when you mean 'there are few people,' a Korean speaker will think you are saying the people themselves are physically small in stature. This can lead to humorous or confusing situations.

Mistake: Size vs. Quantity: Using '작다' for quantity. Incorrect: 물이 작아요 (The water is small). Correct: 물이 적어요 (There is little water).

돈이 적어요 (O) vs 돈이 작아요 (X - unless referring to physical size of coins/bills).

Mistake: Height Description: Using '짧다' (short) for height. In Korean, '짧다' is for length (like hair or a pencil). For height, you must use '키가 작다'.

그는 키가 작아요. (He is short. - Correct)

Another common error is failing to use the correct modifier form. Beginners often say '작다 집' instead of '작은 집' (small house). Remember that in Korean, the dictionary form of an adjective cannot directly modify a noun; it must be changed to the '-ㄴ/은' form. Additionally, be careful with the word '소 (so)', which is the Hanja (Chinese character) root for 'small'. While '작다' is the native Korean word used in sentences, '소' is used in compound words like '소규모' (small scale) or '소형' (small type). Mixing these up can make your Korean sound unnatural. Lastly, when describing volume, remember that '작다' is the opposite of '크다' (loud/big). Don't use '조용하다' (to be quiet/silent) if you simply mean the volume is low; '조용하다' describes an atmosphere or a lack of noise altogether.

While 작다 is the most common word for 'small,' Korean offers several alternatives that convey different nuances of size and feeling. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker. For example, 조그맣다 is a more expressive, often cuter way to say something is small or tiny. It's frequently used when talking about small animals, children's hands, or delicate objects. Another word, 왜소하다, is used to describe a person's physique as being small, slight, or frail, often in a more formal or clinical sense. Knowing when to use these alternatives adds depth to your vocabulary.

작다 vs. 조그맣다: '작다' is neutral and objective. '조그맣다' feels more subjective, descriptive, and sometimes affectionate. '조그마한 방' sounds cozier than '작은 방'.

작다 vs. 적다: As mentioned, '작다' is for size (dimensions), while '적다' is for quantity (amount). This is the most critical distinction for learners.

작다 vs. 짧다: '작다' is for height/size. '짧다' is for length or duration (short hair, short movie, short time).

머리가 짧아요 (Hair is short) vs 키가 작아요 (Height is small/short).

In formal writing, you might see 소형 (so-hyeong), which means 'small-sized' or 'compact,' often used for cars (소형차) or appliances. There is also 사소하다 (sa-so-hada), which means 'trivial' or 'insignificant.' While '작은 문제' is a small problem, '사소한 문제' is a trivial problem that doesn't really matter. By choosing the right word, you can communicate your thoughts with much greater precision. For instance, if you want to describe a tiny, cute puppy, '조그마한 강아지' is much more evocative than just '작은 강아지'. Conversely, if you're discussing a minor error in a report, '작은 실수' or '사소한 실수' would be appropriate. Mastering these synonyms allows you to navigate various social and professional situations in Korea with ease.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

While '작다' is native Korean, many related technical terms use the Hanja '소' (小), which also means small. For example, '소학교' (elementary school - old term) or '소우주' (microcosm).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tɕak̚.t͈a/

US /tɕak̚.t͈a/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the second syllable '다' is pronounced with a higher pitch and more tension (tensed 'tt').

Rima con

막다 (mak-da) 닦다 (dak-da) 깎다 (kkak-da) 낚다 (nak-da) 섞다 (seok-da - partial) 꺾다 (kkeok-da - partial) 찍다 (jjik-da - partial) 먹다 (meok-da - partial)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'k' (ㄱ) clearly like 'jak-da' instead of a stopped 'k'.
Not tensing the 'd' (ㄷ) into 'tt' (ㄸ) after the 'k' sound.
Confusing the vowel 'ㅏ' with 'ㅓ' (making it sound like 적다).
Over-aspirating the initial 'ㅈ' sound.
Failing to keep the first syllable short and clipped.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize; common in beginner texts.

Escritura 2/5

Easy, but must remember the '은' modifier form.

Expresión oral 2/5

Simple, but must distinguish from '적다' in pronunciation.

Escucha 2/5

Commonly heard, but '작다' and '적다' can sound similar at speed.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

크다 (big) 이/가 (subject particles) 은/는 (topic particles)

Aprende después

적다 (few) 좁다 (narrow) 낮다 (low) 짧다 (short)

Avanzado

왜소하다 사소하다 미세하다 소규모

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective + -ㄴ/은 (Noun Modifier)

작다 -> 작은 (작은 방)

Adjective + -아/어지다 (Become)

작다 -> 작아지다 (옷이 작아졌어요)

Adjective + -게 (Adverb)

작다 -> 작게 (작게 말하세요)

Comparison with -보다

이것이 저것보다 작아요.

Reason with -아/어서

작아서 못 입어요.

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Ejemplos por nivel

가방이 작아요.

The bag is small.

Present polite form of 작다.

작은 사과를 먹어요.

I eat a small apple.

Noun modifier form '작은'.

제 키가 작아요.

I am short (My height is small).

Standard way to describe height.

이 방은 너무 작아요.

This room is too small.

Adverb '너무' used for emphasis.

신발이 작습니다.

The shoes are small (formal).

Formal polite ending -습니다.

작은 집이 귀여워요.

The small house is cute.

Modifying the subject '집'.

목소리가 작아요.

The voice is small (quiet).

Using '작다' for volume.

강아지가 아주 작아요.

The puppy is very small.

Adverb '아주' for emphasis.

이 옷은 저에게 좀 작아요.

This clothing is a bit small for me.

Adverb '좀' (a bit).

방이 작아서 불편해요.

The room is small, so it's uncomfortable.

Reason ending -아서.

어제보다 목소리가 작아요.

Your voice is smaller (quieter) than yesterday.

Comparison with -보다.

작은 사이즈로 주세요.

Please give me the small size.

Directional particle -로.

키가 작지만 농구를 잘해요.

I'm short, but I'm good at basketball.

Contrast ending -지만.

작은 마을에 살고 싶어요.

I want to live in a small village.

Desire ending -고 싶다.

글씨가 너무 작아서 안 보여요.

The handwriting is too small, so I can't see it.

Negative '안' + '보이다'.

더 작은 것은 없나요?

Is there anything smaller?

Comparative '더' (more).

세탁 후에 옷이 작아졌어요.

The clothes became small (shrank) after washing.

Change of state -아/어지다.

작은 실수가 큰 문제를 만들었어요.

A small mistake created a big problem.

Abstract use of '작다'.

작은 일에도 감사할 줄 알아야 해요.

You should know how to be thankful even for small things.

Particle -도 (even/also).

그는 간이 작아서 모험을 싫어해요.

He is timid (small liver), so he hates adventure.

Idiom '간이 작다'.

이것은 제 작은 성의입니다.

This is a small token of my appreciation.

Cultural expression of humility.

작은 소리에도 민감하게 반응해요.

He reacts sensitively even to small sounds.

Adverbial form '민감하게'.

작은 희망이라도 버리지 마세요.

Don't give up even a small hope.

Particle -이라도 (even if it's just).

그는 키는 작지만 마음은 넓어요.

He is short, but he is broad-minded.

Contrast between physical and mental traits.

작은 차이가 명품을 만듭니다.

Small differences make a masterpiece.

Proverbial/Marketing tone.

그 회사는 규모는 작지만 기술력은 최고예요.

The company is small in scale, but its technology is top-notch.

Topic markers for comparison.

사소하고 작은 일로 다투지 마세요.

Don't argue over trivial and small matters.

Synonym pairing '사소하다' and '작다'.

작은 성취감이 모여 큰 자신감이 됩니다.

Small feelings of achievement gather to become great confidence.

Nominalized '성취감'.

그는 도량이 작아서 남을 포용하지 못해요.

He is narrow-minded, so he cannot embrace others.

Advanced idiom '도량이 작다'.

작은 도시의 매력에 푹 빠졌어요.

I fell deeply in love with the charm of small cities.

Emphasizing '매력'.

목표를 작게 나누어 실천해 보세요.

Try dividing your goals into small parts and putting them into practice.

Adverbial '작게'.

작은 불씨가 큰 산불이 될 수 있어요.

A small spark can become a big forest fire.

Metaphorical warning.

현대 사회에서 개인의 존재는 한없이 작게 느껴진다.

In modern society, the existence of the individual feels infinitely small.

Existential/Sociological context.

작은 배려가 타인에게는 큰 위로가 될 수 있다.

A small consideration can be a great comfort to others.

Abstract noun '배려'.

그의 목소리는 작았으나 울림은 컸다.

His voice was small (quiet), but the resonance was great.

Literary contrast ending -으나.

작은 것에 만족하는 삶이 진정한 행복이다.

A life satisfied with small things is true happiness.

Philosophical statement.

미세한 입자보다 더 작은 세계를 탐구하다.

Exploring a world smaller than fine particles.

Scientific context.

작은 정부를 지향하는 정책이 발표되었다.

A policy aiming for a small government was announced.

Political terminology.

그녀의 작은 몸짓 하나에도 기품이 넘쳤다.

Even in her single small gesture, elegance overflowed.

Describing elegance.

작은 차이에서 비롯된 오해가 갈등을 심화시켰다.

Misunderstandings stemming from small differences deepened the conflict.

Causal relationship in formal writing.

우주의 광대함 앞에서 인간은 한낱 작은 존재에 불과하다.

In the face of the vastness of the universe, humans are merely small beings.

Existentialist philosophy.

작은 물방울이 바위를 뚫는 법이다.

It is the way of things that small water droplets pierce rocks.

Proverbial expression of persistence.

그의 문체는 작고 섬세한 묘사가 일품이다.

His writing style is excellent for its small and delicate descriptions.

Literary criticism.

작은 것들의 신음 소리에 귀를 기울여야 한다.

We must listen to the moans of the small (marginalized) things.

Metaphor for social justice.

작은 단서 하나가 사건 해결의 결정적 열쇠가 되었다.

A single small clue became the decisive key to solving the case.

Narrative climax.

그는 작은 이익에 연연하지 않는 대범한 인물이다.

He is a bold person who does not cling to small gains.

Character description.

작은 파동이 중첩되어 거대한 파도를 형성한다.

Small waves overlap to form a massive wave.

Scientific/Metaphorical complexity.

작은 차이를 식별해내는 것이 전문가의 안목이다.

Identifying small differences is the eye of an expert.

Professional expertise.

Colocaciones comunes

키가 작다

목소리가 작다

작은 선물

작은 차이

작은 마을

사이즈가 작다

작은 실수

작은 희망

작은 변화

작은 일

Frases Comunes

작은 고추가 맵다

— Literally 'small peppers are spicy.' Means that small people or things can be powerful.

그는 키는 작지만 아주 강해요. 작은 고추가 맵다더니 정말이네요.

작은 정성

— A small sincere effort or token of appreciation.

작은 정성이니 부담 갖지 말고 받으세요.

작은 보탬

— A small contribution or help.

저의 노력이 팀에 작은 보탬이 되었으면 좋겠어요.

작은 소망

— A small wish or desire.

저의 작은 소망은 가족 모두가 건강한 것입니다.

작은 배려

— A small act of kindness or consideration.

당신의 작은 배려가 저에게 큰 힘이 되었어요.

작은 평화

— A small moment of peace.

커피 한 잔을 마시며 작은 평화를 느껴요.

작은 행복

— Small happiness/joys in daily life.

일상 속의 작은 행복을 찾는 것이 중요해요.

작은 기적

— A small miracle.

그가 깨어난 것은 우리에게 작은 기적이었어요.

작은 도서관

— A small community library.

동네에 작은 도서관이 생겼어요.

작은 결혼식

— A small, intimate wedding.

우리는 가족들만 모시고 작은 결혼식을 올렸어요.

Se confunde a menudo con

작다 vs 적다

Means 'few/little' in quantity. This is the #1 mistake for learners.

작다 vs 짧다

Means 'short' in length or time. Use '작다' for height.

작다 vs 좁다

Means 'narrow'. A room can be '작다' (small) or '좁다' (cramped/narrow).

Modismos y expresiones

"간이 작다"

— To be timid or cowardly (literally 'the liver is small').

그는 간이 작아서 혼자 밤길을 못 가요.

informal

"속이 작다"

— To be narrow-minded or petty.

그렇게 작은 일에 화를 내다니 속이 작군요.

informal

"그릇이 작다"

— To have a small capacity for leadership or character (literally 'the bowl is small').

그는 큰 일을 맡기에는 그릇이 작다.

neutral

"배포가 작다"

— To lack boldness or magnanimity.

그는 배포가 작아서 큰 투자를 못 해요.

neutral

"도량이 작다"

— To be narrow-minded (more formal than 속이 작다).

지도자가 도량이 작으면 따르는 사람이 없다.

formal

"작은 고추가 맵다"

— Small but strong/capable.

키가 작다고 무시하지 마세요. 작은 고추가 매운 법이니까요.

proverb

"눈이 작다"

— Can literally mean small eyes, but idiomatically refers to having a narrow perspective.

그는 눈이 작아서 앞날을 내다보지 못한다.

metaphorical

"입이 작다"

— To have a small appetite or be a picky eater.

우리 아이는 입이 작아서 밥을 조금만 먹어요.

informal

"통이 작다"

— To be stingy or lack a grand scale in planning.

그는 통이 작아서 돈을 잘 안 써요.

informal

"담이 작다"

— To be easily frightened (similar to 간이 작다).

나는 담이 작아서 공포 영화를 못 봐.

informal

Fácil de confundir

작다 vs 적다

Similar sound and both translate to 'small/little' in English.

작다 is for size/dimensions. 적다 is for quantity/amount.

사과가 작아요 (The apple is small). 사과가 적어요 (There are few apples).

작다 vs 짧다

English uses 'short' for both length and height.

짧다 is for length (hair, string). 작다 (with 키) is for height.

머리가 짧아요 (Hair is short). 키가 작아요 (Person is short).

작다 vs 낮다

Both relate to vertical dimensions.

낮다 is for altitude or level (low mountain, low grade). 작다 is for overall size or height.

산이 낮아요 (The mountain is low). 키가 작아요 (The person is short).

작다 vs 조용하다

Both can relate to sound.

조용하다 means 'quiet/silent' (atmosphere). 작다 means 'low volume'.

교실이 조용해요 (The classroom is quiet). 소리가 작아요 (The sound is low).

작다 vs 가늘다

Both describe something 'thin' or 'small'.

가늘다 is for thickness/diameter (thin fingers, thin thread). 작다 is for overall size.

손가락이 가늘어요 (Fingers are thin). 손이 작아요 (Hands are small).

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun]이/가 작아요.

가방이 작아요.

작은 [Noun]

작은 사과

[Noun]보다 작아요.

이게 저것보다 작아요.

작아서 [Result].

작아서 안 맞아요.

작아졌어요.

옷이 작아졌어요.

작게 [Verb].

작게 써 주세요.

[Noun]은/는 작지만 [Noun]은/는 [Adjective].

규모는 작지만 실력은 커요.

작은 [Noun] 하나에도 [Verb].

작은 몸짓 하나에도 기품이 넘쳐요.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

작음 (smallness)

소형 (small size)

소규모 (small scale)

소량 (small amount)

Verbos

작아지다 (to become small/shrink)

Adjetivos

조그맣다 (tiny/smallish)

왜소하다 (frail/slight)

사소하다 (trivial)

Relacionado

크다 (big)

적다 (few)

좁다 (narrow)

낮다 (low)

짧다 (short)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 500 most used words in Korean.

Errores comunes

물이 작아요. → 물이 적어요.
Water is a quantity, so you must use '적다'. '작다' would mean the water droplets are physically small.
그는 키가 짧아요. → 그는 키가 작아요.
Height is described as 'small' (작다) in Korean, not 'short' (짧다).
작다 집 → 작은 집
Adjectives must be in the modifier form (-ㄴ/은) to describe a noun.
목소리가 조용해요. → 목소리가 작아요.
While '조용하다' means quiet, when referring specifically to the volume of a voice, '작다' is more natural.
나이가 작아요. → 나이가 적어요.
Age is a quantity of years, so use '적다' or '어리다' (young).

Consejos

Modifier Form

Always use '작은' before a noun. Example: '작은 고양이' (small cat). This is a common A1 test point.

Size vs. Quantity

If you can measure it with a ruler, use '작다'. If you can count it or measure volume, use '적다'.

Humility

When giving a gift, say '작은 선물이에요' even if it's expensive. It's the polite Korean way.

Tensed Sound

The '다' in '작다' is pronounced like 'tta'. Practice the 'k-t' transition: Jak-tta!

Timid Heart

Use '간이 작다' (small liver) to describe someone who is easily scared or not brave.

Height

Remember: 키가 작다 = Short (person). Never use 짧다 for people!

Asking for Sizes

In a store, ask '더 작은 거 있어요?' (Do you have a smaller one?) to find the right fit.

Formal Contexts

In reports, use '소규모' or '소형' instead of '작다' for a more professional tone.

Context Clues

If you hear '소리' or '목소리', '작다' always means 'quiet'.

Jacket Mnemonic

A 'Jacket' is 'Jak-da'. It helps you remember that '작다' is about physical size.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Jacket' that is too 'Jak-da' (small). You can't fit into a 'Jak' jacket.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant 'K' (from 크다) standing next to a tiny 'J' (from 작다). The 'J' is much smaller.

Word Web

Size Height Volume Quiet Short Small Tiny Little

Desafío

Try to find 5 things in your room right now and say '[Object]이/가 작아요' for each one.

Origen de la palabra

Native Korean word. It has been used since Middle Korean in the form '쟈다' or similar variations.

Significado original: To be small in size or stature.

Koreanic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when describing people as '왜소하다' (frail/small), as it can sound negative. '키가 작다' is a neutral observation.

English speakers often use 'short' for height, but 'small' for objects. In Korean, '작다' covers both, but '짧다' (short) is only for length.

The book 'Small is Beautiful' (작은 것이 아름답다) The movie 'Little Forest' (리틀 포레스트 - though using the English loanword) The song 'Boy With Luv' (작은 것들을 위한 시) by BTS

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Shopping for clothes

이거보다 더 작은 거 있어요?
사이즈가 너무 작아요.
작은 사이즈로 보여주세요.
입어보니 좀 작네요.

Describing people

키가 작아요.
얼굴이 진짜 작아요.
손이 작아요.
체격이 좀 작은 편이에요.

In a library/quiet place

목소리를 작게 해주세요.
소리가 너무 작아요.
작은 소리로 말해요.
작게 들려요.

Giving a gift

작은 성의입니다.
작은 선물을 준비했어요.
정말 작은 거니까 부담 갖지 마세요.
작은 보탬이 되길 바랍니다.

Describing a house/room

방이 너무 작아요.
작은 집이지만 아늑해요.
공간이 좀 작네요.
작은 가구가 필요해요.

Inicios de conversación

"이 신발 사이즈가 저한테 너무 작은 것 같아요. 더 큰 거 있나요?"

"제 키가 너무 작아서 고민이에요. 어떻게 하면 키가 클까요?"

"목소리가 너무 작아서 잘 안 들리는데, 조금만 크게 말씀해 주시겠어요?"

"작은 마을에서 사는 것과 큰 도시에서 사는 것 중 무엇을 더 좋아하세요?"

"일상 속에서 느끼는 작은 행복은 무엇인가요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 내가 한 작은 실수에 대해 써보세요. 그 실수를 통해 무엇을 배웠나요?

나를 행복하게 만드는 '작은 것들' 5가지를 리스트로 만들어 보세요.

내가 만약 아주 작은 사람이 된다면, 가장 먼저 무엇을 하고 싶나요?

최근에 받은 작은 선물 중 가장 기억에 남는 것은 무엇인가요?

작은 변화가 내 삶을 어떻게 바꿀 수 있을지 생각해 보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, for duration, use '짧다'. '영화가 짧아요' is correct. '영화가 작아요' would mean the screen size is small.

You can say '조금 작아요' or '좀 작아요'.

No, it is never correct. You must always use '키가 작다' to describe a person's height as short.

'작은' is neutral. '조그마한' is more descriptive and often implies the object is cute or surprisingly small.

Yes, in phrases like '작은 일' (small matter), it can imply something is not very important, though '사소하다' is more specific for 'trivial'.

It becomes '작았다' (plain) or '작았어요' (polite).

No, for age, use '어리다' (to be young). '나이가 적다' is also possible, but '작다' is not used for age.

No, use '적다'. '물이 적어요' means there is a small amount of water.

The opposite is '목소리가 크다' (voice is big/loud).

You can say '점점 더 작아져요' (It's becoming smaller and smaller).

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