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A2 adverb #1,500 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

작게

jakge Top 1,500

At the A1 level, '작게' is primarily learned as a way to control volume. You use it to ask people to speak quietly or to describe a sound that is not loud. It is often paired with the verb '말하다' (to speak) or '하다' (to do/make). Learners at this level should focus on the basic sentence '작게 말하세요' (Speak quietly). It is one of the first adverbs you learn because it is essential for polite interaction in classrooms or public places. You might also see it in very simple contexts like '작게 그려요' (Draw it small) when learning shapes or basic actions. The focus is on the direct physical meaning of 'small' or 'quiet'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '작게' in more diverse physical contexts. You learn to use it with verbs like '자르다' (to cut), '접다' (to fold), and '쓰다' (to write). This allows you to follow or give instructions, such as '종이를 작게 접으세요' (Fold the paper small). You also start to distinguish '작게' from '조용히' (quietly) and '적게' (a small amount). A2 learners should be able to use '작게' to describe the result of an action, such as making something smaller. You might also encounter it in phrases like '작게 들리다' (to be heard faintly), which describes your perception of sound in a slightly more complex way than just 'speaking'.

At the B1 level, '작게' starts to appear in more abstract or metaphorical contexts. You might use it to describe starting a business or a project on a small scale: '사업을 작게 시작했어요' (I started the business small). It also appears in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it with '만들다' to mean 'to downsize' or 'to minimize'. B1 learners should understand the nuance of using '작게' to express humility or caution. For example, describing one's own achievements or plans '작게' can be a way of showing modesty in Korean culture. You also begin to see it used in comparative sentences, like '이것보다 더 작게 만들어 주세요' (Please make it smaller than this).

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of '작게' in all its nuances, including its role in social etiquette. You understand that '작게 말하다' is not just about volume, but often about 'nunchi'—reading the room and being considerate of others. You can use '작게' in professional settings, such as discussing '작게 포장하다' (packaging something compactly) or '작게 인쇄하다' (printing something in a small format). At this level, you also recognize '작게' in idiomatic expressions and can differentiate it from more formal synonyms like '소규모로' (on a small scale). You are comfortable using it to describe subtle changes in sound or size in descriptive writing.

At the C1 level, '작게' is used with high precision in literary or academic contexts. You might see it used to describe the 'smallness' of a person's existence or the 'quietness' of a hidden emotion. In C1 level texts, '작게' might modify verbs that describe internal states, such as '작게 한숨을 쉬다' (to let out a small/faint sigh). You understand the stylistic choice of using '작게' versus more complex Sino-Korean words to create a specific tone. You can also analyze how '작게' functions in complex sentence structures where it might modify a whole clause or be used in a series of descriptive adverbs to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '작게' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You understand the deepest cultural implications of 'smallness' in Korean thought—how doing things '작게' can reflect a philosophy of minimalism or a strategic choice in a competitive environment. You can use '작게' in sophisticated wordplay or in high-level rhetorical speeches. You are aware of how '작게' can be used ironically or sarcastically. In professional translation or interpretation, you can accurately decide when '작게' should be translated as 'quietly,' 'faintly,' 'minimally,' or 'on a small scale' based on the most subtle contextual cues. You have a complete intuitive sense of the word's weight and color.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

작게 en 30 secondes

Used to describe doing something in a small physical size, like cutting or drawing.
Commonly used to mean 'quietly' or 'at a low volume' when speaking or playing music.
Derived from the adjective '작다' (small) by adding the adverbial suffix '-게'.
Essential for polite requests to lower volume or for following detailed physical instructions.

The Korean word 작게 (jak-ge) is an adverb derived from the adjective 작다 (jak-da), which means 'to be small.' In Korean grammar, the suffix -게 transforms an adjective into an adverb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Therefore, 작게 literally translates to 'small-ly,' but it is most commonly used to mean 'quietly' (in terms of volume), 'in a small size' (in terms of physical dimensions), or 'on a small scale' (in terms of scope).

Core Concept: Volume: When applied to sound, it describes a low volume. Unlike '조용히' (quietly/silently), which implies a lack of noise or a peaceful state, 작게 specifically refers to the physical intensity of the sound waves being low.

목소리를 작게 하세요. (Please lower your voice / Speak quietly.)

Core Concept: Physical Size: When used with verbs of creation or modification, it refers to the physical dimensions of the object. For example, cutting vegetables into small pieces or drawing a small circle.

종이를 작게 자르세요. (Cut the paper small.)

In a broader sense, 작게 can also describe the scale of an event or business. Starting a business '작게' means starting on a small scale with limited resources. This versatility makes it one of the most essential adverbs for A2 learners to master, as it bridges the gap between physical descriptions and behavioral instructions. Whether you are in a library asking someone to speak softly or in a kitchen following a recipe, 작게 is the functional tool you need. It is important to distinguish it from 적게 (jeok-ge), which refers to quantity (few/little) rather than size or volume. For instance, '작게 먹다' would imply taking small bites, whereas '적게 먹다' means eating a small amount of food total. This nuance is vital for clear communication in Korean.

Using 작게 correctly involves understanding its relationship with the verbs it modifies. It typically precedes the verb to describe the manner of the action. In Korean sentence structure, adverbs are quite flexible, but placing 작게 directly before the verb is the most natural and common pattern.

Usage with Sensory Verbs: When paired with verbs like 들리다 (to be heard) or 보이다 (to be seen), it describes the perception of the object. '작게 들리다' means something is heard faintly or at a low volume.

음악 소리가 작게 들려요. (The music sounds quiet/faint.)

Usage with Action Verbs: With verbs like 말하다 (to speak), 쓰다 (to write), or 자르다 (to cut), it defines the physical output. '작게 쓰다' means to write in small handwriting.

글씨를 너무 작게 쓰지 마세요. (Don't write your characters too small.)

In social contexts, 작게 is often used as a polite way to ask for volume control. Instead of saying 'Be quiet!' (which can be harsh), saying 'Please speak a bit more 작게' is seen as a softer, more indirect request. It focuses on the technical adjustment of the volume rather than criticizing the person's behavior. Furthermore, in business or life planning, '작게 시작하다' (to start small) is a common idiom reflecting a cautious or humble approach. This demonstrates that the word transcends physical size and enters the realm of strategy and social etiquette. When practicing, try to pair 작게 with various verbs to see how the meaning shifts slightly but remains rooted in the concept of 'smallness' or 'low intensity'.

You will encounter 작게 in a variety of everyday Korean environments, ranging from public spaces to private homes. Its frequency in daily conversation makes it a high-utility word for any learner living in or visiting Korea.

In Public Transportation and Libraries: You will often see signs or hear announcements asking passengers or visitors to keep their voices low. Phrases like '전화 통화는 작게' (Keep phone calls quiet) are common.

도서관에서는 작게 말해야 해요. (You must speak quietly in the library.)

In the Kitchen or Restaurants: When giving or receiving cooking instructions, 작게 is used to describe how ingredients should be prepared. A chef might tell an assistant to dice onions '작게'.

양파를 작게 다져 주세요. (Please mince the onions small.)

Additionally, in the digital world, you might hear it when discussing screen settings or photo editing. '이미지를 작게 만들다' (to make an image smaller) is a standard phrase. In K-dramas, you might hear a character whisper '작게 말해!' (Speak quietly!) when they are sharing a secret or trying to avoid being caught. The word is ubiquitous because it touches on the fundamental human need to regulate size and sound. From the way we handle physical objects to the way we project our voices in a social hierarchy, 작게 serves as a primary modifier for moderate and controlled behavior.

Even though 작게 seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its distinction from other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. The most frequent error is the confusion between 'size' and 'quantity'.

작게 vs. 적게 (Size vs. Quantity): This is the #1 mistake. 작게 comes from 작다 (small size), while 적게 comes from 적다 (small quantity/few). If you want to say 'Eat less,' you should use '적게 먹다.' If you say '작게 먹다,' it sounds like you are taking tiny bites of food.

Wrong: 설탕을 작게 넣으세요. (Put the sugar in smallly - incorrect for quantity.)
Right: 설탕을 적게 넣으세요. (Put in a small amount of sugar.)

작게 vs. 조용히 (Volume vs. Silence): While often interchangeable when referring to speaking, 작게 refers to the volume level, whereas 조용히 refers to the overall quietness or lack of disturbance. You can speak '작게' but still not be '조용히' (e.g., whispering constantly in a library).

TV 소리를 작게 줄여 주세요. (Please turn the TV volume down low.)

Another mistake is using 작게 when 낮게 (low) is more appropriate. For example, when talking about pitch in music or the height of an object, '낮게' is the correct term. '작게' is strictly for size and volume intensity. For instance, '노래를 작게 부르다' means to sing quietly, while '노래를 낮게 부르다' means to sing in a low register/pitch. Understanding these subtle boundaries will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid the 'foreigner's confusion' between these common adverbs.

To truly master 작게, you must see how it sits within the family of Korean adverbs that describe scale, volume, and intensity. Comparing it with its synonyms and near-synonyms provides clarity on its specific usage boundaries.

조용히 (Quietly / Silently): This is the most common synonym. However, '조용히' focuses on the atmosphere of silence or the act of not making a disturbance. '작게' focuses on the physical low volume of a sound that is still being made.

낮게 (Lowly / In a low height or pitch): While '작게' is about size/volume, '낮게' is about vertical height or musical pitch. You fly '낮게' (low), but you speak '작게' (quietly).

비행기가 낮게 날아요. (The plane flies low.) vs. 목소리가 작게 들려요. (The voice is heard quietly.)

좁게 (Narrowly): '작게' refers to overall smallness in 3D or 2D space, while '좁게' specifically refers to width or a confined space. You might live '좁게' (in a cramped/narrow way) but draw '작게' (a small drawing).

In summary, 작게 is the 'jack-of-all-trades' for smallness in Korean. It covers volume, physical dimensions, and metaphorical scale. By understanding its relationship with '조용히' and '적게', you can avoid the most common pitfalls and use the word with the precision of a native speaker. Whether you are adjusting the volume on your phone or describing how to cut a piece of cake, 작게 is your go-to adverb for anything that needs to be 'less' in size or sound.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

작게 말해요.

Speak quietly.

Adverb + Verb

음악을 작게 틀어요.

Play the music quietly.

Object + Adverb + Verb

작게 그려요.

Draw it small.

Imperative form

소리가 작게 들려요.

The sound is heard quietly.

Passive verb '들리다'

작게 써 주세요.

Please write it small.

-아/어 주세요 (request)

목소리를 작게 하세요.

Make your voice small (Speak quietly).

Honorific -세요

작게 웃어요.

Smile/Laugh small (Chuckle).

Basic action

작게 만들어요.

Make it small.

Present tense

사과를 작게 자르세요.

Cut the apple into small pieces.

Resultative adverb

글씨를 너무 작게 쓰지 마세요.

Don't write your characters too small.

-지 마세요 (prohibition)

종이를 작게 접어서 넣으세요.

Fold the paper small and put it in.

-어서 (sequence)

TV 소리를 작게 줄여 줄까요?

Shall I turn the TV volume down low?

-ㄹ까요? (suggestion)

사진을 작게 인쇄했어요.

I printed the photo small.

Past tense

가방을 작게 만들고 싶어요.

I want to make the bag small.

-고 싶다 (desire)

비밀이니까 작게 말해.

It's a secret, so speak quietly.

Informal (Banmal)

글자를 조금 더 작게 해 주세요.

Please make the letters a bit smaller.

Comparative '더'

우리는 사업을 작게 시작하기로 했어요.

We decided to start the business on a small scale.

-기로 하다 (decision)

문제를 너무 작게 생각하지 마세요.

Don't think of the problem as too small (Don't underestimate it).

Metaphorical usage

그는 작게 고개를 끄덕였다.

He nodded his head slightly.

Literary past tense

방을 작게 나누어서 사용해요.

We divide the room small and use it (partitioning).

Spatial division

작게나마 도움이 되고 싶습니다.

I want to be of help, even if it's in a small way.

-나마 (even if/at least)

희망이 작게 보이기 시작했다.

Hope began to appear in a small way.

Abstract perception

그 소리는 아주 작게 들려서 놓치기 쉬워요.

That sound is heard so quietly that it's easy to miss.

-어서 (reason)

옷을 작게 수선해 주세요.

Please alter the clothes to be smaller.

Modification

그는 자신의 공을 작게 말하며 겸손해했다.

He spoke of his own merits in a small way and was humble.

Social nuance

예산을 작게 잡으면 나중에 힘들 수 있어요.

If you set the budget small, it could be difficult later.

-면 (condition)

화면을 작게 최소화해 두세요.

Keep the screen minimized small.

-어 두다 (state of completion)

작게 시작해서 크게 키우는 것이 목표입니다.

The goal is to start small and grow big.

Contrastive structure

목소리가 작게 떨리는 것을 느꼈다.

I felt my voice trembling slightly.

Noun phrase + Object

그림의 세부 사항을 작게 묘사했다.

He described the details of the painting in a small/fine way.

Descriptive precision

작게 접힌 쪽지에는 비밀이 적혀 있었다.

On the small-folded note, a secret was written.

Passive '적혀 있다'

회의 내용을 작게 요약해서 보고하세요.

Summarize the meeting content small (concisely) and report it.

Professional instruction

그녀는 작게 한숨을 내쉬며 창밖을 보았다.

She let out a faint sigh and looked out the window.

Literary adverb usage

작게 일렁이는 파도를 보며 마음을 달랬다.

I soothed my mind watching the smallly (gently) swaying waves.

Present participle modifier

사건을 작게 마무리하려는 의도가 보인다.

An intention to wrap up the incident in a small way (downplay it) is visible.

Abstract scale

작게나마 보답할 수 있어서 다행입니다.

I am glad I can repay you, even if only in a small way.

Formal expression of gratitude

그의 존재는 거대한 우주 속에서 작게 느껴졌다.

His existence felt small within the vast universe.

Philosophical context

작게 부서지는 햇살이 눈부셨다.

The smallly breaking (shimmering) sunlight was dazzling.

Poetic imagery

갈등을 작게 만들기 위해 노력했다.

I made an effort to make the conflict small (de-escalate).

Conflict resolution

작게 속삭이는 소리가 귓가를 맴돌았다.

The sound of small whispering lingered in my ears.

Sensory description

권력의 이동이 아주 작게, 그러나 확실하게 일어났다.

The shift in power happened very smallly (subtly), yet surely.

Nuanced contrast

작게 조각난 기억들을 맞추어 나갔다.

I began to piece together the smallly fragmented memories.

Metaphorical fragmentation

그의 비판은 작게 시작되었으나 파장은 컸다.

His criticism started small, but the ripple effect was large.

Causal progression

작게 움츠러든 어깨가 그의 고독을 말해 주었다.

His smallly hunched shoulders spoke of his loneliness.

Physical-emotional link

진실은 때로 아주 작게 숨겨져 있다.

Truth is sometimes hidden very smallly (subtly).

Philosophical statement

작게 울려 퍼지는 종소리가 새벽을 깨웠다.

The smallly echoing bell sound woke the dawn.

Evocative imagery

사소한 오해가 작게 쌓여 큰 벽이 되었다.

Minor misunderstandings piled up smallly and became a large wall.

Cumulative effect

작게 태어나 크게 죽는 것이 영웅의 길인가.

Is it the hero's path to be born small and die big?

Rhetorical question

Collocations courantes

작게 말하다

작게 들리다

작게 자르다

작게 접다

작게 쓰다

작게 시작하다

작게 보이다

작게 줄이다

작게 웃다

작게 숨쉬다

Phrases Courantes

목소리를 작게

소리를 작게

작게나마

작게 만들다

작게 태어나다

작게 쪼개다

작게 다지다

작게 요약하다

작게 인쇄하다

작게 최소화하다

Souvent confondu avec

작게 vs 적게

작게 vs 조용히

작게 vs 낮게

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

작게 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

size

Refers to physical dimensions.

scale

Refers to the scope of an activity.

volume

Refers to decibel level.

Erreurs courantes

Using '작게' instead of '적게' for quantity.
Using '작게' instead of '낮게' for height or pitch.
Using '작게' instead of '짧게' for duration.
Mispronouncing '작게' as '적게'.
Using '작게' to mean 'cheaply' (싸게).

Astuces

Adverb Formation

Remember that '-게' is the most productive way to make adverbs from adjectives. If you know '작다', you know '작게'.

Public Manners

In Korea, keeping your voice '작게' in public is a sign of good upbringing and respect for others.

Size vs. Amount

Always double-check if you mean size (작게) or amount (적게). This is the most common error for learners.

Soft Requests

When you want someone to be quieter, '작게 말해 주세요' is often softer and more effective than '조용히 하세요'.

Context Clues

If you hear '작게' in a kitchen, it's about cutting. In a library, it's about speaking.

Descriptive Power

Use '작게' to add detail to your writing. Instead of just 'he spoke,' use 'he spoke quietly' (작게 말했다).

The Double K

Focus on the 'kk' sound. It's not 'jak-ge' with a soft g, but 'jak-ke' with a sharp, tensed k sound.

Humble Expressions

Use '작게나마' when giving a gift to sound more like a native speaker who is being humble.

Tech Terms

'작게' is used for 'minimize' or 'downsize' in computer and photo contexts.

Start Small

The phrase '작게 시작하다' is very common in business and self-improvement contexts in Korea.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Jak' (작) as 'Jack' who is a 'small' boy. He does everything 'Jak-ge' (smallly/quietly).

Origine du mot

Native Korean

Contexte culturel

It is common to downplay one's efforts using '작게' to avoid appearing arrogant.

Using '작게' when asking someone to lower their volume is more polite than telling them to be '조용히' (silent).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"목소리 좀 작게 해 줄 수 있어?"

"이거 너무 작게 자른 거 아냐?"

"음악 소리가 너무 작게 들려요."

"글씨를 왜 이렇게 작게 써?"

"사업을 작게 시작하는 게 어때?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 내가 작게 말해야 했던 상황은?

작게 시작해서 성공하고 싶은 일이 있나요?

작게나마 다른 사람을 도운 경험을 써 보세요.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use '적게' for amount. '작게' would mean the size of the food pieces is small.

Yes, it is a neutral adverb. Using it in a request like '작게 말해 주세요' is very polite.

'작게' is about the volume level. '조용히' is about being quiet or not making noise at all.

You can say '소리를 작게 줄여 주세요' or just '소리 좀 줄여 주세요'.

No, '작게' only refers to size, volume, or scale. For 'cheaply,' use '싸게'.

No, for height use '낮게' (low) or '키가 작다' (to be short).

No, for a short time use '짧게'.

Yes, it is one of the most frequently used adverbs in daily Korean.

The adverb itself doesn't change, but the verb it modifies will change (e.g., 작게 말씀하세요).

Yes, metaphorically, like '작게 실망하다' (to be slightly disappointed), though '조금' is more common.