축소시키다
축소시키다 en 30 secondes
- 축소시키다 means 'to reduce' or 'to make smaller' in a formal or technical sense, often used for budgets, scales, and digital images.
- It is a causative verb (noun + 시키다), implying an active subject performing the reduction on an object.
- Commonly seen in business, news, and software menus, it contrasts with the more casual and general verb '줄이다'.
- It is essential for formal communication when discussing downsizing, minimizing risks, or resizing technical dimensions.
The Korean verb 축소시키다 (chuk-so-si-ki-da) is a sophisticated way to express the act of making something smaller, reducing its scale, or narrowing its scope. While the basic verb '줄이다' is used in everyday conversation for things like shortening pants or reducing a flame, 축소시키다 carries a more formal, technical, or administrative tone. It is composed of the Hanja-derived noun 축소 (縮小), where '축' (縮) means to shrink or contract and '소' (小) means small, combined with the causative suffix 시키다, which means 'to make' or 'to cause to be.' Therefore, the literal translation is 'to cause a reduction' or 'to make something small.'
- Business and Economics
- In professional settings, this word is frequently used when discussing budgets, organizational structures, or project scopes. For instance, if a company is facing a financial crisis, they might decide to 축소시키다 their workforce or their investment plans. It implies a deliberate, often strategic, decision to downsize.
- Technology and Media
- When dealing with digital assets, such as images or files, 축소시키다 is the standard term for resizing an image to be smaller or compressing data. If you are using Photoshop in Korean, the command to 'Scale Down' or 'Shrink' an object would involve this verb. It describes the physical reduction of dimensions or volume.
- Abstract Concepts
- Beyond physical size, this verb is used for abstract concepts like 'influence,' 'role,' or 'risk.' A government might attempt to 축소시키다 the influence of a certain policy, or a doctor might suggest lifestyle changes to 축소시키다 the risk of a disease. It implies a systematic effort to minimize the presence or impact of something.
회사는 내년 예산을 대폭 축소시키기로 결정했습니다. (The company decided to drastically reduce next year's budget.)
In social contexts, you might hear this word when people talk about simplifying events. For example, a couple might decide to 축소시키다 their wedding ceremony to include only family members due to external circumstances. This usage highlights the transition from a larger, more complex state to a smaller, more manageable one. It is also common in legal contexts, where a sentence or a charge might be reduced. The word conveys a sense of precision and intentionality that '줄이다' lacks. While '줄이다' can be accidental or natural, 축소시키다 almost always implies a conscious effort or a technical process.
이미지를 50%로 축소시켜 주세요. (Please reduce the image to 50%.)
Finally, it is worth noting that in modern Korean, the causative -시키다 is sometimes criticized when a simple transitive verb would suffice. However, for nouns like 축소, the form 축소시키다 remains the standard way to express the active reduction of an object by an external force. It sounds professional and clear, making it a staple in news reports, academic papers, and business presentations. When you use this word, you signal that you are discussing a formal process of downsizing or minimization.
Using 축소시키다 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb that takes an object marked by the particles -을 or -를. Because it is a causative verb, it always implies that an actor (the subject) is performing the action of making something else (the object) smaller. This structure is vital for clarity in both written and spoken Korean.
- Sentence Structure 1: Physical Objects
- When reducing the size of physical items or digital files: [Subject] + [Object]-을/를 + [Adverb] + 축소시키다.
Example: 디자이너가 로고를 축소시켰다. (The designer reduced the logo.) - Sentence Structure 2: Abstract Scales
- When reducing the scale of an event or organization: [Subject] + [Object]-을/를 + [Extent] + 축소시키다.
Example: 정부는 행사 규모를 최소한으로 축소시켰다. (The government reduced the scale of the event to a minimum.)
우리는 식비 지출을 축소시켜야 합니다. (We must reduce our food expenses.)
In more complex sentences, 축소시키다 often appears in the conjunctive form -시켜서 (by reducing/having reduced) or the conditional form -시키면 (if you reduce). For example, '이미지를 축소시켜서 문서에 삽입하세요' (Reduce the image and insert it into the document). This demonstrates how the action of reducing is often a prerequisite for another action. Additionally, it is frequently used with adverbs that describe the degree of reduction, such as 대폭 (drastically), 점진적으로 (gradually), or 강제로 (forcibly).
Furthermore, in academic writing, the passive form 축소되다 is often used to describe natural phenomena, but 축소시키다 is used when emphasizing human intervention. For instance, '지구 온난화가 빙하의 면적을 축소시켰다' (Global warming reduced the area of glaciers). Here, global warming is treated as the agent causing the reduction. Using the causative form allows for a more dynamic description of cause and effect, which is highly valued in analytical Korean prose.
그들은 사업의 범위를 축소시킴으로써 효율성을 높였습니다. (By reducing the scope of the business, they increased efficiency.)
The word 축소시키다 is ubiquitous in environments where precision, formality, and strategic planning are paramount. You are unlikely to hear it while chatting with friends at a cafe, but you will encounter it daily in professional and informational media. Understanding where this word appears will help you grasp its specific nuance of 'intentional downsizing.'
- News and Media Reports
- In economic news, anchors often report on companies that 축소시키다 their operations due to market downturns. You might hear: '기업들이 신규 채용 규모를 축소시키고 있습니다' (Companies are reducing the scale of new hiring). It is the standard term for reporting on policy changes or economic adjustments.
- Corporate Meetings and Presentations
- In a boardroom, a manager might present a plan to 축소시키다 operational costs. It sounds more professional and decisive than '줄이다.' It suggests a calculated move rather than a mere decrease. Phrases like '비용 축소' (cost reduction) or '인원 축소' (personnel reduction) are common collocations in this setting.
- Technical Manuals and Software UI
- If you use a Korean operating system or software like Hancom Office or Adobe Creative Suite, you will see 축소 (reduction) and 축소시키다 in the menus. It refers specifically to zooming out or resizing graphics. A manual might instruct: '이미지를 클릭하여 원하는 크기로 축소시키십시오' (Click the image and reduce it to the desired size).
방송국은 제작비를 축소시키기 위해 출연진을 줄였습니다. (The TV station reduced the number of cast members to reduce production costs.)
In academic lectures, particularly in the fields of science or social studies, professors use 축소시키다 to describe controlled experiments or historical trends. For example, a sociology professor might discuss how urbanization 축소시켰다 the size of the traditional family unit. In medicine, a surgeon might explain how they will 축소시키다 the size of an incision to minimize scarring. In all these cases, the word highlights a precise, often measurable, reduction that is part of a larger plan or process.
지도를 축소시키면 더 넓은 지역을 볼 수 있습니다. (If you zoom out/reduce the map, you can see a wider area.)
While 축소시키다 is a powerful word, it is often misused by learners who confuse its causative nature or over-apply its formal tone to casual situations. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Korean sound more natural and precise.
- Confusing Active and Passive
- The most common error is using 축소시키다 when the subject is not the one doing the reducing. If a budget 'gets smaller' on its own or through unnamed forces, you should use 축소되다 (to be reduced).
Incorrect: 예산이 축소시켰다. (The budget reduced [something]).
Correct: 예산이 축소되었다. (The budget was reduced.) - Overly Formal Usage
- Using this word in very casual or personal contexts can sound stiff or robotic. For instance, if you are asking a friend to turn down the volume of the TV, saying '볼륨을 축소시켜 줘' sounds like you are an AI. Use '볼륨 좀 줄여 줘' instead. 축소시키다 is for dimensions, budgets, and scales, not usually for volume, weight, or length in daily life.
- Misapplying to Weight Loss
- Learners often try to say they want to 'reduce' their body weight using this word. While technically 'reducing' weight, Koreans use 살을 빼다 or 체중을 감량하다. Saying '몸무게를 축소시키다' sounds like you want to physically shrink your entire body into a smaller version of yourself, like a sci-fi movie.
Wrong: 나는 내 방을 축소시키고 싶어. (I want to shrink my room [physically].)
Right: 나는 방의 짐을 줄이고 싶어. (I want to reduce the stuff in my room.)
Another mistake involves confusing 축소시키다 with 단축시키다 (to shorten). While both mean 'to make smaller,' 단축시키다 is specifically used for time, distance, or duration. For example, you '단축시키다' a travel time, but you '축소시키다' a budget. Mixing these up can lead to confusion about whether you are talking about the physical size of a road or the time it takes to travel it. Always check if you are reducing 'size/amount' (축소) or 'length/time' (단축).
운전 시간을 단축시켰다 (Shortened driving time) vs. 사진을 축소시켰다 (Reduced photo size).
To truly master 축소시키다, you must understand how it relates to other verbs that mean 'to reduce' or 'to make small.' Choosing the right synonym can change the entire tone of your sentence from casual to academic or professional.
- 줄이다 (Ju-ri-da)
- The most common, native Korean alternative. It is versatile and used for volume, size, length, amount, and weight.
Difference: 줄이다 is general and informal; 축소시키다 is formal and technical. Use 줄이다 for 'reducing salt' in food, but 축소시키다 for 'reducing the scale' of a chemical experiment. - 감축하다 (Gam-chuk-ha-da)
- This word specifically means 'to reduce a fixed number or amount.' It is very common in military or corporate contexts.
Difference: 감축하다 is often used for personnel (인원 감축) or carbon emissions (탄소 감축). 축소시키다 is more about the physical or conceptual 'scale' or 'size.' - 삭감하다 (Sak-gam-ha-da)
- This means 'to cut' or 'to slash,' usually referring to budgets or wages.
Difference: 삭감하다 implies a harsh or necessary cut from a total amount. 축소시키다 is more neutral and describes the resulting smaller state. - 단축하다 (Dan-chuk-ha-da)
- Meaning 'to shorten,' it is strictly for time and distance.
Difference: Use 단축하다 for 'shortening a deadline' or 'shortening a marathon course.' Use 축소시키다 for 'reducing the size of a map.'
비용을 줄이다 (Casual)
비용을 축소시키다 (Formal/Strategic)
비용을 삭감하다 (Budget Cut)
When deciding which word to use, ask yourself: 'Am I talking about a formal process?' If yes, 축소시키다 or 감축하다 are likely better. 'Am I talking about physical dimensions or a conceptual scale?' If physical/scale, 축소시키다 is perfect. If it's just a general decrease in daily life, stick with 줄이다. This distinction is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker who can navigate different social and professional registers in Korean.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The character 縮 (축) originally depicted the process of tightening threads in weaving to make a fabric denser and smaller. It carries the nuance of 'tightening' or 'drawing in.'
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing '축' as '추' (dropping the final k).
- Not tensing the '소' (it should sound like 'sso' rather than 'so').
- Pronouncing '시키다' as '시기다' (failing to aspirate the 'k').
- Blending '축소' into one sound instead of two distinct syllables.
- Confusing the pitch of '축' with the low pitch of '죽'.
Niveau de difficulté
The Hanja characters are common, but the causative form requires an intermediate understanding of grammar.
Spelling '축소시키다' correctly is easy, but knowing when to use it over '줄이다' requires practice.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but it sounds overly formal if used in the wrong social context.
Easily recognized in news and technical instructions once the root '축소' is known.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Causative Suffix -시키다
공부를 시키다 (make someone study), 축소시키다 (make something reduced).
Passive Suffix -되다 vs -시키다
축소되다 (to be reduced) vs 축소시키다 (to reduce [something]).
Particle -을/를 for Objects
예산을(O) 축소시키다(V).
Adverbial form -게
작게 축소시키다 (Reduce it to be small).
Conjunctive -아/어서 for sequences
축소시켜서 보내다 (Reduce and send).
Exemples par niveau
사진을 축소시켜요.
Reduce the photo.
Basic present tense: noun + -를 + 축소시켜요.
지도를 축소하세요.
Please reduce the map (zoom out).
Honorific imperative: -세요.
그림이 커요. 축소시켜 주세요.
The picture is big. Please make it smaller for me.
-아/어 주세요 (requesting a favor).
이것을 축소시킬 수 있어요?
Can you make this smaller?
-ㄹ/을 수 있어요? (asking about possibility).
우리는 범위를 축소해요.
We are reducing the scope.
Simple present tense.
글자를 축소시켰어요.
I reduced the font size.
Past tense: -었/았어요.
너무 커요. 축소시킵시다.
It's too big. Let's reduce it.
-읍시다 (let's... formal).
화면을 축소하고 싶어요.
I want to reduce the screen (zoom out).
-고 싶어요 (want to...).
이미지를 50%로 축소시켰습니다.
I reduced the image to 50%.
Formal polite style: -습니다.
여행 계획을 조금 축소시켰어요.
I reduced the travel plans a bit.
Adverb '조금' (a little) used with the verb.
파일 용량을 축소시켜야 해요.
I have to reduce the file size.
-아야/어야 해요 (must/have to).
창문 크기를 축소시킬 거예요.
I am going to reduce the size of the window.
Future tense: -ㄹ/을 거예요.
회의 시간을 축소시키기로 했어요.
We decided to reduce the meeting time.
-기로 하다 (decided to).
회사는 인원을 축소시키고 있습니다.
The company is reducing the number of people.
-고 있다 (progressive tense).
그림을 축소시키면 더 예뻐요.
If you reduce the drawing, it's prettier.
Conditional: -(으)면.
비용을 축소시키려고 노력해요.
I am trying to reduce costs.
Intention: -(으)려고 노력하다.
정부는 예산을 대폭 축소시켰습니다.
The government drastically reduced the budget.
Adverb '대폭' (drastically) is common with this verb.
범위를 축소시켜서 다시 조사하세요.
Reduce the scope and investigate again.
-아/어서 (reason/sequence) connecting two actions.
위험을 축소시키기 위한 대책이 필요합니다.
Measures to reduce the risk are needed.
-기 위해 (in order to).
이미지를 축소시킬 때 화질이 나빠질 수 있어요.
When you reduce an image, the quality can get worse.
-(으)ㄹ 때 (when...).
그들은 사업 규모를 축소시키기로 합의했다.
They agreed to reduce the scale of the business.
Plain style: -다 (used in writing/news).
과도한 지출을 축소시키는 것이 중요합니다.
It is important to reduce excessive spending.
-는 것 (gerund/making a verb into a noun).
그 소문은 사건의 본질을 축소시켰다.
The rumor downplayed (reduced) the essence of the incident.
Abstract usage of '축소시키다'.
우리는 행사 인원을 50명으로 축소시켰다.
We reduced the number of event participants to 50.
Particle -(으)로 indicating the result of the reduction.
기술의 발전이 기계의 크기를 축소시켰습니다.
Technological advancement reduced the size of machines.
Subject is an abstract noun (기술의 발전).
회사는 운영 비용을 축소시키기 위해 구조조정을 단행했다.
The company carried out restructuring to reduce operating costs.
Complex sentence with multiple formal terms.
영향력을 축소시키려는 의도가 보입니다.
An intention to reduce the influence is visible.
-(으)려는 (attributive form of intention).
이 약은 종양의 크기를 축소시키는 효과가 있다.
This medicine has the effect of reducing the size of the tumor.
Medical/Scientific context.
도시 계획가는 도로 폭을 축소시키고 인도를 넓혔다.
The city planner reduced the road width and widened the sidewalk.
Contrast between 축소시키다 and 넓히다.
과거의 영광을 축소시키는 발언은 삼가야 합니다.
One should refrain from remarks that diminish (reduce) past glory.
Metaphorical usage.
그는 자신의 잘못을 축소시키려고 거짓말을 했다.
He lied to downplay (reduce) his mistake.
Using '축소시키다' for minimizing guilt.
환경 오염이 동식물의 서식지를 축소시켰다.
Environmental pollution reduced the habitats of animals and plants.
Causative relationship in ecology.
정치적 갈등이 협력의 범위를 축소시켰다는 평가가 지배적이다.
The prevailing assessment is that political conflict reduced the scope of cooperation.
-ㄴ다는 평가가 지배적이다 (prevailing assessment that...).
디지털화는 물리적 공간의 제약을 축소시키는 핵심 요인이다.
Digitization is a key factor in reducing the constraints of physical space.
Academic/Sociological context.
검찰은 피의자의 혐의를 축소시켰다는 의혹을 받고 있다.
The prosecution is under suspicion of having reduced the charges against the suspect.
Legal context: reducing charges/suspicions.
기업은 리스크를 축소시키기 위해 포트폴리오를 다변화했다.
The company diversified its portfolio to reduce risks.
Financial strategy context.
언론이 사건의 심각성을 의도적으로 축소시킨 흔적이 있다.
There are traces that the media intentionally downplayed the seriousness of the incident.
Passive construction '흔적이 있다' with a modifier clause.
이 이론은 복잡한 현상을 지나치게 축소시켰다는 비판을 받는다.
This theory is criticized for overly simplifying (reducing) complex phenomena.
Epistemological critique.
정부는 공공 서비스를 축소시키는 정책을 추진 중이다.
The government is pushing a policy to reduce public services.
Political policy context.
신기술은 제조 공정을 축소시켜 생산 비용을 절감한다.
New technology reduces manufacturing processes and cuts production costs.
Industrial efficiency context.
포스트모더니즘은 거대 서사의 위상을 축소시키는 결과를 초래했다.
Postmodernism resulted in the reduction of the status of grand narratives.
High-level philosophical discourse.
권력의 집중을 축소시키기 위한 헌법 개정이 논의되고 있다.
A constitutional amendment to reduce the concentration of power is being discussed.
Constitutional/Political science context.
작가들은 언어의 군더더기를 축소시켜 문장의 밀도를 높인다.
Writers reduce linguistic clutter to increase the density of their sentences.
Literary/Stylistic context.
인공지능은 인간의 개입을 최소한으로 축소시키는 방향으로 진화하고 있다.
AI is evolving in a direction that reduces human intervention to a minimum.
Technological philosophy.
그 감독은 미장센을 극도로 축소시킴으로써 관객의 상상력을 자극했다.
The director stimulated the audience's imagination by extremely reducing the mise-en-scène.
Film theory and aesthetics.
역사학자들은 그 왕의 업적이 후대에 의해 축소되었다고 주장한다.
Historians claim that the king's achievements were reduced (downplayed) by later generations.
Historiography and revisionism.
우주론적 관점에서 지구의 존재는 한 점으로 축소될 수밖에 없다.
From a cosmological perspective, Earth's existence cannot help but be reduced to a single point.
-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (cannot help but...).
이 법안은 개인의 자유를 축소시킬 소지가 다분하다는 우려가 있다.
There are concerns that this bill has a high possibility of reducing individual freedom.
-ㄹ 소지가 다분하다 (high possibility/potential for...).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To reduce something drastically or on a large scale.
경기가 안 좋아서 투자를 대폭 축소시켰다.
— To reduce something step-by-step or in stages.
정부는 보조금을 단계적으로 축소시킬 계획이다.
— To reduce something as much as possible.
피해를 최대한 축소시키기 위해 노력했습니다.
— To forcibly reduce something against its will or natural state.
법원이 그 단체의 활동을 강제로 축소시켰다.
— To reduce costs or expenses, usually in a business context.
우리는 운영 비용을 축소시켜야 생존할 수 있다.
— To zoom out or make the display on a screen smaller.
지도를 보려면 화면을 축소시키세요.
— To diminish the importance or function of someone or something.
조직 개편으로 그의 역할이 축소되었다.
— To reduce the proportion or weight of something in a whole.
포트폴리오에서 주식 비중을 축소시켰다.
— To intentionally downplay or reduce something.
그는 자신의 공헌을 의도적으로 축소시켰다.
— To physically make something smaller in size.
기계를 물리적으로 축소시키는 것은 불가능하다.
Souvent confondu avec
Specifically for time or distance. You don't '축소시키다' a marathon; you '단축시키다' the time it takes.
Means 'to cancel.' If you cancel a meeting, it's gone; if you '축소시키다' it, it's just shorter.
Means 'to wither' or 'to make someone feel small/intimidated.' Often used for confidence or market sentiment.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Literally 'to reduce body size,' but idiomatically used for a company downsizing its operations.
그 대기업은 위기를 극복하기 위해 몸집을 축소시켰다.
Business/Journalism— To downplay or cover up the severity of an incident.
경찰이 사건을 축소시키려 했다는 의혹이 있다.
Legal/News— To narrow down the scope, often used in investigations.
수사 범위를 축소시켜서 범인을 쫓고 있다.
General/Formal— Literally 'to prune branches,' used to mean cutting off unnecessary parts of a project.
프로젝트의 불필요한 부분은 가지를 쳐서 축소시킵시다.
Metaphorical/Business— To reduce the 'bubble' or inflated value of something.
부동산 시장의 거품을 축소시키는 정책이 필요하다.
Economics— To shorten what one says or to downplay one's words.
그는 자신의 주장을 축소시켜서 다시 발표했다.
General— To shrink one's presence or act cautiously to avoid trouble.
그는 논란이 되자 몸을 사리며 활동을 축소시켰다.
Idiomatic/Colloquial— To reduce the size of the 'field' or the total scale of an activity.
도박판을 축소시키기 위한 단속이 시작되었다.
Colloquial/News— To tighten one's belt, meaning to reduce spending significantly.
회사는 허리를 졸라매며 지출을 축소시켰다.
Idiomatic/Common— To reduce something to zero by uprooting it (often used for crime/corruption).
부패의 범위를 축소시키다 못해 뿌리를 뽑아야 한다.
Emphatic/FormalFacile à confondre
Both mean 'to reduce'.
줄이다 is native and general. 축소시키다 is Hanja-based and formal, focusing on scale and dimensions.
밥을 줄이다 (Eat less) vs. 사진을 축소시키다 (Resize photo).
Both are formal words for reduction.
감축하다 is specifically for numbers/amounts (like carbon or troops). 축소시키다 is for scale/size.
인원 감축 (Staff reduction) vs. 지도 축소 (Map zoom out).
Both involve making things smaller.
삭감하다 is almost exclusively for money/budgets and implies a 'cut'.
임금 삭감 (Wage cut) vs. 범위 축소 (Scope reduction).
Both make things take up less space.
압축하다 is 'compression' (packing tightly). 축소시키다 is 'reduction' (shrinking the whole).
파일 압축 (Zip file) vs. 이미지 축소 (Smaller image).
Both mean making something shorter/smaller.
단축하다 is only for time and distance.
시간 단축 (Time saving) vs. 규모 축소 (Scale reduction).
Structures de phrases
[Object]-을/를 축소시켜 주세요.
사진을 축소시켜 주세요.
[Subject]-이/가 [Object]-을/를 [Adverb] 축소시켰다.
회사가 예산을 대폭 축소시켰다.
[Object]-을/를 축소시키기 위해 [Action].
비용을 축소시키기 위해 노력했다.
[Object]-을/를 축소시킬 필요가 있다.
사업의 범위를 축소시킬 필요가 있다.
[Object]-을/를 축소시킴으로써 [Result].
지출을 축소시킴으로써 적자를 면했다.
[Subject]-이/가 [Object]-의 위상을 축소시켰다.
새로운 기술이 기존 제품의 위상을 축소시켰다.
[Object]-을/를 축소시키려는 의도가 다분하다.
혐의를 축소시키려는 의도가 다분하다.
[Abstract Concept]-을/를 한 점으로 축소시키다.
모든 논의를 경제적 가치 한 점으로 축소시켰다.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High in news, technology, and business; Low in casual street slang.
-
Using '축소시키다' for time.
→
단축시키다
축소시키다 is for size/scale; 단축시키다 is for duration/time.
-
Using it as an intransitive verb (e.g., 예산이 축소시켰다).
→
예산이 축소되었다 (The budget was reduced).
축소시키다 needs an object. If the subject is the thing being reduced, use the passive '축소되다'.
-
Using it for sound volume.
→
소리를 줄이다
축소시키다 is not used for auditory volume.
-
Using it for weight loss.
→
살을 빼다 / 감량하다
축소시키다 refers to physical or conceptual scale, not biological weight loss.
-
Spelling it as '축소하다시키다'.
→
축소시키다
The causative form is noun + 시키다, not verb + 시키다.
Astuces
Formal Contexts
Always use '축소시키다' in business reports or formal emails when discussing budgets or project scopes to sound more professional.
Object Particles
Don't forget the object particle (-을/를). Since it's a causative verb, it always acts upon an object.
Opposite Pair
Memorize '축소' (reduction) and '확대' (expansion) together. They are the standard pair for resizing anything.
The 'K' Sound
Make sure the 'k' sound at the end of '축' is a clean stop before starting the 's' in '소'.
Avoid Redundancy
In very high-level academic writing, some prefer '축소하다' over '축소시키다' to avoid unnecessary causative suffixes, unless the 'causing' aspect is central.
Software UI
If you see a magnifying glass with a minus sign in a Korean app, the label is '축소'.
Scale vs. Amount
Use '축소시키다' for the overall scale or physical size. Use '삭감하다' for monetary cuts.
Causative Agency
Use this verb when you want to highlight that a specific policy or person *caused* the reduction.
Chuk-So = Shrink-So
Think of 'Chuk' as 'Shrink' to help remember the meaning of reduction.
News Keywords
In economic news, '축소' is a keyword for negative growth or budget cuts.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'Chuk' as the sound of a 'Chop' and 'So' as 'Small'. You 'Chop it Small' -> 축소 (Chuk-so). Then 'Si-ki-da' is the 'Seek' to make it happen.
Association visuelle
Imagine a giant balloon having the air sucked out of it until it is tiny. The act of the person sucking the air out is '축소시키다'. Or imagine a computer mouse dragging the corner of a photo to make it small.
Word Web
Défi
Try to find three things in your room that you would like to '축소시키다' (reduce in size) to save space. Say them out loud in Korean: '나는 내 [물건]을 축소시키고 싶어'.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Hanja characters 縮 (축) and 小 (소). '축' means to shrink, contract, or draw back, while '소' means small or little. Combined with the causative suffix '-시키다' (to make/cause).
Sens originel : To cause something to contract into a smaller size.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived root with native Korean causative suffix).Contexte culturel
When using this word to describe people's roles or influence, it can be seen as offensive or diminishing. Be careful when using it in interpersonal contexts.
In English, we often use 'downsize' for companies and 'resize' for images. Korean uses '축소시키다' for both, showing a more unified conceptual approach to 'making smaller.'
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Digital Image Editing
- 이미지 축소 (Image reduction)
- 비율에 맞춰 축소시키다 (Reduce in proportion)
- 해상도를 낮추고 축소시키다 (Lower resolution and reduce)
- 파일 크기를 축소시키다 (Reduce file size)
Corporate Environment
- 부서 규모 축소 (Department downsizing)
- 인건비 축소 (Labor cost reduction)
- 사업 영역 축소 (Business area reduction)
- 투자 축소 결정 (Decision to reduce investment)
Government and Policy
- 복지 혜택 축소 (Reduction of welfare benefits)
- 군대 규모 축소 (Reduction of military size)
- 규제 축소 (Reduction of regulations)
- 세금 감면 범위 축소 (Reduction of tax exemption scope)
Science and Medicine
- 종양 축소 (Tumor shrinkage)
- 세포 축소 (Cell reduction)
- 실험 범위 축소 (Reduction of experiment scope)
- 부작용 축소 (Reduction of side effects)
Daily Life (Formal)
- 결혼식 규모 축소 (Reducing the scale of a wedding)
- 이사 짐 축소 (Reducing the amount of moving items)
- 활동 범위 축소 (Reducing the scope of activities)
- 지출 축소 계획 (Spending reduction plan)
Amorces de conversation
"사진 용량이 너무 큰데, 어떻게 축소시키는지 아세요? (The photo file size is too big; do you know how to reduce it?)"
"요즘 경기가 안 좋아서 많은 회사들이 규모를 축소시키고 있어요. (The economy is bad lately, so many companies are reducing their scale.)"
"우리 이번 여행 계획을 좀 축소시켜야 할 것 같아요. (I think we need to reduce our travel plans a bit.)"
"이미지를 축소시키니까 글자가 잘 안 보이네요. (Since I reduced the image, I can't see the letters well.)"
"정부가 왜 그 예산을 축소시켰을까요? (Why do you think the government reduced that budget?)"
Sujets d'écriture
최근에 자신의 생활에서 지출을 축소시킨 경험이 있나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (Have you recently had an experience of reducing your spending? What was the reason?)
만약 당신이 회사의 사장이라면, 어떤 상황에서 회사의 규모를 축소시키겠습니까? (If you were the president of a company, in what situation would you reduce the company's scale?)
디지털 기술이 우리의 물리적 공간을 어떻게 축소시켰다고 생각하시나요? (How do you think digital technology has reduced our physical space?)
자신의 걱정을 축소시키기 위해 할 수 있는 일들은 무엇이 있을까요? (What are some things you can do to reduce your worries?)
과거에 비해 현재 축소된 한국의 전통 문화는 무엇이 있나요? (What are some Korean traditional cultures that have been reduced compared to the past?)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that would sound very strange. To say you lost weight, use '살이 빠지다' (weight fell off) or '체중을 감량하다' (formally reduce body weight). '축소시키다' would imply you physically shrunk your whole body size like a doll.
They are very similar. '축소하다' is 'to reduce,' while '축소시키다' is 'to make [something] reduced.' In modern Korean, they are often used interchangeably, but '시키다' emphasizes the agent's active role in the reduction process.
No, for sound volume, always use '소리를 줄이다'. Using '축소시키다' for sound is technically incorrect and sounds unnatural.
The word for zoom out is '축소' (reduction). The action is '축소하다' or '축소시키다'. Conversely, 'zoom in' is '확대' (enlargement).
It can be used for '인원' (number of people) in a group, but not to describe a person's physical height shrinking naturally. It can also be used metaphorically for a person's 'influence' (영향력).
Yes, if you are writing about formal plans, like 'I decided to reduce my study goals.' But for general things like 'I reduced my water intake,' '줄이다' is better.
Common adverbs include '대폭' (drastically), '소폭' (slightly), '강제로' (forcibly), '인위적으로' (artificially), and '급격히' (rapidly).
Yes, the passive form is '축소되다' (to be reduced). You use this when the focus is on the thing that became smaller, rather than who made it smaller.
A '축소판' (chuk-so-pan) is a miniature version or a small-scale model of something larger. For example, a dollhouse is a '축소판' of a real house.
No, for clothing, use '줄이다' (to shorten/take in). '축소시키다' would imply you are shrinking the entire skirt proportionally in all directions.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Translate to Korean: 'Please reduce the photo.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'The company reduced the budget.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'If you reduce the map, it's easier to see.'
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Translate to Korean: 'We need to reduce the number of participants.'
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Translate to Korean: 'The government drastically reduced the scope of the project.'
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Translate to Korean: 'I reduced the image size to 50%.'
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Translate to Korean: 'He tried to downplay his mistake.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Technology reduced the size of computers.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Let's reduce the meeting time.'
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Translate to Korean: 'The risk has been reduced.' (Use passive)
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Translate to Korean: 'By reducing costs, we saved money.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Please reduce this file.'
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Translate to Korean: 'The scale of the event was reduced.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Why did you reduce the font size?'
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Translate to Korean: 'The investigation scope is being reduced.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'I want to reduce the screen.'
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Translate to Korean: 'The doctor reduced the tumor size.'
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Translate to Korean: 'We decided to reduce the wedding scale.'
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Translate to Korean: 'Don't downplay the problem.'
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Translate to Korean: 'The city planner reduced the road width.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain how to resize an image in Korean using '축소시키다'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Tell your boss that the budget needs to be reduced.
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Tu as dit :
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Suggest reducing the meeting time to your colleagues.
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Tu as dit :
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Describe a time you had to downsize a plan.
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Ask someone to zoom out on a map.
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Tu as dit :
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Explain why you reduced the font size in a document.
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Discuss the impact of technology on device size.
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Talk about reducing household expenses.
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Argue for reducing the scope of a large project.
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Tell a friend you are shrinking a photo for them.
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Tu as dit :
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Ask a designer to make a logo smaller.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Describe a miniature model (축소판).
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Tu as dit :
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Explain how to minimize risk in an investment.
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Comment on a news report about budget cuts.
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Tu as dit :
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Tell someone to zoom out the browser screen.
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Tu as dit :
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Describe the process of condensing a long story.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Talk about downsizing a company.
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Tu as dit :
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Advise someone on how to make a file smaller.
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Tu as dit :
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Express concern about reducing public services.
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Tu as dit :
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Say you are reducing the amount of luggage for a trip.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Identify the action: A person is clicking the '-' icon on a digital map.
Identify the action: A manager crosses out 50% of the items on a budget sheet.
Identify the action: A designer changes a 1000px image to 500px.
Identify the action: A government official announces that the army will have fewer soldiers next year.
Identify the action: A teacher tells students to write a 1-page summary of a 10-page book.
Identify the action: A doctor explains that a treatment made a tumor smaller.
Identify the action: A person changes their phone font from 'Large' to 'Small'.
Identify the action: A company closes three of its five branch offices.
Identify the action: A person is using a photocopier setting labeled '80%'.
Identify the action: A news anchor says the suspect's charges were lightened by the prosecutor.
Identify the action: A traveler takes out half the clothes from their suitcase to make it lighter.
Identify the action: A city planner makes a park smaller to build a parking lot.
Identify the action: A website owner removes five pages to make the site simpler.
Identify the action: A person tells their friend to stop exaggerating and 'shrink' the story.
Identify the action: A researcher limits their study to only one city instead of the whole country.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb '축소시키다' is your go-to word for formal reductions. Whether you are resizing a digital photo (이미지 축소) or cutting a corporate budget (예산 축소), this word adds a level of precision and professionalism to your Korean that the basic '줄이다' lacks. Example: '회사는 내년 사업 규모를 축소시키기로 했습니다' (The company decided to reduce the scale of its business next year).
- 축소시키다 means 'to reduce' or 'to make smaller' in a formal or technical sense, often used for budgets, scales, and digital images.
- It is a causative verb (noun + 시키다), implying an active subject performing the reduction on an object.
- Commonly seen in business, news, and software menus, it contrasts with the more casual and general verb '줄이다'.
- It is essential for formal communication when discussing downsizing, minimizing risks, or resizing technical dimensions.
Formal Contexts
Always use '축소시키다' in business reports or formal emails when discussing budgets or project scopes to sound more professional.
Object Particles
Don't forget the object particle (-을/를). Since it's a causative verb, it always acts upon an object.
Opposite Pair
Memorize '축소' (reduction) and '확대' (expansion) together. They are the standard pair for resizing anything.
The 'K' Sound
Make sure the 'k' sound at the end of '축' is a clean stop before starting the 's' in '소'.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur academic
입체적
B2Ayant un effet tridimensionnel ou examinant quelque chose sous plusieurs perspectives.
~에 관해
B1Une expression signifiant 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'. Elle est utilisée dans des contextes formels pour introduire un sujet.
~에 대하여
A2Concernant ou à propos d'un sujet particulier. 'Je parle à propos de mon travail.' (Je parle de mon travail.)
~대해
A2Cela signifie 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'. On l'utilise pour indiquer le sujet d'une discussion.
~에 관하여
A2Concernant ou à propos d'un sujet. Utilisé dans des contextes formels comme des rapports ou des discours.
~에 대해(서)
A1Indique le sujet ou le thème d'une discussion, signifiant 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'. On l'utilise souvent avec des verbes comme parler ou penser.
무엇보다
A2Plus que tout; avant tout.
결석생
A2A student who is absent from class.
추상화하다
B2Abstraire : considérer quelque chose théoriquement ou séparément de sa réalité physique.
추상
A2Abstraction; the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.