Cette page dans ta langue
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 adjective #6,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

젊다

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 젊다 en 30 secondes
Explication 젊다 in your Level:
400+w
400+w
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
400+w
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
400+w
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
400+w
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
400+w
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

젊다 en 30 secondes

  • The Korean word '젊다' (jeomda) means 'to be young'.
  • It is an adjective used to describe people.
  • It refers to the stage of life before old age.
  • Commonly used in everyday conversations.
Core Meaning
The Korean adjective '젊다' (jeomda) directly translates to 'to be young' in English. It is primarily used to describe people, indicating their youthfulness. It refers to a stage of life characterized by being not old, often implying vitality, energy, and a lack of experience compared to older individuals.
Usage Context
'젊다' is a fundamental adjective in Korean, commonly used in everyday conversations. You'll hear it when discussing age, comparing generations, or describing someone's appearance or demeanor. For example, someone might say '그녀는 정말 젊어 보인다' (Geunyeoneun jeongmal jeolmeo boinda), meaning 'She looks really young.' It can also be used more figuratively, though less commonly at the A1 level, to describe things that are new or in their early stages, but its primary and most frequent use is for people's age. When describing someone as young, it implies they are not yet in middle age or old age. It's a neutral descriptor and doesn't carry inherently positive or negative connotations on its own, but the context can influence the overall feeling. For instance, in some cultures, youth is highly valued, making '젊다' a positive attribute. In contrast, if someone is described as 'too young' for a certain responsibility, the adjective might be used with a hint of caution. However, at the A1 CEFR level, learners should focus on the direct meaning of being young in age. It's important to note that while it's an adjective, it conjugates like a verb when used in sentences, often appearing as '젊어요' (jeolmeoyo) in polite informal speech or '젊다' (jeomda) in its dictionary form or in more formal or written contexts. The concept of 'young' can also be compared to the opposite, 'old,' which is expressed by the adjective '늙다' (neulgda). Understanding '젊다' is crucial for basic descriptions of people and for comprehending simple dialogues about age and life stages. It's a building block for more complex sentences and expressions related to personal characteristics and social interactions. The word is widely applicable across various social settings, from casual chats with friends to more formal discussions about demographics or personal history. The feeling of 'youth' can also be associated with energy and a fresh perspective, which can be implied when using the word '젊다'. Consider how often age is a topic of conversation in any language; '젊다' serves this fundamental communicative need in Korean. The visual of youth often brings to mind images of students, children, or young adults, and '젊다' is the word that encapsulates this stage of life. It's a foundational term for describing the human life cycle and personal attributes. The simplicity of its meaning makes it accessible for beginners, and its frequent usage ensures learners will encounter it regularly, reinforcing their understanding and ability to use it effectively in their own Korean expressions. This word is as essential as basic greetings or common nouns for navigating everyday Korean communication related to people and their life stages. It's a key component in painting a picture of who someone is in terms of their age and the associated life phase.

This sentence uses 젊다 to describe someone's age: 그는 아직 젊어요. (Geuneun ajik jeolmeoyo.) - He is still young.

Key Characteristics
- Primarily describes people.
- Indicates a stage of life before middle age or old age.
- Commonly used in everyday conversation.

Another example: 우리 할머니는 아주 젊어요. (Uri halmeonineun aju jeolmeoyo.) - My grandmother is very young.

Cultural Nuance
In Korean culture, as in many others, youth is often associated with positive traits like energy, potential, and beauty. Therefore, being described as '젊다' can be a compliment. However, like any descriptor, context is key. It's a fundamental word for expressing age-related concepts, making it indispensable for beginners.
Basic Sentence Structure
The adjective '젊다' (jeomda) typically follows the subject it describes. In polite informal speech (해요체 - haeyoche), it conjugates to '젊어요' (jeolmeoyo). In its dictionary form or in more formal/written contexts, it remains '젊다'.

Subject + 젊다 (conjugated).

Examples with '젊어요' (Polite Informal)
- 저는 아직 젊어요. (Jeoneun ajik jeolmeoyo.) - I am still young. (Subject: 저 (I) + 는 (topic particle) + 아직 (still) + 젊어요)
- 그 남자는 정말 젊어요. (Geu namjaneun jeongmal jeolmeoyo.) - That man is really young. (Subject: 그 남자 (That man) + 는 (topic particle) + 정말 (really) + 젊어요)
- 우리 딸은 아주 젊어요. (Uri ttareun aju jeolmeoyo.) - Our daughter is very young. (Subject: 우리 딸 (Our daughter) + 은 (topic particle) + 아주 (very) + 젊어요)
Examples with '젊다' (Dictionary Form/Formal)
- 젊다는 것은 좋은 것이다. (Jeomtdaneun geoseun joeun geosida.) - Being young is a good thing. (Here, '젊다' is nominalized with '-는 것' (neun geot) to act as a noun phrase.)
- 그는 아직 젊다. (Geuneun ajik jeomda.) - He is still young. (This might appear in written text or a more formal statement.)

Using '젊다' with descriptive phrases: 그는 젊고 건강하다. (Geuneun jeolmgo geonganghada.) - He is young and healthy. (Here, '젊고' (jeolmgo) is the connective form of '젊다', linking it to '건강하다' (healthy).)

Comparisons
- 그녀는 나보다 젊어요. (Geunyeoneun naboda jeolmeoyo.) - She is younger than me. (Comparing ages.)
- 그녀는 젊고 나는 늙었어요. (Geunyeoneun jeolmgo naneun neulg-eosseoyo.) - She is young and I am old. (Contrasting ages.)

Describing a group: 그 학생들은 모두 젊어요. (Geu haksaengdeureun modu jeolmeoyo.) - Those students are all young.

Everyday Conversations
You will hear '젊다' (jeomda) frequently in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues. People often comment on each other's appearance or age. For instance, if you meet an old friend after a long time, you might say, '와, 너 정말 젊어 보인다!' (Wa, neo jeongmal jeolmeo boinda!) - 'Wow, you look really young!' This is a common and friendly observation.
Media and Entertainment
In Korean dramas, movies, and music lyrics, '젊다' is used to describe characters' ages, aspirations, or the general theme of youth. It's often associated with romance, energy, and the exploration of life. A song might have lyrics like '우리는 젊고 열정적이다' (Urineun jeolmgo yeoljeongjeogida) - 'We are young and passionate,' capturing the spirit of youth.

In a drama scene, one character might say to another: 아직 젊으니까 뭐든지 할 수 있어요. (Ajik jeomnikeuna mwodeunji hal su isseoyo.) - 'Since you are still young, you can do anything.' This highlights the aspirational aspect of youth.

Family Gatherings
At family events, especially when older relatives are present, younger family members might be described as '젊다'. It's a way to acknowledge their stage in life and often implies a positive outlook or a period of opportunity. For example, an older aunt might say to her niece, '우리 조카는 정말 젊고 예뻐.' (Uri jokha-neun jeongmal jeolmgo yeppeo.) - 'My niece is really young and pretty.'
Discussions about Age and Life Stages
When people discuss generational differences, career paths, or life choices, '젊다' is a key term. For example, someone might reflect, '내가 젊었을 때는...' (Naega jeolmeosseul ttaeneun...) - 'When I was young...' This phrase is used to recall past experiences and contrast them with the present. It's a common way to start a story or share wisdom.

In a news report or documentary about societal trends: 최근 젊은이들 사이에서 새로운 트렌드가 나타나고 있다. (Choegeun jeolmeunideul saieseo saeroun teurendeuga natanago itda.) - 'Recently, a new trend is emerging among young people.' (Here '젊은이들' (jeolmeunideul) is a noun derived from '젊다', meaning 'young people'.)

Confusing with '어리다' (eorida - to be young/childish)
A common mistake for beginners is confusing '젊다' (jeomda - to be young, usually for adults or teenagers) with '어리다' (eorida - to be young, typically for children, or to be immature). While both relate to youth, '젊다' refers to the stage of being not old, whereas '어리다' emphasizes being very young, like a child, or can imply immaturity. For example, you would say a teenager is '젊다', but a baby is '어리다'. You might say someone is '어리다' if they lack experience or seem naive, even if they are chronologically older.
Incorrect Conjugation
Since '젊다' is an adjective that conjugates like a verb, learners might struggle with the correct endings. Using the dictionary form '젊다' in casual conversation instead of the polite informal '젊어요' (jeolmeoyo) can sound abrupt or overly formal. Conversely, using a verb ending with an adjective can also be incorrect. Always remember the common polite informal ending for adjectives is '-아요/어요'.

Incorrect: 그는 젊다. (in casual speech)
Correct: 그는 젊어요.

Overuse or Misapplication
While '젊다' is common, using it excessively or in contexts where it doesn't quite fit can sound unnatural. For instance, describing inanimate objects as '젊다' is generally not done, unless used very poetically or metaphorically, which is beyond the A1 level. Stick to describing people's age.
Ignoring Particles
Like any Korean sentence, sentences using '젊다' require correct particles. Forgetting the topic particle (은/는 - eun/neun) or subject particle (이/가 - i/ga) after the noun or pronoun can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example, saying '나 젊어요' (Na jeolmeoyo) instead of '저는 젊어요' (Jeoneun jeolmeoyo) is less natural and grammatically incomplete in standard polite speech.

Incorrect: 이 아이 어리다. (for a teenager)
Correct: 이 아이는 젊어요. (for a teenager)
Correct: 이 아기는 어리다. (for a baby)

어리다 (eorida)
Meaning: To be young (typically for children), to be immature.
Difference: '어리다' is used for babies and very young children. It can also imply a lack of experience or immaturity, even if the person is chronologically older. '젊다' is for teenagers, young adults, and even middle-aged people who appear or feel young. It focuses on the stage of life before old age.
Example: 아기는 어리고, 청년은 젊다. (Agineun eorigo, cheongnyeoneun jeomda.) - A baby is young (childish), and a youth is young (not old).
새롭다 (saeropda)
Meaning: To be new.
Difference: While youth ('젊다') can sometimes be associated with newness or a fresh perspective, '새롭다' specifically means 'new' and is used for objects, ideas, experiences, or situations, not typically for a person's age. However, a young person might be associated with new ideas.
Example: 이것은 새롭고, 그는 젊다. (Igeoseun saeropgo, geuneun jeomda.) - This is new, and he is young.
젊은이 (jeolmeuni)
Meaning: Young person/people (noun).
Difference: '젊은이' is a noun derived from '젊다' and refers to 'young people' collectively or individually. '젊다' is the adjective itself, meaning 'to be young'. You use '젊다' to describe someone, and '젊은이' to refer to the person or group.
Example: 젊은이들은 에너지가 넘친다. (Jeolmeunideureun eneojiga neomchinda.) - Young people are full of energy. (Here, '젊은이들' is the subject.)
늙다 (neulgda)
Meaning: To be old.
Difference: '늙다' is the direct antonym of '젊다'. While '젊다' describes youth, '늙다' describes old age. They represent opposite ends of the age spectrum.
Example: 그는 젊고, 그의 아버지는 늙었다. (Geuneun jeolmgo, geuui abeojineun neulgeotda.) - He is young, and his father is old.

A more nuanced term: 동안 (dongan) - This refers to looking younger than one's actual age, often translated as 'youthful appearance'. It's not a direct synonym for '젊다' but relates to the perception of youth.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Unlike many adjectives in English that have distinct noun forms (e.g., 'young' vs. 'youth'), in Korean, the adjective '젊다' (to be young) and the noun '젊음' (youth) share a very direct and obvious etymological link, reflecting a common pattern in Korean word formation where adjectives can often be turned into nouns by adding '-음' (-eum).

Guide de prononciation

UK /d͡ʒʌm.da/
US /d͡ʒʌm.da/
The stress is generally even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable '젊' (jeom).
Rime avec
범다 (beomda - to embrace) 섬다 (seomda - rare verb, to island) 넘다 (neomda - to cross) 품다 (pmda - to embrace/cherish) 감다 (gamda - to close eyes/wash hair) 담다 (damda - to put in/contain) 삼다 (samda - to make something into) 잠다 (jamda - to be submerged)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'ㅈ' as 'ch' or 'g'.
  • Mispronouncing 'ㅓ' as 'eo' (like in 'heonseol') or 'o'.
  • Making the final 'ㄷ' too hard, like a 't'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

At the A1 CEFR level, '젊다' is introduced as a basic adjective. Sentences using it are typically short and direct, making it easy to understand in context. Learners will encounter it frequently in simple dialogues and texts.

Écriture 1/5
Expression orale 1/5
Écoute 1/5

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

나 (na - I) 너 (neo - you) 그 (geu - he/that) 그녀 (geunyeo - she/that) 사람 (saram - person) 하다 (hada - to do) 이다 (ida - to be) 많다 (manta - to be many/much) 좋다 (jota - to be good) 예쁘다 (yeppeuda - to be pretty)

Apprends ensuite

어리다 (eorida - to be young/childish) 늙다 (neulgda - to be old) 나이 (nai - age) 많다 (manta - to be many/much) 적다 (jeokda - to be few/little) 보이다 (boida - to look/appear) 그렇다 (geureota - to be so/like that)

Avancé

청춘 (cheongchun - youth, often poetic) 소년 (sonyeon - boy) 소녀 (sonyeo - girl) 청년 (cheongnyeon - young adult) 중년 (jungnyeon - middle-aged) 노년 (nonyeon - old age) 젊음 (jeolmeum - youth, noun) 동안 (dongan - youthful appearance)

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Conjugation (-아요/어요)

'젊다' conjugates to '젊어요' in the polite informal speech level. The stem '젊' ends in a consonant, so '-어요' is added. If the stem vowel were 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ', it would be '-아요'.

Attributive Form (-ㄴ/은)

The adjective '젊다' becomes '젊은' when modifying a noun, e.g., '젊은 사람' (young person).

Connective Form (-고)

'젊고' is used to link two adjectives or clauses, meaning 'young and...'. Example: '젊고 예뻐요' (She is young and pretty).

Reason Clause (-어서/아서)

'젊어서' can mean 'because one is young' or 'in one's youth'. Example: '젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다.'

Nominalization (-는 것)

'젊다는 것' means 'the fact of being young' or 'being young'. Example: '젊다는 것은 좋은 거예요.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

1

저는 아직 젊어요.

I am still young.

'젊어요' is the polite informal conjugation of '젊다'.

2

그는 아주 젊어요.

He is very young.

Adverbs like '아주' (very) can modify adjectives.

3

우리 딸은 젊어요.

Our daughter is young.

Possessive pronouns like '우리' (our) are used with family terms.

4

이 사람은 젊어요.

This person is young.

'이 사람' (this person) is a common subject.

5

그녀는 젊고 예뻐요.

She is young and pretty.

'젊고' is the connective form of '젊다', linking two adjectives.

6

저는 젊어요. 그래서 에너지가 많아요.

I am young. Therefore, I have a lot of energy.

'그래서' (so/therefore) connects two clauses.

7

당신은 젊어 보여요.

You look young.

'보여요' (look/appear) is used with adjectives to describe appearance.

8

젊다는 것은 좋은 거예요.

Being young is a good thing.

'~다는 것' nominalizes the adjective phrase.

1

그는 아직 젊어서 뭐든지 할 수 있어요.

Since he is still young, he can do anything.

'~어서' is used to indicate reason or cause.

2

젊은 사람들은 새로운 것을 좋아해요.

Young people like new things.

'젊은' is the attributive form of '젊다', modifying '사람들' (people).

3

나이가 들어도 마음만은 젊어요.

Even if I get older, my heart is still young.

'~어도' means 'even if' or 'although'.

4

그녀는 젊을 때부터 꿈이 많았어요.

She had many dreams since she was young.

'~ㄹ 때부터' means 'from the time when...'

5

젊은 커플이 손을 잡고 걸어가요.

A young couple walks holding hands.

Compound noun '젊은 커플' (young couple).

6

나는 젊은 시절을 그리워해요.

I miss my youth.

'젊은 시절' means 'young days' or 'youth'.

7

젊음은 소중한 자산입니다.

Youth is a precious asset.

'젊음' is the noun form, meaning 'youth'.

8

그는 젊지만 경험이 풍부해요.

He is young but has rich experience.

'~지만' means 'but' or 'although'.

1

젊다는 것은 많은 가능성을 의미합니다.

Being young signifies many possibilities.

'~는 것' nominalizes the adjective and '의미합니다' is a formal verb ending for 'means'.

2

그녀는 나이보다 훨씬 젊어 보여요.

She looks much younger than her age.

'~보다' means 'than', and '훨씬' means 'much'.

3

젊은 세대는 기성세대와 다른 가치관을 가지고 있다.

The younger generation has different values from the older generation.

'기성세대' (older generation) is contrasted with '젊은 세대' (younger generation).

4

젊음의 열기는 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없다.

The passion of youth is irreplaceable.

'젊음의 열기' means 'passion of youth'.

5

그 배우는 젊고 유능해서 많은 인기를 얻고 있다.

That actor is young and talented, so he is gaining a lot of popularity.

'유능하다' (talented/competent) is used alongside '젊다'.

6

젊은 시절의 추억은 영원히 간직될 것이다.

Memories of youth will be cherished forever.

'젊은 시절' refers to the period of youth.

7

그는 젊다는 이유만으로 모든 것을 쉽게 얻었다.

He gained everything easily just because he was young.

'~는 이유만으로' means 'just because of the reason that...'

8

젊은이들의 목소리에 귀 기울여야 한다.

We must listen to the voices of young people.

'젊은이들' (young people) is used as the object of the verb 'listen'.

1

그는 나이가 젊음에도 불구하고 상당한 경륜을 가지고 있다.

Despite his young age, he possesses considerable experience.

'~에도 불구하고' means 'despite' or 'in spite of'.

2

젊음은 덧없는 것이지만, 그 순간의 경험은 영원히 남는다.

Youth is fleeting, but the experiences of that moment remain forever.

'덧없는' means 'fleeting' or 'transient'.

3

사회는 젊은 세대의 창의성과 혁신을 필요로 한다.

Society needs the creativity and innovation of the younger generation.

'창의성' (creativity) and '혁신' (innovation) are key terms.

4

그는 젊은 나이에 이미 많은 것을 이루었다.

He has already achieved much at a young age.

'~ㄴ 나이에' means 'at the age of...'

5

젊음의 에너지는 세상을 변화시킬 잠재력을 지닌다.

The energy of youth holds the potential to change the world.

'잠재력' means 'potential'.

6

그는 젊은 감각으로 디자인을 하여 젊은층에게 인기가 많다.

He designs with a youthful sensibility, making him popular among the younger demographic.

'젊은 감각' (youthful sensibility) and '젊은층' (younger demographic).

7

젊은 시절의 방황은 때로는 성장의 밑거름이 된다.

Wandering in one's youth sometimes serves as a foundation for growth.

'방황' (wandering) and '밑거름' (foundation/fertilizer).

8

젊은 예술가들이 새로운 시각으로 현대 미술을 재해석하고 있다.

Young artists are reinterpreting modern art with a new perspective.

'새로운 시각' (new perspective) and '재해석하다' (reinterpret).

1

그의 젊음은 퇴색되지 않는 열정으로 가득 차 있었다.

His youth was filled with a passion that did not fade.

'퇴색되지 않는' means 'unfading'.

2

젊음의 특권은 무모함까지도 미화시키는 경향이 있다.

The privilege of youth tends to romanticize even recklessness.

'무모함' (recklessness) and '미화시키다' (to romanticize/glorify).

3

그는 젊음의 에너지를 사회 정의를 위해 쏟아부었다.

He poured his youthful energy into fighting for social justice.

'사회 정의' (social justice) and '쏟아붓다' (to pour out).

4

젊음이란 단순히 나이가 적은 상태가 아니라, 끊임없이 배우고 성장하려는 의지이다.

Youth is not merely a state of being young in age, but a will to constantly learn and grow.

'~ㄴ 상태가 아니라' means 'not merely... but...'.

5

그는 젊음의 불안함 속에서도 자신만의 길을 개척해 나갔다.

Even amidst the anxieties of youth, he forged his own path.

'불안함' (anxiety) and '개척하다' (to pioneer/forge).

6

젊은 시절의 순수함은 시간이 지나도 잊혀지지 않는 귀한 보물이다.

The innocence of youth is a precious treasure that is not forgotten even as time passes.

'순수함' (innocence) and '귀한 보물' (precious treasure).

7

그는 젊은 지식인으로서 사회 비판에 앞장섰다.

As a young intellectual, he took the lead in social criticism.

'지식인' (intellectual) and '앞장서다' (to take the lead).

8

젊음의 과오를 통해 우리는 더 성숙해진다.

Through the mistakes of youth, we become more mature.

'과오' (mistake/error) and '성숙해지다' (to become mature).

1

그의 젊음은 찰나와 영원의 경계를 넘나드는 신비로운 것이었다.

His youth was a mystical entity that traversed the boundary between the fleeting moment and eternity.

'찰나' (fleeting moment) and '영원' (eternity).

2

젊음의 가치는 단순히 물리적인 생명력에 국한되지 않고, 정신적인 활력과 탐구 정신에 있다.

The value of youth is not confined merely to physical vitality but lies in mental vigor and a spirit of inquiry.

'정신적인 활력' (mental vigor) and '탐구 정신' (spirit of inquiry).

3

그는 젊음이라는 무기를 가지고 세상의 부조리에 맞서 싸웠다.

He fought against the absurdities of the world, armed with youth.

'무기' (weapon) and '부조리' (absurdity).

4

젊음은 때로 맹목적인 낙관주의로 흐르기 쉽지만, 그 안에 혁신적인 변화의 씨앗이 숨어 있다.

Youth can sometimes easily drift into blind optimism, but within it lie the seeds of innovative change.

'맹목적인 낙관주의' (blind optimism) and '씨앗' (seed).

5

그의 젊음은 마치 폭풍전야처럼, 다가올 거대한 변화를 예고하는 듯했다.

His youth seemed to herald an impending great change, much like the eve of a storm.

'폭풍전야' (eve of a storm) and '예고하다' (to herald/foretell).

6

젊음의 에너지를 단순히 소비하는 것을 넘어, 그것을 창조적인 동력으로 승화시켜야 한다.

Beyond merely consuming the energy of youth, it must be sublimated into a creative driving force.

'소비하다' (to consume) and '승화시키다' (to sublimate).

7

그는 젊음이라는 휘황찬란한 시기를 지나, 깊은 사색의 단계로 접어들었다.

He passed through the dazzling period of youth and entered a phase of deep contemplation.

'휘황찬란한' (dazzling/brilliant) and '사색' (contemplation).

8

젊음의 이상과 현실의 괴리는 종종 인간 존재의 아이러니를 드러낸다.

The gap between the ideals of youth and reality often reveals the irony of human existence.

'이상' (ideal) and '괴리' (gap/discrepancy).

Collocations courantes

아주 젊다
정말 젊다
훨씬 젊다
젊고 건강하다
젊은 시절
젊은 사람
젊은 세대
젊음의 에너지
젊어 보이다
젊은 나이

Phrases Courantes

아직 젊어요

— I am still young.

걱정 마세요. 아직 젊어요.

정말 젊어 보여요

— You look really young.

와! 정말 젊어 보여요!

젊고 건강해요

— I am young and healthy.

젊고 건강한 것이 최고예요.

젊은 시절

— Youthful days/period of youth.

젊은 시절을 회상해요.

젊은 사람

— Young person.

젊은 사람이 많아요.

젊은 세대

— Younger generation.

젊은 세대의 의견을 들어보자.

젊음이 좋아요

— Youth is good.

젊음이 좋다는 것을 느껴요.

젊은 날

— Young days.

젊은 날의 꿈을 꿨어요.

젊은이

— Young person/people (noun).

젊은이들의 미래를 위해.

젊어서

— Because one is young / In one's youth.

젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다.

Souvent confondu avec

젊다 vs 어리다

'어리다' means to be young, but typically for babies and very young children, or it can imply immaturity. '젊다' is for older youth and adults who are not old. Using '어리다' for a teenager would imply they are childish.

젊다 vs 늙다

'늙다' is the direct antonym, meaning 'to be old'. It's important not to confuse the two as they represent opposite ends of the age spectrum.

젊다 vs 새롭다

'새롭다' means 'new'. While youth can be associated with newness, '젊다' specifically refers to age, not the quality of being new.

Expressions idiomatiques

"젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다."

— It is said that one should even seek out hardship when young, as it builds character and resilience for the future.

힘든 일이 있어도 좌절하지 마세요. 젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다잖아요.

proverb
"젊은 피"

— Refers to energetic, enthusiastic, and often innovative young people, especially in a competitive or dynamic environment like sports or business.

팀에 젊은 피를 수혈해야 할 때입니다.

figurative
"청춘은 아름답다 (often implies 젊음)"

— Youth is beautiful. This phrase celebrates the beauty and vibrancy associated with being young.

드라마의 주제는 '청춘은 아름답다' 였습니다.

poetic
"젊은 날의 실수"

— Mistakes made during one's youth. Often implies that these are understandable and part of the learning process.

누구나 젊은 날의 실수를 합니다.

common expression
"젊음의 패기"

— The spirit or vigor of youth; youthful enthusiasm and boldness.

젊음의 패기로 도전하세요!

descriptive
"꽃다운 젊음"

— A beautiful youth, often comparing youth to a blooming flower.

그녀는 꽃다운 젊음을 노래했다.

poetic
"젊은 날의 꿈"

— Dreams cherished during one's youth.

젊은 날의 꿈을 잊지 마세요.

poetic
"젊은 층"

— The younger demographic or segment of the population.

이 상품은 젊은 층을 겨냥했습니다.

sociological
"젊은 감각"

— A youthful sensibility or style.

그 디자이너는 젊은 감각으로 유명해요.

descriptive
"젊은 시절의 추억"

— Memories from one's youth.

젊은 시절의 추억을 떠올리며 웃었다.

common expression

Facile à confondre

젊다 vs 어리다

Both words relate to youth.

'어리다' is for babies/young children or implies immaturity. '젊다' is for teenagers/young adults/people who appear young. For example, a baby is '어리다', while a teenager is '젊다'. Saying '나는 어리다' when you are 15 would imply you are like a toddler or immature.

아기는 어리다. (The baby is young.) vs. 저는 15살이고 젊어요. (I am 15 years old and young.)

젊다 vs 늙다

It's the direct opposite.

'젊다' means young, and '늙다' means old. They are antonyms and should not be confused. Using '젊다' when someone is clearly old would be incorrect and potentially offensive.

그는 젊다. (He is young.) vs. 그는 늙었다. (He is old.)

젊다 vs 새롭다

Youth is sometimes associated with new beginnings or freshness.

'젊다' refers specifically to a person's age or perceived age. '새롭다' refers to something being new, not previously existing, or unfamiliar. You can describe an idea as '새롭다', but you describe a person as '젊다'.

이 아이디어는 새롭다. (This idea is new.) vs. 이 아이는 젊다. (This child is young.)

젊다 vs 젊은이

Both relate to youth and share the same root.

'젊다' is an adjective meaning 'to be young'. '젊은이' is a noun meaning 'a young person' or 'young people'. You use '젊다' to describe someone, and '젊은이' to refer to them as a category.

그는 젊다. (He is young.) vs. 그는 젊은이다. (He is a young person - less common, usually '그는 젊은 사람이다' or '그는 젊은이이다'.)

젊다 vs 동안

Both relate to appearing young.

'젊다' means to be young chronologically or to appear young. '동안' specifically refers to looking younger than one's actual age, emphasizing a youthful appearance despite chronological age. Someone can be '젊다' and also '동안'.

그녀는 젊고 동안이다. (She is young and looks younger than her age.)

Structures de phrases

A1

Subject + 는/은 + 젊어요.

저는 젊어요. (I am young.)

A1

Subject + 는/은 + 젊어 보여요.

당신은 젊어 보여요. (You look young.)

A2

Subject + 는/은 + 젊고 + Adjective 2.

그는 젊고 건강해요. (He is young and healthy.)

A2

젊은 + Noun.

젊은 사람이 많아요. (There are many young people.)

B1

Because Subject is young, ... (Subject + ~어서/아서 + ...)

젊어서 뭐든지 할 수 있어요. (Because I am young, I can do anything.)

B1

A + 는/은 + B + 보다 + 젊어요.

그녀는 나보다 젊어요. (She is younger than me.)

B2

Young days + Noun phrase.

젊은 시절의 꿈을 기억해요. (I remember the dreams of my youth.)

B2

Noun + 는/은 + 젊음 + 을/를 + 가지고 있다/상징하다.

젊음은 에너지를 상징해요. (Youth symbolizes energy.)

Famille de mots

Noms

젊음 youth (noun)
젊은이 young person/people (noun)
젊은이들 young people (plural noun)

Adjectifs

젊다 to be young

Apparenté

젊은 young (attributive adjective)
젊어서 because one is young / in one's youth (conjunctive)
젊고 young and... (conjunctive)
젊은이 young person (noun)
젊음 youth (noun)
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high. This is a fundamental adjective used daily.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '어리다' for teenagers. → Using '젊다' for teenagers.

    '어리다' is for babies/young children or implies immaturity. '젊다' is appropriate for teenagers and young adults.

  • Using the dictionary form '젊다' in casual conversation. → Using '젊어요' in polite informal conversation.

    In everyday polite speech, adjectives conjugate. '젊어요' is the standard polite informal form. '젊다' is for dictionary entries or very formal/written contexts.

  • Confusing '젊다' (adjective) with '젊은이' (noun). → Using '젊다' to describe someone (e.g., '그는 젊어요') and '젊은이' to refer to a young person (e.g., '젊은이가 많아요').

    '젊다' describes the state of being young. '젊은이' refers to the person who is young. They are related but used differently in sentences.

  • Forgetting particles like '는/은' or '이/가'. → Subject + 는/은 + 젊어요. or Subject + 이/가 + 젊다.

    Korean sentences require particles to mark the subject or topic. Omitting them makes sentences grammatically incomplete or unnatural.

  • Using '젊다' for inanimate objects. → Use '젊다' for people. For new objects, use '새롭다'.

    '젊다' is primarily used for people's age. While metaphorically possible, it's not standard for objects at the A1 level.

Astuces

Master the 'eo' Sound

The 'ㅓ' in '젊다' (jeomda) is crucial. It's an 'eo' sound, similar to the 'u' in 'but' or the 'o' in 'son' in English. Practice saying 'jeom-da' clearly, focusing on this vowel sound to avoid confusion with other Korean vowels.

Polite Informal is Key

For everyday conversations, always aim to use the polite informal conjugation '젊어요' (jeolmeoyo). It's respectful and widely understood. Using the dictionary form '젊다' in casual talk can sound abrupt.

Age Spectrum

Remember the typical age progression: '어리다' (baby/child), '젊다' (teen/young adult/adult who looks young), '늙다' (old). This helps you choose the right word for the age group.

Context is King

While '젊다' is often a compliment, consider the context. Is it being used to highlight vitality, or perhaps to imply inexperience? Pay attention to the surrounding words and the speaker's tone.

Describe Your Friends

Practice by describing your friends or family members using '젊어요'. For example, '제 친구는 아주 젊어요.' (My friend is very young.) This active recall solidifies the word's usage.

Youth as Value

Understand that in Korean culture, youth is often seen as a valuable asset. This cultural context can influence how the word '젊다' is used and perceived.

Contrast with '늙다'

Actively contrast '젊다' with its antonym '늙다' (to be old). Mentally picture young people versus old people and associate the correct Korean word with each image.

Connect to '젊음'

Remember the noun form '젊음' (jeolmeum - youth). Thinking of '젊다' as the state and '젊음' as the concept helps build a stronger vocabulary network.

Seek Out Simple Texts

Look for beginner Korean texts, children's stories, or simple dialogues online. '젊다' is a common word, so you'll likely encounter it frequently, reinforcing its meaning and usage.

Sentence Building

Build simple sentences using '젊다' with different subjects (I, you, he, she, this person, that person). Focus on correct particle usage (는/은, 이/가) and the '-어요' ending.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'JUMPY' young person who is always full of energy and ready to jump into action. The 'JUMPY' sound is similar to '젊' (jeom).

Association visuelle

Picture a vibrant, blooming flower. The freshness and newness of a blooming flower represent youth. The color and life of the flower can be associated with the feeling of being '젊다'.

Word Web

Young Person Teenager Young Adult Not Old Energetic Vital New Fresh

Défi

Try to describe three people you know using the word '젊다' (or '젊어요'). For each person, write a short sentence in Korean explaining why you think they are '젊다'.

Origine du mot

The word '젊다' is believed to have originated from Old Korean. Its roots are traced back to the concept of early life stages.

Sens originel : The original meaning was likely 'to be in the early stage of life', specifically referring to humans.

Koreanic languages

Contexte culturel

While '젊다' is generally a neutral descriptor, like any term related to age, context is crucial. Describing someone as 'too young' for a task could imply immaturity or lack of experience. However, in most everyday situations, it's a positive or neutral observation. It's important to distinguish '젊다' from '어리다' (to be childish/immature) when referring to age.

In English-speaking cultures, 'young' is also a fundamental descriptor of age. Similar to Korean, it can be a neutral term or a compliment depending on context. Phrases like 'youth is wasted on the young' highlight a common observation about the lack of appreciation for youth until it's gone.

The K-Pop industry heavily emphasizes the youthfulness and energetic performances of its idols. Many Korean dramas feature young protagonists whose journey of self-discovery and romance is central to the plot. Korean proverbs like '젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다' (One should even seek hardship when young) underscore the cultural value placed on the experiences gained during youth.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Describing people's appearance and age.

  • 저는 아직 젊어요.
  • 그는 정말 젊어 보여요.
  • 우리 엄마는 젊어요.

Comparing ages.

  • 그녀는 나보다 젊어요.
  • 나는 그보다 덜 젊어요.

Talking about life stages and experiences.

  • 젊은 시절에는...
  • 젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다.

Expressing admiration for youth.

  • 젊음이 좋아요.
  • 젊은 에너지가 넘치네요.

Discussing generational differences.

  • 젊은 세대의 생각은 달라요.
  • 젊은이들의 의견을 들어봅시다.

Amorces de conversation

"당신은 자신을 젊다고 생각하나요?"

"젊다는 것은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"당신의 젊은 시절에 무엇을 좋아했나요?"

"젊은 사람들에게 해주고 싶은 조언이 있나요?"

"젊은 세대가 우리 사회에 기여하는 점은 무엇이라고 생각하나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you felt particularly young and energetic.

Write about someone you know who looks remarkably young for their age.

Reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of being young.

What does 'youth' mean to you? Is it just about age, or something more?

Imagine you could give advice to your younger self. What would you say?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The main difference lies in the age group and connotation. '어리다' is typically used for babies and very young children, or it can imply immaturity or lack of experience. '젊다' is used for teenagers, young adults, and even middle-aged people who appear or feel young. For example, a baby is '어리다', while a teenager is '젊다'. If you call a teenager '어리다', it might suggest they are immature.

In polite informal speech (해요체 - haeyoche), the adjective '젊다' conjugates to '젊어요' (jeolmeoyo). For example, '저는 젊어요' means 'I am young'.

While '젊다' primarily describes people's age, it can sometimes be used metaphorically or poetically for things that are new, fresh, or in their early stages. However, for beginner learners (A1 CEFR), it is best to focus on its primary meaning of describing people's age.

Often, yes. In Korean culture, youth is frequently associated with positive qualities like energy, beauty, and potential. Being described as '젊다' can be a compliment, implying vitality and a forward-looking attitude. However, context is always important; if used to imply someone is too inexperienced, it might not be a compliment.

The direct opposite of '젊다' (to be young) is '늙다' (neulgda), which means 'to be old'. Other related terms for old age include '고령이다' (to be of advanced age) and '노쇠하다' (to be old and weak).

You can say '저는 젊어 보여요' (Jeoneun jeolmeo bo-yeoyo). '젊어' is the stem of '젊다' combined with the connective '-어', and '보여요' means 'look' or 'appear'.

The noun form is '젊음' (jeolmeum), which means 'youth'. For example, '젊음은 소중하다' means 'Youth is precious'.

Yes, '젊다' is appropriate for teenagers. It describes the stage of life before old age. For a baby or very young child, you would use '어리다'.

'젊은 사람' (jeolmeun saram) literally means 'young person' and is a straightforward description. '젊은이' (jeolmeuni) is a noun that also means 'young person' or 'young people' and can sometimes carry a slightly more collective or societal connotation, referring to the younger generation.

A common mistake is confusing it with '어리다' (used for children or immaturity). Another is incorrect conjugation, like using the dictionary form '젊다' in casual conversation instead of '젊어요'. Also, forgetting particles can lead to errors.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes

Teste-toi 10 questions

/ 10 correct

Perfect score!

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour t'entraîner

Contenu associé

C'tait utile ?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !