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A2 adjective #2,500 सबसे आम 8 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

적은

At the A1 level, you learn that '적다' (jeok-da) means 'there are few' or 'there is a little'. It is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe quantity. You use it in simple sentences like '사과가 적어요' (There are few apples). At this stage, the most important thing is to remember that it is the opposite of '많다' (many). You also learn the basic polite form '적어요'. You might use it to talk about things you have or things you see in a room. It's a very helpful word for basic shopping or eating out when you want to say you don't have much of something. Just remember: '적다' is for counting things, not for how big they are!
At the A2 level, you start using '적은' (jeok-eun) to describe nouns directly. For example, '적은 돈' (a small amount of money) or '적은 시간' (a little time). You also learn how to compare things using '보다'. For example, '우유가 물보다 적어요' (There is less milk than water). You begin to understand the difference between '적다' (quantity) and '작다' (size). This is a very common mistake for A2 learners, so you practice choosing the right word. You also start to see '적다' used with abstract things like '나이' (age) to say someone is younger ('나이가 적다'). You are building the ability to give more detail about the world around you.
At the B1 level, you use '적다' in more complex sentence structures and with abstract concepts. You might use the adverbial form '적게' to describe how an action is done, like '적게 먹어요' (I eat a little). You also start using '적은' in relative clauses, such as '사람이 적은 곳에 가고 싶어요' (I want to go to a place where there are few people). You begin to notice the nuance between '적다' and '부족하다' (insufficient). You understand that '적다' is just a fact about quantity, while '부족하다' means you need more. You can also use '적다' in formal settings, like giving a presentation about a '적은 인원' (small number of staff).
At the B2 level, you use '적은' to express subtle nuances in professional and social contexts. You understand how to use it in the '-(으)ㄴ 편이다' structure to sound more indirect and polite: '비용이 적은 편이에요' (The cost is on the lower side). You also encounter '적다' in more formal written Korean, such as news reports or academic texts, where it describes statistics like '적은 강수량' (low rainfall). You are expected to distinguish '적다' from '낮다' (low) when talking about rates or levels. You also learn idiomatic uses and how to use the word in humble expressions when giving gifts or hosting guests, reflecting a deeper understanding of Korean culture.
At the C1 level, you master the use of '적은' in literary and highly formal contexts. You can appreciate how the word is used in poetry or prose to create a specific mood, such as '적은 말수' to describe a taciturn character. You understand the historical development of the word and its relationship to other synonyms like '소수' (minority) or '희소하다' (to be scarce). You can use '적다' to discuss complex socio-economic issues, such as '적은 노동력' (a small labor force) and its implications. Your usage is precise, and you never confuse it with size-related adjectives or frequency-related ones unless intended for rhetorical effect.
At the C2 level, your use of '적다' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can use it in philosophical discussions about 'less is more' or in complex statistical analysis where the distinction between '적은' and '미미한' (insignificant/slight) is crucial. You understand the most obscure idiomatic expressions involving the word and can use it with perfect register control. Whether you are writing a legal document, a scientific paper, or a piece of creative fiction, you choose '적은' or its synonyms with absolute precision to convey the exact degree of quantity and the emotional weight associated with it.
इसका अभ्यास करें उदाहरण नोट्स और सुझाव

적은 30 सेकंड में

  • 적은 means 'few' or 'little' and describes quantity or amount.
  • It is the modifier form of the adjective 적다 (to be few).
  • Never confuse it with 작은 (small size); 적은 is for counting/measuring.
  • Commonly used for money, time, people, and abstract things like effort.

The Korean adjective 적다 (jeok-da), specifically in its modifier form 적은 (jeok-eun), is a fundamental building block for describing quantity. At its core, it signifies that the amount, number, or volume of something is insufficient, limited, or simply small in count. It is the direct opposite of 많다 (man-ta), which means 'many' or 'much'. Understanding '적은' is crucial for A2 learners because it allows for the quantification of the world around them, moving beyond simple existence to comparative analysis.

Grammatical Category
Adjective (Descriptive Verb)
Modifier Form
적은 (Noun-modifying)
Antonym
많은 (Many/Much)

One of the most important distinctions for learners to grasp is the difference between 적다 (quantity) and 작다 (size). While English often uses 'small' for both ('small amount' vs 'small box'), Korean maintains a strict boundary. If you are talking about how many apples are in a basket, you use 적다. If you are talking about the physical dimensions of the basket itself, you use 작다. Using '작은' when you mean '적은' is a hallmark of early-stage learners and can lead to confusion in specific contexts like ordering food or discussing statistics.

교실에 학생이 적은 편이에요. (There are relatively few students in the classroom.)

Example of quantity description

In terms of nuance, '적은' is neutral. It doesn't inherently imply a negative connotation (like 'too few') unless paired with adverbs like 너무 (too) or 지나치게 (excessively). However, in a social context, describing someone's contribution or a gift as '적은' might require a humble prefix to avoid sounding rude. For instance, when giving a gift, Koreans often say "약소하지만..." (It is humble/small, but...) rather than bluntly using '적은'.

The word '적은' appears in various idiomatic and semi-fixed expressions. For example, 적은 돈 (a small amount of money) is a common phrase used when discussing budgets or savings. Interestingly, '적다' can also be used as a verb meaning 'to write down' (e.g., 이름을 적다), but the context and conjugation usually make the distinction clear. As an adjective, it follows the standard '은/는' modifier pattern for adjectives ending in a consonant.

기회가 적은 상황에서도 최선을 다해야 합니다. (You must do your best even in situations where opportunities are few.)

Visualizing Quantity
Imagine a glass with only a few drops of water; that is '적은 물'.
Comparative Usage
A is B보다 적다 (A is less than B).

Finally, let's look at the frequency of use. In daily conversation, you will hear '적어요' (polite ending) or '적은 것 같아요' (it seems like there are few) very often. It is a safe, versatile word that works in both formal business reports and casual chats with friends. Whether you are complaining about the small amount of side dishes (반찬이 적어요) or discussing the low birth rate (출산율이 적다 - though '낮다' is more common for rates, '적다' is used for the number of babies), this word is indispensable.

Using 적은 correctly requires understanding its role as a modifier and its conjugation patterns. In Korean, adjectives function like verbs, often called 'descriptive verbs'. To use '적다' to describe a noun directly (e.g., 'few people'), we attach the suffix -은 to the stem 적- because it ends in a consonant. This results in 적은.

1. The Modifier Form (Noun + 적은)

When you want to say 'few [noun]' or 'a small amount of [noun]', you place 적은 before the noun. This is the most common way to use the word in descriptive writing or complex sentences.

  • 적은 인원: A small number of people.
  • 적은 비용: A small cost/expense.
  • 적은 노력: Little effort.

적은 돈으로 여행하는 법을 알아요? (Do you know how to travel with a small amount of money?)

2. Predicative Use (Sentence Ending)

When '적다' comes at the end of a sentence to say 'Something is few', it conjugates based on the politeness level and tense. Unlike the modifier form, these endings change the feel of the sentence significantly.

Informal Polite (Present)
적어요 (Jeok-eo-yo)
Formal Polite (Present)
적습니다 (Jeok-seum-ni-da)
Past Tense
적었어요 (Jeok-eoss-eo-yo)

3. Comparisons

To compare quantities, you use the particle 보다 (than). This is a vital skill for A2 learners. The structure is: [Noun A]이/가 [Noun B]보다 적다. This means 'A is fewer/less than B'.

올해는 작년보다 비가 적게 왔어요. (It rained less this year than last year.) - *Note: Here '적게' is the adverbial form.*

4. Common Collocations

Certain words naturally pair with '적은'. Learning these as chunks will make your Korean sound more natural. For instance, 나이가 적다 is the standard way to say someone is young (literally 'age is few'), though 어리다 is also used. Similarly, 경험이 적다 means to have little experience.

The word 적은 and its root 적다 are ubiquitous in Korean society. From the grocery store to the boardroom, you will encounter this word daily. Understanding the context helps in interpreting the speaker's intent, as 'few' can imply anything from 'exclusivity' to 'scarcity'.

1. Shopping and Dining

In a restaurant, if you feel the portion size is small, you might whisper to your friend, "양이 너무 적은 것 같아" (I think the amount is too small). Conversely, a waiter might ask if you want a 'small amount' of spicy sauce: "매운 소스를 적게 드릴까요?" (Shall I give you a small amount of spicy sauce?).

이 식당은 가격에 비해 양이 적은 편이에요. (This restaurant has small portions compared to the price.)

2. Workplace and Statistics

In a professional setting, '적은' is used to discuss resources, manpower, or data. A manager might talk about completing a project with 적은 인원 (a small number of people) or 적은 예산 (a small budget). In news reports, you'll hear about 적은 강수량 (low rainfall) or 적은 투표율 (low voter turnout).

News Headline
올해 취업 기회가 예년보다 적은 것으로 나타났습니다. (It appears job opportunities are fewer than in previous years.)
Office Talk
우리 팀은 사람이 적어서 일이 많아요. (Our team has few people, so there's a lot of work.)

3. Social Life and Age

In Korea's hierarchical society, age is paramount. You might hear someone say, "저보다 나이가 적은 분이에요" (They are younger than me / Their age is less than mine). While '어리다' is common, '나이가 적다' is a very polite and standard way to describe age differences in a factual manner.

4. Academic and Literary Contexts

In literature, '적은' can evoke a sense of loneliness or scarcity. A poet might write about 적은 별빛 (faint/few starlight) or 적은 말수 (being a person of few words). In academic papers, it is used to describe limited variables or a small sample size (적은 표본).

Even though 적은 seems straightforward, it is one of the most common sources of errors for Korean learners. Most mistakes stem from English interference or confusing similar-sounding words.

1. The 'Small' vs. 'Few' Trap (작다 vs. 적다)

This is the #1 mistake. English uses 'small' for both size and quantity. Korean does not. If you say "사과가 적어요" when you mean the apple is physically tiny, a Korean speaker will think you mean there are only a few apples. Conversely, saying "사람이 작아요" means the person is short/small in stature, not that there are few people.

Incorrect
커피 양이 작아요. (The coffee size is small - physically?)
Correct
커피 양이 적어요. (The amount of coffee is little.)

2. Confusing with the Verb '적다' (To Write)

As mentioned before, the dictionary form is identical. However, the modifier forms are different. Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ, while verbs use -는 in the present tense.

  • 적은 돈: (Adjective) Small amount of money.
  • 이름을 적는 사람: (Verb) The person who is writing the name.

3. Misusing '적은' with Countable/Uncountable Nouns

In English, we distinguish between 'few' (countable) and 'little' (uncountable). In Korean, 적다 covers both. However, learners sometimes try to find a different word for 'little water' vs 'few people'. You don't need to! 적은 물 and 적은 사람 are both perfectly fine, though for people, 적은 인원 or 적은 수의 사람 is more formal.

Don't overthink it: If it's about 'how much' or 'how many', 적다 is your friend.

4. Particle Errors

When using '적다' in a sentence, the subject should take the particle 이/가, not 을/를. Because it is an adjective, it cannot take an object.

Incorrect
돈을 적어요. (X)
Correct
돈이 적어요. (O) - The money is little.

To truly master 적은, you need to know its neighbors. Korean has several words that describe 'smallness' or 'lack', each with a specific nuance.

1. 부족하다 (Bu-jok-ha-da) vs. 적다

적다 simply states a low quantity. 부족하다 implies that the quantity is insufficient for a specific purpose. If you have 3 apples and you only need 1, the apples are 적다 (few) but not 부족하다 (insufficient). If you need 5, then they are both.

시간이 적지만 할 수 있어요. (Time is little, but I can do it.) vs. 시간이 부족해서 못 해요. (I can't do it because time is insufficient.)

2. 모자라다 (Mo-ja-ra-da)

This is very similar to 부족하다 but is often used in more casual, everyday contexts. It literally means 'to fall short'. It's commonly used for money, food, or even mental capacity (as a mild insult).

3. 드물다 (Deu-mul-da)

While 적다 refers to quantity, 드물다 refers to frequency or rarity. It means 'rare' or 'uncommon'. You wouldn't say the water in your cup is '드물다', but you would say a snowy day in April is '드문 일' (a rare occurrence).

적은 기회
Few opportunities (Quantity).
드문 기회
A rare opportunity (Frequency/Uniqueness).

4. 낮다 (Nat-da)

When talking about rates, percentages, or levels (like temperature or grades), Koreans use 낮다 (low) instead of 적다. For example, 'low probability' is 낮은 확률, not '적은 확률'.

How Formal Is It?

औपचारिक

""

कठिनाई स्तर

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

물이 적어요.

There is little water.

Simple present polite form.

2

친구가 적어요.

I have few friends.

Subject + 이/가 + 적다.

3

사과가 적어요.

There are few apples.

Describing quantity.

4

밥이 너무 적어요.

The rice is too little.

Using '너무' (too) for emphasis.

5

펜이 적어요.

There are few pens.

Countable noun usage.

6

시간이 적어요.

There is little time.

Abstract noun (time).

7

돈이 적어요.

The money is little.

Common daily usage.

8

설탕이 적어요.

There is little sugar.

Uncountable noun usage.

1

적은 돈으로 샀어요.

I bought it with a small amount of money.

Modifier form '적은' + Noun.

2

사람이 적은 식당에 가요.

Let's go to a restaurant with few people.

Relative clause with '적은'.

3

이 책은 그림이 적어요.

This book has few pictures.

Describing features of an object.

4

나이가 적은 사람이에요.

They are a younger person.

Idiomatic use for age.

5

비가 적게 왔어요.

It rained a little (less).

Adverbial form '적게'.

6

학생 수가 작년보다 적어요.

The number of students is fewer than last year.

Comparison with '보다'.

7

적은 노력으로 성공했어요.

I succeeded with little effort.

Modifier form with abstract noun.

8

반찬이 너무 적은 것 같아요.

I think there are too few side dishes.

'-은 것 같다' (it seems like).

1

경험이 적은 신입 사원입니다.

I am a new employee with little experience.

Professional context.

2

말수가 적은 친구예요.

He is a friend who doesn't talk much.

Compound noun '말수' (amount of talk).

3

적은 인원으로 프로젝트를 끝냈어요.

We finished the project with a small number of people.

Using '인원' for people count.

4

기회가 적어도 포기하지 마세요.

Even if opportunities are few, don't give up.

'-어도' (even if) ending.

5

이 옷은 색깔 종류가 적어요.

This clothing item has few color options.

Describing variety.

6

적은 비용으로 최대 효과를 냈어요.

We achieved the maximum effect with a small cost.

Business terminology.

7

월급이 적어서 걱정이에요.

I'm worried because my salary is low.

'-어서' (because) ending.

8

사람이 적은 시간에 방문하세요.

Please visit at a time when there are few people.

Time-based relative clause.

1

이 지역은 강수량이 적은 편입니다.

This area tends to have low rainfall.

'-은 편이다' (tends to be).

2

적은 양의 약으로도 효과가 있습니다.

It is effective even with a small amount of medicine.

Scientific/Medical context.

3

부작용이 적은 약을 개발했습니다.

We developed a medicine with few side effects.

Describing attributes.

4

적은 지식으로 판단하면 안 됩니다.

You shouldn't judge with limited knowledge.

Abstract warning.

5

수입이 적은 가정을 지원합니다.

We support households with low income.

Social policy context.

6

적은 가능성이라도 믿어보고 싶어요.

I want to believe even in a small possibility.

Emotional/Abstract usage.

7

오염 물질 배출이 적은 차예요.

It's a car with low pollutant emissions.

Environmental context.

8

적은 자본으로 창업을 시작했습니다.

I started a business with a small amount of capital.

Entrepreneurial context.

1

그는 적은 말수 속에 깊은 뜻을 담고 있다.

He carries deep meaning within his few words.

Literary/Metaphorical.

2

표본의 수가 적은 것이 이 연구의 한계입니다.

The small number of samples is the limitation of this study.

Academic research context.

3

적은 단서만으로 범인을 잡았습니다.

They caught the criminal with only a few clues.

Crime/Mystery context.

4

이 작가는 적은 분량으로도 큰 감동을 준다.

This author gives great emotion even with a small volume of work.

Artistic criticism.

5

적은 수의 정예 부대가 승리했습니다.

A small number of elite troops won.

Military/Historical context.

6

차린 것은 적으나 정성을 다했습니다.

Though what I prepared is little, I put my heart into it.

Humble formal speech (archaic '-으나').

7

적은 비중의 역할이지만 최선을 다했어요.

It was a role with small importance, but I did my best.

Describing significance.

8

적은 변동성 덕분에 투자가 안정적입니다.

Thanks to low volatility, the investment is stable.

Financial terminology.

1

적은 소유가 곧 큰 자유임을 깨달았다.

I realized that having few possessions is indeed great freedom.

Philosophical statement.

2

그의 시는 적은 시어로 우주를 담아낸다.

His poetry captures the universe with few poetic words.

High-level literary analysis.

3

적은 오차 범위 내에서 실험이 성공했다.

The experiment succeeded within a small margin of error.

Technical precision.

4

적은 개연성에도 불구하고 사건은 일어났다.

Despite the low probability, the event occurred.

Formal logical analysis.

5

적은 수혜자만이 이 혜택을 누릴 수 있다.

Only a small number of beneficiaries can enjoy this benefit.

Legal/Policy exclusivity.

6

적은 정보량으로도 핵심을 꿰뚫어 보았다.

He saw through to the core even with a small amount of information.

Intellectual mastery.

7

적은 마찰이 기계의 수명을 연장시킨다.

Low friction extends the life of the machine.

Engineering context.

8

적은 가책조차 느끼지 않는 모습에 경악했다.

I was shocked by the sight of him not feeling even a small amount of remorse.

Psychological/Emotional depth.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

적은 돈 (small money)
적은 시간 (little time)
적은 인원 (few people)
적은 비용 (low cost)
적은 노력 (little effort)
적은 양 (small amount)
적은 나이 (young age)
적은 경험 (little experience)
적은 확률 (low probability)
적은 비중 (small portion/weight)

सामान्य वाक्यांश

말수가 적다 (to be a person of few words)

나이가 적다 (to be young)

양이 적다 (portion is small)

기회가 적다 (few opportunities)

수입이 적다 (income is low)

적은 금액 (small sum)

적은 인원 (small staff)

적은 차이 (small difference)

적은 가능성 (small possibility)

적은 비중 (low importance)

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

적은 vs 작다 (small size)

적은 vs 낮다 (low level)

적은 vs 짧다 (short length)

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

적은 vs

적은 vs

적은 vs

적은 vs

적은 vs

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

humble usage

Common in humble social formulas.

quantity only

Only use for quantity/amount.

सामान्य गलतियाँ
  • Using '작은' for 'few apples'.
  • Using '적은' for 'small box'.
  • Confusing '적은' (few) with '적는' (writing).
  • Using '을/를' with '적다' (it's an adjective!).
  • Using '적다' for 'low temperature' (use 낮다).

सुझाव

Modifier Rule

Always add -은 to the stem '적' to describe a noun.

Size vs Quantity

Remember: Size = 작다, Quantity = 적다. This is the most common mistake.

Humble Speech

Use '적다' to downplay your own gifts or efforts politely.

Statistics

In news, '적은' describes low numbers like rainfall or turnout.

Softer Tone

Add '편이에요' to '적어요' to sound less blunt.

Abstract Nouns

Use it with '노력' (effort) or '경험' (experience).

Verb Distinction

If you hear an object particle (을/를), it's probably the verb 'to write'.

Than

Use '보다' to compare which quantity is smaller.

Spicy Pepper

Learn '적은 고추가 맵다' to sound like a pro.

Liaison

The 'ㄱ' sound carries over to the 'ㅇ' in '은'.

याद करें

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

Native Korean word.

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Using '적은' for one's own gifts is polite.

Age-related '적다' is common in social introductions.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"이 식당 양이 너무 적지 않아요?"

"나이가 저보다 적으시네요?"

"요즘 시간이 너무 적어서 걱정이에요."

"적은 돈으로 할 수 있는 취미가 있을까요?"

"사람이 적은 카페 아세요?"

डायरी विषय

오늘 적은 돈으로 행복했던 순간을 적어보세요.

내가 가진 것 중 가장 적은 것은 무엇인가요?

말수가 적은 사람에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

시간이 적을 때 당신은 무엇을 먼저 하나요?

경험이 적었을 때 했던 실수를 써보세요.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

No, use 작은 for physical size. 적은 is for quantity.

The opposite is 많은 (many/much).

It can be both, but with different meanings. As 'few', it is an adjective.

Use '더 적은' or the adverb '더 적게'.

Yes, but '적은 인원' sounds more natural in formal contexts.

Yes, it is a standard and polite way to say someone is younger.

Adjectives take '-(으)ㄴ' to modify nouns. '적는' would be for the verb 'to write'.

Yes, '적은 물' (a little water) is correct.

No, use '작다' or '낮다' for height.

The adverb form is '적게'.

खुद को परखो 180 सवाल

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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