At the A1 level, you only need to know that '새싹' means 'sprout.' It is a combination of '새' (new) and '싹' (sprout). You will mostly use it when talking about spring or plants. For example, '새싹이 예뻐요' (The sprout is pretty). You should recognize it as a noun. It is often taught alongside other spring words like '꽃' (flower) and '나비' (butterfly). Think of it as the 'baby' version of a plant. In simple sentences, it usually appears with '이/가' (subject marker) and the verb '나다' (to come out). For example: '봄에 새싹이 나요' (Sprouts come out in spring). This is a very basic and useful word for describing nature.
At the A2 level, you can start using '새싹' in slightly more complex sentences and understand its metaphorical connection to children. You should know that '새싹' can refer to students or kids in a cute way. You might hear a teacher say '우리 새싹들' (our sprouts) to their class. You should also be able to use verbs like '자라다' (to grow) and '물주다' (to water) with it. For example, '새싹에 물을 주었어요' (I watered the sprouts). You will also encounter it in digital spaces, like being a '새싹' member in an online group, which just means you are new. This level is about seeing the word in common daily contexts like school and simple hobbies like gardening.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '새싹' and '싹.' You should also be familiar with common collocations like '새싹이 돋다' (sprouts emerge) and '새싹을 키우다' (to nurture sprouts). At this stage, you can use '새싹' to describe potential in a person. For example, '그는 미래의 새싹입니다' (He is a sprout of the future). You should also be able to understand simple idioms or common phrases used in news or weather reports during the spring. You might see it used in environmental slogans to represent the fragility of nature. Your ability to use the word should move from just describing a plant to describing a 'beginning' or 'potential' in various contexts.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of '새싹.' You should know the idiom '새싹부터 노랗다' (to show no promise from the start) and understand when it is appropriate to use (usually about someone's bad attitude or lack of potential). You should also be able to use the word in formal writing, such as an essay about education or the environment. At this level, you understand that '새싹' carries a strong emotional connotation of 'hope' and 'purity.' You can use it to create more poetic or persuasive sentences. For example, '어린이들은 우리 사회의 미래를 책임질 새싹입니다' (Children are the sprouts who will be responsible for our society's future).
At the C1 level, you should appreciate the literary and cultural depth of '새싹.' You can distinguish between '새싹,' '움,' and '봉오리' in literature. You understand how the word is used in political or social discourse to emphasize the need for nurturing the younger generation. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as '새싹이 짓밟히지 않도록 보호해야 한다' (We must protect the sprouts from being trampled). You are aware of the word's history and its role in Korean children's literature (아동문학). You can also use the word ironically or humorously in social contexts to refer to yourself as a 'beginner' in a complex field, showing a high level of linguistic flexibility.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '새싹.' You can use it in any register, from formal academic papers on botany to highly metaphorical poetry. You understand the subtle socio-linguistic implications of calling a group '새싹' versus '청년' (youth) or '꿈나무' (dream tree). You can analyze how the concept of '새싹' reflects Korean values regarding growth, education, and the cyclical nature of life. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts like the 'sprouts of democracy' (민주주의의 새싹) or the 'sprouts of hope' in a post-war context. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, incorporating both the literal botanical precision and the deep metaphorical resonance.

새싹 30秒で

  • A noun meaning 'new sprout' or 'bud,' combining '새' (new) and '싹' (sprout).
  • Literally describes the first green growth of a plant in spring.
  • Metaphorically refers to children, students, or beginners with high potential.
  • Commonly used in kindergarten names, online forum levels, and environmental slogans.

The Korean word 새싹 (saessak) is a beautiful, evocative term that primarily refers to a 'new sprout' or a 'bud' emerging from the ground or a branch. Linguistically, it is a compound of two elements: (sae), meaning 'new,' and (ssak), meaning 'sprout' or 'shoot.' While its literal meaning is botanical, its cultural and metaphorical weight in the Korean language is immense, often symbolizing hope, potential, children, and the beginning of a promising journey.

Literal Botanical Usage
In a garden or forest setting, 새싹 describes the very first green tips that break through the soil in spring. It is the stage before a plant becomes a seedling (모종) or a full plant. Koreans often associate this with the 'end of winter' and the 'rebirth of nature.'

봄이 오니 화단에 새싹이 돋아났어요. (Spring is here, so sprouts have come up in the flower bed.)

Metaphorical Meaning: Children
Perhaps the most common metaphorical use of 새싹 is to refer to children or the younger generation. Just as a sprout requires careful watering and sunlight to grow into a strong tree, Korean society views children as 'sprouts' that need nurturing to become the 'pillars' (기둥) of the nation.

아이들은 우리 사회의 소중한 새싹입니다. (Children are the precious sprouts of our society.)

Digital and Modern Contexts
In modern Korean internet culture, especially on platforms like Naver Cafes (online forums), '새싹 등급' (Sprout Level) is a very common term for new members. It signifies that the user is a beginner who has just joined and is starting their activity within the community.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in educational programs. Kindergarten classes might be named '새싹반' (Sprout Class), and children's songs often feature the word to describe the magic of growing up. Unlike the English word 'rookie,' which can feel competitive, 새싹 feels organic and gentle. It suggests that growth is a natural process that takes time and care. Whether you are talking about the beans sprouting on your windowsill or the new students entering a university, 새싹 captures that specific moment of fragile yet determined beginning.

Using 새싹 effectively requires understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. Because a sprout is a living thing that emerges, grows, and is cared for, certain verb pairings are standard in Korean grammar. The most common verb is 돋다 (dotda) or 돋아나다 (dotanada), which means 'to sprout' or 'to bud.'

Common Verb Pairings
  • 돋다 / 돋아나다: To sprout (natural emergence).
  • 나다: To come out (general appearance).
  • 키우다: To raise/nurture (active care).
  • 밟다: To step on (often used metaphorically to mean crushing someone's potential).

비가 온 뒤에 땅에서 새싹이 돋아났어요. (After the rain, sprouts emerged from the ground.)

In terms of grammar, 새싹 is a simple noun. It can take any particle. When it is the subject of a sentence, use (e.g., 새싹이). When it is the object, use (e.g., 새싹을). When describing something as being 'like a sprout,' you can use the particle 처럼 (cheoreom) or the suffix 같은 (gateun).

그는 축구계의 새싹 같은 존재입니다. (He is like a 'sprout' in the world of soccer—a rising star.)

Negative Contexts
There is a famous idiom: '새싹부터 노랗다.' This literally means 'the sprout is yellow from the start.' Since healthy sprouts should be green, a yellow sprout is seen as sickly or unlikely to survive. Metaphorically, this is used to describe someone (often a child or a beginner) who shows no promise or has a bad attitude from the very beginning.

그 아이는 예의가 없어서 새싹부터 노랗다는 소리를 듣는다. (That child is heard to be 'yellow from the sprout' because they have no manners.)

When writing about environmental issues, 새싹 is often used to symbolize the fragility of nature. In academic or formal settings, you might see it paired with words like 희망 (hope) or 미래 (future) to create a sense of forward-looking optimism. Always remember that while '싹' is the general word for sprout, adding '새' (new) makes it more poetic and emphasizes the 'newness' of the life form.

You will encounter 새싹 in a variety of real-world Korean environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly symbolic. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the word's 'vibe' beyond a simple dictionary definition.

1. Kindergarten and Elementary Schools
This is the most frequent place. Teachers often call their students '새싹들' (sprouts). School newsletters might be titled '새싹 소식' (Sprout News). It conveys a sense of innocence and the teacher's role as a gardener tending to young minds.

우리 새싹들이 건강하게 자라길 바랍니다. (I hope our little sprouts grow up healthy.)

2. Online Communities and Apps
If you use Korean apps like Karrot Market (당근마켓) or Naver, you will see sprout icons. On Karrot Market, new users are often labeled with a sprout to indicate they are new to the neighborhood marketplace. This alerts others to be patient with them or helps the platform provide tailored guidance.
3. News and Documentaries
During the spring season (March to May), news reports on the changing seasons will show close-up shots of trees and soil, using the word 새싹 to describe the arrival of spring. In a more somber context, news about child welfare often uses '새싹' to emphasize the vulnerability of the victims.

입춘이 지나고 곳곳에서 새싹이 고개를 내밀고 있습니다. (After Ipchun [the start of spring], sprouts are poking their heads out everywhere.)

In the business world, while '스타트업' (startup) is the standard loanword, a company might be described as a '새싹 기업' to highlight its fledgling status and potential for massive growth. Similarly, in sports, a young, talented player who has just debuted is often called a '새싹.' You'll hear commentators say, '저 선수는 정말 기대되는 새싹이네요!' (That player is a sprout we really have high expectations for!). Overall, the word is ubiquitous in Korean life, bridging the gap between nature and human development.

While 새싹 is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its nuance and its distinction from similar words like , 꽃봉오리, or 신입.

Mistake 1: Confusing '새싹' with '싹'
While they both mean sprout, '싹' is more general and can sometimes be used in neutral or even negative ways (like '싹수가 노랗다'). '새싹' is specifically 'new sprout' and almost always carries a positive, fresh, and poetic nuance. Using '싹' in a poem about spring might feel a bit too clinical, whereas '새싹' adds emotional warmth.

Incorrect: 콩에서 싹이 났어요. (Neutral/Correct) vs. 콩에서 새싹이 났어요. (More evocative/Correct). Use 새싹 when you want to emphasize the 'new life' aspect.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Beginners'
In a professional office setting, you wouldn't usually call a new 30-year-old employee a '새싹' to their face. It sounds a bit patronizing or 'too cute.' Instead, use '신입 사원' (new employee). Save '새싹' for children, very young students, or as a self-deprecating joke on an internet forum.
Mistake 3: Confusing Sprouts with Buds
A '새싹' comes from the ground or a seed. A '꽃봉오리' (kkot-bong-o-ri) is a flower bud on a stem. Don't use 새싹 to describe the closed petals of a rose that is about to bloom; that's a '봉오리'.

장미 새싹 (Rose sprout - the tiny plant) vs. 장미 꽃봉오리 (Rose bud - the flower before it opens).

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'ss' sound (ㅆ) in 'ssak' is a tensed consonant. If you pronounce it as a soft 's' (싹 as 삭), it might be misunderstood or sound unnatural. It should be a sharp, hissed sound. Also, remember that 새싹 is a noun; you cannot '새싹' something. You must use a verb like '나다' or '키우다' to complete the thought. Avoid translating 'budding' (adjective) directly as '새싹' (noun) without adjusting the grammar to '새싹 같은' or '새싹인'.

To truly master 새싹, you should know how it compares to its synonyms and related terms. Korean has a rich vocabulary for nature and growth, and choosing the right word depends on the specific stage of growth and the context of the conversation.

새싹 vs. 싹 (Ssak)
'싹' is the root word. It is more clinical and general. You use '싹' when talking about the science of germination. '새싹' is more descriptive and emphasizes the 'newness' and 'freshness.' Think of '싹' as 'sprout' and '새싹' as 'fresh green shoot.'
새싹 vs. 움 (Um)
'움' is a more traditional or poetic word for a sprout, often referring to the sprout that comes out of a stump or a root. You'll see it in the verb '움트다' (to sprout/bud). While '새싹' is the common everyday noun, '움' is often found in literature and songs.

겨울이 가고 사랑의 이 터요. (Winter goes and the 'sprout' of love buds—very poetic.)

새싹 vs. 모종 (Mojong)
'모종' refers to a 'seedling' that is ready to be transplanted. If you go to a plant market to buy small tomato plants to put in your garden, you are buying '모종,' not '새싹.' '새싹' is the very first stage; '모종' is a slightly more established young plant.
새싹 vs. 신인 (Sinin) / 초보 (Chobo)
When talking about people: '신인' means 'rookie' or 'newcomer' (formal, often in sports/entertainment). '초보' means 'beginner' (general, like a 'beginner driver'). '새싹' is used when you want to be cute, metaphorical, or emphasize the person's potential for huge future growth.

In summary, choose '새싹' when you want to evoke feelings of spring, hope, and the early stages of life. Use its alternatives when you need to be more technically precise (싹/모종) or professional (신인/신입). Understanding these subtle differences will make your Korean sound much more natural and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In ancient Korean, '싹' was sometimes spelled differently, but the root meaning of 'emerging life' has remained consistent for centuries. It is one of the few words that has stayed almost entirely native without a Hanja (Chinese character) equivalent being more popular.

発音ガイド

UK /sɛ.s͈ak/
US /sɛ.s͈ak/
The stress is equal on both syllables, but the second syllable 'ssak' starts with a higher pitch due to the tensed consonant.
韻が合う語
싹 (ssak) 딱 (ttak) 빡 (ppak) 락 (rak) 박 (bak) 막 (mak) 착 (chak) 학 (hak)
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'ssak' as 'sak' (soft s).
  • Pronouncing 'sae' as 'se' (too short).
  • Forgetting the 'k' (ㄱ) stop at the end of 'ssak'.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize as it is a common word in children's books and signs.

ライティング 3/5

The double consonant 'ㅆ' can be tricky for beginners to remember.

スピーキング 3/5

Requires correct tensed 'ss' sound and 'k' stop.

リスニング 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

새 (new) 싹 (sprout) 봄 (spring) 나무 (tree) 꽃 (flower)

次に学ぶ

성장 (growth) 발달 (development) 희망 (hope) 잠재력 (potential) 교육 (education)

上級

움트다 (to bud) 발아 (germination) 신진대사 (metabolism) 기성세대 (older generation)

知っておくべき文法

Compound Nouns

새 (new) + 싹 (sprout) = 새싹

Subject Particles -이/가

새싹이 나다.

Object Particles -을/를

새싹을 키우다.

Modifier -은/는/ㄴ

자라나는 새싹 (Growing sprout).

Simile -처럼/같은

새싹 같은 아이 (A sprout-like child).

レベル別の例文

1

봄에 새싹이 나요.

Sprouts come out in spring.

Subject marker '이' is used.

2

새싹이 아주 작아요.

The sprout is very small.

Adjective '작다' (to be small) describes the noun.

3

새싹을 보세요.

Look at the sprout.

Object marker '을' is used with the command '보세요'.

4

화분에 새싹이 있어요.

There is a sprout in the flowerpot.

Location marker '에' indicates where it is.

5

새싹이 초록색이에요.

The sprout is green.

Color '초록색' is used with the '이다' verb.

6

엄마, 새싹 좀 보세요!

Mom, look at the sprout!

Polite command with '보세요'.

7

새싹이 귀여워요.

The sprout is cute.

Adjective '귀엽다' is used.

8

여기 새싹이 있어요.

Here is a sprout.

'여기' means 'here'.

1

아이들은 나라의 새싹이에요.

Children are the sprouts of the country.

Metaphorical usage.

2

매일 새싹에 물을 주세요.

Give water to the sprouts every day.

Dative marker '에' (to/on).

3

새싹이 잘 자라고 있어요.

The sprouts are growing well.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

4

저는 이 카페의 새싹 회원입니다.

I am a 'sprout' (new) member of this cafe.

Noun as a modifier.

5

새싹이 비를 맞고 있어요.

The sprout is being hit by the rain.

'비를 맞다' is a common expression.

6

공원에 새싹이 많이 돋았어요.

Many sprouts have emerged in the park.

Verb '돋다' in past tense.

7

작은 새싹이 나무가 돼요.

A small sprout becomes a tree.

Particle '이/가 되다' (to become).

8

새싹을 밟지 마세요.

Please do not step on the sprouts.

Negative command '-지 마세요'.

1

비가 온 뒤에 새싹이 돋아나기 시작했습니다.

After the rain, sprouts began to emerge.

'-기 시작하다' (begin to...).

2

우리 아들은 축구계의 새로운 새싹입니다.

Our son is a new 'sprout' (rising star) in the soccer world.

Metaphorical usage for potential.

3

새싹을 키우는 것은 정성이 필요합니다.

Raising sprouts requires sincere effort.

'-는 것' nominalization.

4

겨울이 지나면 대지에서 새싹이 올라옵니다.

When winter passes, sprouts come up from the earth.

'대지' (the earth) is a B1 level noun.

5

이 책은 어린이 새싹들을 위한 동화책입니다.

This book is a fairy tale book for young 'sprouts' (children).

'~를 위한' (for...).

6

새싹이 햇빛을 받아서 반짝거려요.

The sprouts are sparkling as they receive the sunlight.

'-아서/어서' (reason/sequence).

7

농부들은 새싹이 잘 자라기를 기도합니다.

Farmers pray for the sprouts to grow well.

'-기를 기도하다' (pray for...).

8

새싹 비빔밥은 정말 신선하고 맛있어요.

Sprout bibimbap is really fresh and delicious.

Culinary usage.

1

그는 새싹부터 노랗다는 말을 들을 정도로 태도가 나빴다.

He had such a bad attitude that people said he was 'yellow from the sprout' (no promise).

Idiom '새싹부터 노랗다'.

2

환경 보호는 미래의 새싹들을 위한 우리의 의무입니다.

Environmental protection is our duty for the sprouts of the future.

Formal rhetoric.

3

추운 겨울을 견뎌낸 씨앗만이 강한 새싹을 틔울 수 있다.

Only seeds that endure the cold winter can sprout strong shoots.

'~만이' (only) and '틔우다' (to make sprout).

4

이 프로젝트는 신진 작가라는 새싹을 발굴하기 위해 기획되었습니다.

This project was planned to discover the 'sprouts' that are new artists.

Passive voice '기획되었습니다'.

5

새싹이 돋아나는 과정을 관찰하며 생명의 신비함을 느꼈다.

Observing the process of sprouts emerging, I felt the mystery of life.

'-며' (while).

6

어린이날을 맞아 나라의 새싹들에게 선물을 전달했습니다.

On Children's Day, we delivered gifts to the sprouts of the nation.

'~을 맞아' (on the occasion of).

7

가뭄 때문에 돋아나던 새싹들이 모두 말라 죽고 말았다.

Because of the drought, all the emerging sprouts ended up withering and dying.

'-고 말았다' (ended up...).

8

정치권의 새로운 새싹들이 구태 의연한 정치를 바꿔야 합니다.

The new sprouts in politics must change the old-fashioned politics.

Political metaphor.

1

문학의 새싹을 틔우기 위해 그는 매일 습작에 매진했다.

To sprout the buds of literature, he devoted himself to daily practice writing.

Metaphorical usage of '틔우다'.

2

교육의 본질은 아이들이 가진 무한한 잠재력이라는 새싹을 보호하는 데 있다.

The essence of education lies in protecting the 'sprout' of children's infinite potential.

Abstract noun usage.

3

기성세대의 욕심이 자라나는 새싹들의 꿈을 짓밟아서는 안 된다.

The greed of the older generation must not trample the dreams of the growing sprouts.

'-아서는 안 된다' (must not).

4

혹독한 시련 끝에 돋아난 새싹은 그 무엇보다 강인한 생명력을 지닌다.

A sprout that emerges after harsh trials possesses a vitality stronger than anything else.

Philosophical tone.

5

그의 연설은 절망에 빠진 이들에게 희망의 새싹을 심어주었다.

His speech planted the sprouts of hope in those who had fallen into despair.

'심어주다' (to plant for someone).

6

전통 문화의 맥을 잇는 어린 새싹들을 지원하는 정책이 시급하다.

Policies to support the young sprouts who carry on the thread of traditional culture are urgent.

Socio-political context.

7

봄볕 아래 고개를 내민 새싹들의 군무가 대지를 수놓고 있다.

The group dance of sprouts poking their heads out under the spring sun is embroidering the earth.

Highly poetic language.

8

새싹이 잎이 되고 나무가 되듯, 우리의 노력도 결실을 맺을 것이다.

Just as a sprout becomes a leaf and then a tree, our efforts will also bear fruit.

'~듯' (just as).

1

사회의 그늘진 곳에서 고군분투하는 어린 새싹들에게 따뜻한 손길이 필요하다.

A warm hand is needed for the young sprouts struggling in the shaded areas of society.

Advanced vocabulary ('그늘진 곳', '고군분투').

2

민주주의라는 이름의 새싹이 독재의 찬바람을 견디고 마침내 꽃을 피웠다.

The sprout named democracy endured the cold wind of dictatorship and finally bloomed.

Political allegory.

3

예술적 영감의 새싹은 고독이라는 토양 위에서 비로소 싹을 틔운다.

The sprout of artistic inspiration only finally buds upon the soil of solitude.

Philosophical metaphor.

4

우리는 자라나는 새싹들이 편견 없는 세상에서 숨 쉴 수 있도록 토대를 마련해야 한다.

We must prepare the foundation so that the growing sprouts can breathe in a world without prejudice.

Complex clause nesting.

5

언어의 새싹을 틔우는 시기인 유아기의 환경은 그 무엇보다 중요하다.

The environment of early childhood, the period when the sprouts of language bud, is more important than anything else.

Linguistic academic context.

6

그의 소설은 인간 존엄성이라는 새싹이 어떻게 파괴되는지를 처절하게 묘사했다.

His novel desperately depicted how the sprout of human dignity is destroyed.

Literary criticism.

7

과학 기술의 비약적 발전 속에서도 생명의 새싹을 경외하는 마음을 잃지 말아야 한다.

Even amidst the rapid development of science and technology, we must not lose the heart that reveres the sprouts of life.

Ethical discussion.

8

한 문장의 새싹이 자라나 한 권의 책이라는 울창한 숲을 이룬다.

The sprout of a single sentence grows to form the dense forest of a single book.

Creative metaphor.

よく使う組み合わせ

새싹이 돋다
새싹을 키우다
새싹이 나다
새싹을 밟다
새싹 회원
새싹 비빔밥
새싹이 올라오다
희망의 새싹
새싹이 트다
새싹을 보호하다

よく使うフレーズ

나라의 새싹

— The country's sprouts; refers to the children who are the future of the nation.

나라의 새싹들이 밝게 웃고 있습니다.

봄의 새싹

— Sprouts of spring; symbolizes the arrival of a new season and hope.

봄의 새싹처럼 싱그러운 미소.

새싹 채소

— Sprout vegetables; young greens used in salads and cooking.

새싹 채소는 영양이 풍부합니다.

새싹반

— Sprout class; a common name for the youngest class in a kindergarten.

우리 아이는 유치원 새싹반이에요.

새싹이 돋아나다

— To sprout/emerge; the most natural way to describe the appearance of a sprout.

비가 그치자 새싹이 돋아났다.

새싹 같은 아이

— A sprout-like child; describes a child who is fresh and full of potential.

새싹 같은 아이들의 꿈을 응원합니다.

새싹을 틔우다

— To make a sprout bud; often used for starting a new project or idea.

그는 새로운 사업의 새싹을 틔웠다.

새싹이 파릇파릇하다

— Sprouts are vivid green; emphasizes the freshness of the color.

파릇파릇한 새싹이 보기 좋아요.

새싹이 고개를 내밀다

— A sprout pokes its head out; a personification of a sprout growing.

눈 속에서 새싹이 고개를 내밀었다.

새싹 인재

— Sprout talent; a young, talented individual with a bright future.

정부는 새싹 인재를 육성하고 있다.

よく混同される語

새싹 vs

싹 is the general term; 새싹 is specifically 'new' and more positive.

새싹 vs 봉오리

봉오리 is a flower bud; 새싹 is a plant sprout from the ground.

새싹 vs 신입

신입 is a new person (professional); 새싹 is a sprout (metaphorical/cute).

慣用句と表現

"새싹부터 노랗다"

— To be yellow from the sprout; used to describe someone who shows no promise or has a bad character from the start.

그는 새싹부터 노랗더니 결국 사고를 쳤다.

Informal/Critical
"싹수가 노랗다"

— Similar to '새싹부터 노랗다'; 'ssaksu' refers to the potential of a sprout.

공부를 안 하는 걸 보니 싹수가 노랗다.

Informal/Harsh
"싹이 트다"

— For a sprout to bud; used metaphorically for a feeling or idea starting to grow.

두 사람 사이에 사랑의 싹이 텄다.

Neutral/Literary
"싹을 자르다"

— To cut the sprout; to nip something in the bud or destroy potential early on.

그는 경쟁자의 싹을 미리 잘라버렸다.

Neutral/Common
"싹수가 있다"

— To have 'sprout-potential'; used for someone who shows a lot of promise.

그 신입 사원은 아주 싹수가 있다.

Informal/Positive
"싹을 틔우다"

— To cause a sprout to bud; to initiate or give birth to something new.

민주주의의 싹을 틔우기 위한 투쟁.

Formal/Rhetorical
"새싹을 밟다"

— To trample a sprout; to discourage or suppress someone young or new.

어린 선수의 새싹을 밟지 마세요.

Neutral/Emotive
"새싹이 돋듯"

— As if sprouts are emerging; used to describe things appearing in large numbers.

신도시 곳곳에 건물이 새싹이 돋듯 들어섰다.

Descriptive
"새싹의 꿈"

— The dream of a sprout; refers to the pure and big dreams of a child.

새싹의 꿈을 소중히 여기자.

Poetic
"새싹을 보살피다"

— To look after the sprout; to nurture the younger generation.

선생님은 새싹을 보살피는 마음으로 학생을 가르친다.

Formal/Warm

間違えやすい

새싹 vs 새삭

Spelling error.

The correct spelling is 새싹 with a double ㅆ and a final ㄱ.

새삭 (X) -> 새싹 (O)

새싹 vs 새색시

Similar sound 'sae-saek'.

새색시 means 'new bride'. Completely different meaning.

새색시가 한복을 입었다.

새싹 vs 수색

Similar ending sound 'saek'.

수색 means 'search' or 'investigation'.

경찰이 수색을 시작했다.

새싹 vs 새벽

Starts with 'sae'.

새벽 means 'dawn'. Both imply beginnings, but one is time and one is a plant.

새벽에 일어났다.

새싹 vs 새끼

Starts with 'sae'.

새끼 means 'young animal' (or can be a swear word). 새싹 is always positive/botanical.

강아지 새끼 (Young puppy).

文型パターン

A1

N이/가 있어요

새싹이 있어요.

A2

N에 물을 주다

새싹에 물을 줘요.

B1

N이/가 돋아나기 시작하다

새싹이 돋아나기 시작해요.

B2

N부터 노랗다

새싹부터 노랗다.

C1

N이라는 새싹을 틔우다

희망이라는 새싹을 틔우다.

C1

N을 짓밟다

새싹을 짓밟지 마세요.

C2

N의 군무

새싹들의 군무가 펼쳐진다.

C2

N이/가 대지를 수놓다

새싹이 대지를 수놓고 있다.

語族

名詞

싹 (sprout)
싹수 (potential)
새싹채소 (sprout vegetables)
새싹회원 (new member)

動詞

싹트다 (to bud)
싹나다 (to sprout)
틔우다 (to make bud)

形容詞

새싹 같은 (sprout-like)

関連

봄 (spring)
성장 (growth)
어린이 (child)
희망 (hope)
생명 (life)

使い方

frequency

Very High, especially in spring and in educational contexts.

よくある間違い
  • 새싹을 났어요 새싹이 났어요

    The sprout is the subject that appeared, so use the subject marker '이', not the object marker '을'.

  • 새싹 싹 새싹

    Don't repeat 'ssak'. '새싹' already includes the word for sprout.

  • 사무실 새싹 신입 사원

    In an office, '새싹' is too informal. Use '신입 사원' (new employee).

  • 나무 새싹 나뭇잎/새순

    While '나무 새싹' is understandable, '새순' is more common for new growth on tree branches.

  • 새싹부터 노랗다 (used for a healthy child) 새싹처럼 건강하다

    '새싹부터 노랗다' is an idiom for someone with NO potential. Don't use it for someone you like!

ヒント

The Sprout Icon

Whenever you see a sprout icon in Korea, think 'Beginner' or 'New'. It's everywhere from apps to parking stickers for new drivers!

Verbs Matter

Remember to pair '새싹' with '돋다' (to sprout) for the most natural sound. '새싹이 돋았어요' is a classic spring sentence.

Native vs Hanja

Use '새싹' for daily conversation and '아(芽)' for scientific or highly formal academic terms.

Tense the 'SS'

Make sure the 'ss' in 'ssak' is sharp. If it's too soft, it won't sound right to a native ear.

Humility

Calling yourself a '새싹' in a new skill is a great way to show you are willing to learn and not arrogant.

Healthy Eating

Look for '새싹 채소' in Korean grocery stores. They are considered very healthy and full of vitamins.

Children

Always speak kindly of '나라의 새싹들' (the nation's sprouts) in Korea; it shows you care about the future.

Poetic Flair

In journals, use '새싹이 고개를 내밀다' (a sprout pokes its head out) to make your writing more descriptive.

Seasonal Change

In March, look at the ground in Korea. You will see people pointing and saying '새싹이다!' (It's a sprout!)

Leveling Up

Don't be offended if you are a '새싹 회원'. It just means you're new and welcome to the group!

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Sae' as 'Say' and 'Ssak' as 'Sock'. Imagine a 'New' ('Sae') 'Sock' ('Ssak') coming out of the ground like a sprout!

視覚的連想

Imagine a tiny green 'V' shape breaking through dark brown soil with a bright sun shining on it.

Word Web

Spring Green Small Growth Children Beginner Nature Hope

チャレンジ

Go to a Korean website like Naver and try to find the '새싹' icon. If you see it, tell yourself: '저게 바로 새싹이구나!' (That is indeed a sprout!)

語源

A native Korean compound word. '새' (sae) is a prefix meaning 'new' or 'fresh.' '싹' (ssak) is the noun for sprout or shoot.

元の意味: A newly emerged sprout.

Koreanic

文化的な背景

Calling a grown adult a '새싹' can be seen as cute or infantalizing depending on the tone. Use it carefully in professional settings.

While English uses 'budding' or 'rookie,' 'sprout' is rarely used for people in English. In Korean, it is much more common and affectionate.

새싹 (Saessak) - A famous Korean children's song. 새싹 등급 (Sprout Level) - The ubiquitous beginner level on Naver Cafes. 새싹 김치 (Sprout Kimchi) - A variety of kimchi made with young shoots.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Gardening

  • 새싹에 물을 주다
  • 새싹이 돋아나다
  • 새싹을 옮겨 심다
  • 새싹이 마르다

Education

  • 우리 반 새싹들
  • 새싹 교육
  • 꿈나무와 새싹
  • 새싹반 선생님

Internet Forums

  • 새싹 회원입니다
  • 새싹 등급 탈출
  • 새싹 질문
  • 새싹 환영

Cooking

  • 새싹 채소 샐러드
  • 새싹 비빔밥
  • 새싹을 씻다
  • 신선한 새싹

Poetry/Nature

  • 봄의 전령 새싹
  • 희망의 새싹
  • 대지의 새싹
  • 연두색 새싹

会話のきっかけ

"집에서 키우는 새싹이 있나요? (Do you have any sprouts you are growing at home?)"

"봄이 오면 가장 먼저 보고 싶은 새싹은 무엇인가요? (What sprout do you want to see first when spring comes?)"

"한국어 공부는 잘 되어가나요? 아직 새싹인가요? (How is your Korean study going? Are you still a sprout?)"

"어린이를 '새싹'이라고 부르는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요? (What do you think about calling children 'sprouts'?)"

"새싹 비빔밥을 먹어본 적이 있나요? (Have you ever tried sprout bibimbap?)"

日記のテーマ

오늘 길에서 본 새싹에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a sprout you saw on the street today.)

당신이 어떤 분야에서 '새싹'이었을 때를 회상해 보세요. (Reflect on a time when you were a 'sprout' in a certain field.)

우리 사회의 '새싹'들을 위해 우리가 할 수 있는 일은 무엇일까요? (What can we do for the 'sprouts' of our society?)

새싹이 자라 나무가 되는 과정과 당신의 인생을 비교해 보세요. (Compare your life to the process of a sprout growing into a tree.)

새싹을 보며 느낀 '희망'에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the 'hope' you felt while looking at a sprout.)

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, metaphorically! You can say '그림 공부의 새싹' to mean you are just starting to learn drawing. It sounds very humble and cute.

Mostly, yes. However, the idiom '새싹부터 노랗다' is negative, meaning someone has no potential. But the word itself is usually positive.

Bean sprout is '콩나물'. While it is technically a sprout, Koreans use the specific name '콩나물' rather than '콩의 새싹'.

The Hanja equivalent for '싹' is '芽' (아). So words like '발아' (germination) use this character, but '새싹' is purely native Korean.

It is a healthy version of bibimbap made with young, tender sprout greens instead of fully grown vegetables.

Only as a joke if he is a beginner at something. It's not a standard romantic nickname.

To symbolize that the member is new and needs to 'grow' their activity level to reach the next stage (like 'leaf' or 'tree').

'새싹' is the whole sprout, while '어린잎' specifically means 'baby leaves.' They are often used interchangeably in cooking.

Yes, the new growth on a tree branch in spring can be called '새싹' or '연둣빛 새싹'.

Add '-들' to make '새싹들' (sprouts).

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Write a sentence using '새싹' and '봄'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Children are the sprouts of the future.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '새싹' and '물'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Look at the small sprout.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '새싹' to mean 'beginner'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Sprouts are green.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '새싹' and '자라다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Don't step on the sprouts.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about '새싹 비빔밥'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'A sprout came out of the pot.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a poetic sentence about sprouts.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I am a new member of this cafe.' (using sprout)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '새싹' and '햇빛'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Many sprouts appeared after the rain.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using '새싹' and '보호하다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The teacher loves the little sprouts.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about spring growth.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'This is a sprout vegetable salad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using the idiom '새싹부터 노랗다'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Only strong seeds become sprouts.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say '새싹' correctly focusing on the tense 'ss'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Spring sprouts are pretty.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I am a beginner.' (using sprout metaphor).

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Water the sprouts.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Sprouts came out.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Children are sprouts.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Don't step on it.' (referring to sprout).

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Green sprout' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'New sprout' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I like sprout bibimbap.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'The sprout is growing.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Sprouts of hope' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Small sprout' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Sprouts of the nation' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Sprouts are emerging.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I saw a sprout.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Cute sprout' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Sprout class' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Sprout vegetables' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'The sprout is small.' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the word: 새싹. What does it mean?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹이 났어요. What happened?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹에 물을 줘요. What is the person doing?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 아이들은 새싹입니다. Who are the sprouts?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹 비빔밥 먹을래요? What is the offer?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹을 밟지 마세요. What is the warning?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 여기 새싹 회원입니다. Who is this person?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 봄에는 새싹이 돋아요. When do they sprout?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹이 초록색이에요. What color are they?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 귀여운 새싹을 보세요. What should you look at?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹이 잘 자라요. How is it growing?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 싹수가 노랗다. Is this positive?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹반으로 오세요. Where should you go?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 희망의 새싹입니다. What kind of sprout is it?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 새싹이 땅을 뚫고 나왔어요. From where did it come?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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