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어린아이

A2 noun #1,500 よく出る 9分で読める

어린아이

eorinai 上位1,500

At the A1 level, '어린아이' is a basic noun you use to identify people. You learn it alongside words like '남자' (man), '여자' (woman), and '학생' (student). At this stage, you focus on simple sentences: 'The child is here,' 'The child is small.' You might not yet distinguish it from '아이', but you recognize it as a word for a young person. It's often one of the first compound-like words you encounter, helping you see how '어린' (young) modifies '아이' (child). You use it to describe pictures or your family in very simple terms. The focus is on basic identification and existence (있어요/없어요).

At the A2 level, you start using '어린아이' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about what a child is doing ('The child is playing in the park') or describe their appearance ('The young child has a red hat'). You begin to use basic particles like '에게' (to) or '와/과' (with) in relation to the child. You also start to see the word in simple stories or public signs. This level is about expanding the child's role in your sentences from a simple subject to someone who interacts with the world. You might also start to understand the difference between '어린아이' and '아기' (baby).

At the B1 level, you use '어린아이' to discuss social topics and personal opinions. You might talk about the importance of education for young children or the safety of children in your neighborhood. You can use the word in complex sentences with connectors like '-지만' (but), '-아서/어서' (because), and '-을 때' (when). You start to understand the cultural nuance that '어린아이' represents innocence. You can describe childhood memories using this term. Your vocabulary expands to include related verbs like '키우다' (to raise) or '돌보다' (to look after) a young child.

At the B2 level, '어린아이' appears in more abstract and formal discussions. You might read articles about child psychology or government policies regarding '어린아이'. You can use the word to make comparisons between different stages of life or different cultural approaches to raising children. You understand the metaphorical use of the word (e.g., 'acting like a child'). You are comfortable using it in both written reports and spoken debates. You also start to recognize the subtle difference between '어린아이' and '어린이' in formal speeches and literature.

At the C1 level, you appreciate the literary and philosophical weight of '어린아이'. You can analyze how the word is used in Korean literature to symbolize purity, vulnerability, or the 'inner child'. You use it in sophisticated arguments about sociology, law, and ethics. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word from Middle Korean. You can distinguish between very similar terms like '유아', '소아', and '미성년자' (minor) and choose '어린아이' specifically for its descriptive and emotive power. Your usage is precise, reflecting a deep understanding of Korean social values.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '어린아이'. You can use it in highly nuanced ways, such as in irony, sarcasm, or deep poetic metaphor. You understand the full range of its connotations in different dialects or historical periods. You can discuss the linguistic structure of the word in-depth and how it fits into the broader system of Korean honorifics and age-based terminology. You can write academic papers or creative works where '어린아이' is used to explore complex human emotions or societal structures. You are a master of the word's register, knowing exactly when it adds the right touch of humanity or clinical description.

練習する例文メモとヒント

어린아이 30秒で

어린아이 means 'young child' in Korean.
It combines '어린' (young) and '아이' (child).
It is a descriptive and neutral term for early childhood.
It is used in both casual and formal contexts.

The term 어린아이 (eorin-ai) is a compound noun in Korean that literally translates to 'young child.' It is formed by the adjective 어린 (young/small), derived from the verb 어리다, and the noun 아이 (child). While '아이' can refer to offspring of any age or a general child, '어린아이' specifically emphasizes the youth, smallness, and often the innocence of the individual. In a linguistic context, it serves as a more descriptive and sometimes formal way to refer to children who have not yet reached adolescence.

Etymological Root: The word '어리다' in Middle Korean actually meant 'stupid' or 'foolish' (as seen in the Hunminjeongeum), but evolved over centuries to mean 'young' or 'immature' in a physical sense.

저 어린아이는 누구예요? (Who is that young child?)

In modern usage, '어린아이' evokes a sense of vulnerability and the need for protection. It is frequently used in literature, news reporting, and formal discussions about child welfare. Unlike the shortened form '애', which is very casual and can be used for friends or even adults in certain slang contexts, '어린아이' maintains a respectful distance and a clear focus on the developmental stage of the person being described. It covers the age range from toddlers to roughly primary school age.

Nuance of Innocence: The term often carries a connotation of 'pure' or 'untainted,' which is why it appears in metaphors about honesty and simplicity.

어린아이처럼 웃다. (To laugh like a young child.)

Furthermore, the word is structurally significant because it demonstrates the Korean tendency to combine a modifier (어린) with a noun (아이) to create a more specific category. This is a common pattern in CEFR A2 level vocabulary where learners begin to distinguish between general terms and their more descriptive counterparts. Understanding '어린아이' helps in recognizing the boundaries of childhood in Korean culture, which often places a high value on the protection and education of the young.

Grammatical Role: As a noun, it can take any particle (이/가, 을/를, 은/는) and can be modified by further adjectives like '귀여운' (cute) or '작은' (small).

공원에 어린아이들이 많아요. (There are many young children in the park.)

그는 어린아이의 마음을 가졌다. (He has the heart of a young child.)

위험한 곳에 어린아이를 혼자 두지 마세요. (Do not leave a young child alone in a dangerous place.)

Using 어린아이 correctly involves understanding its level of formality and its descriptive weight. While '아이' is the standard word for 'child,' '어린아이' is used when you want to highlight the fact that the child is specifically in their early years. It is a neutral-to-formal term, making it safe for use in almost any situation, from casual conversation to academic writing.

Sentence Placement: It functions as a standard noun. It can be the subject, object, or part of a possessive phrase. Example: 어린아이의 장난감 (A young child's toy).

어린아이에게는 부모의 사랑이 필요합니다. (Young children need their parents' love.)

When speaking to someone about their own child, '어린아이' might sound a bit clinical or overly descriptive. In such cases, '아이' or the more polite '자녀분' (your child) is preferred. However, if you are describing a scene, such as 'I saw a young child crying,' '어린아이' is perfectly natural. It is also used frequently in the context of '어린이날' (Children's Day), though '어린이' is the specific term for that holiday.

Honorifics and Particles: Since the subject is a child, you don't usually use honorific markers like '-께서' for the child themselves, but you use polite endings like '-아요/어요' or '-습니다' when talking to an adult about the child.

이 옷은 어린아이가 입기에 너무 커요. (This clothing is too big for a young child to wear.)

In literary contexts, '어린아이' is often used to symbolize purity or a fresh perspective. You will see it in phrases like '어린아이의 눈으로' (through the eyes of a young child). This metaphorical use is very common in Korean essays and poetry. It contrasts with '어른' (adult), creating a binary between the world of experience and the world of innocence.

Pluralization: Adding '-들' (어린아이들) is necessary when you want to specifically emphasize a group of multiple children, especially in definite contexts.

어린아이들은 호기심이 많습니다. (Young children are very curious.)

그는 어린아이 취급을 받는 것을 싫어해요. (He hates being treated like a young child.)

The word 어린아이 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, but it appears with particular frequency in specific environments. You will hear it in public service announcements, educational settings, and in media when discussing social issues. It is a 'safe' word that conveys both information (age) and emotion (care).

Public Announcements: In subways or malls, you might hear: '어린아이를 동반한 고객님께서는...' (Customers accompanied by young children...).

지하철역에서 어린아이의 손을 꼭 잡으세요. (Please hold the young child's hand tightly at the subway station.)

In K-Dramas and movies, the word is often used by older characters looking down at younger ones with affection, or in tragic backstories. For instance, a protagonist might say, '어린아이였을 때 저는...' (When I was a young child, I...). It provides a nostalgic or descriptive anchor to the past. In news broadcasts, it is the standard term used to report on incidents involving minors, as it sounds more professional than '애'.

Educational Contexts: Teachers and psychologists use this term when discussing child development stages, specifically the 'early childhood' phase.

어린아이의 정서 발달은 매우 중요합니다. (The emotional development of a young child is very important.)

You will also find this word in religious texts or philosophical discussions. In many Korean translations of the Bible, for example, '어린아이' is used to represent the ideal of faith and humility. Similarly, in children's stories (동화), the narrator often refers to the protagonist as an '어린아이' to build rapport with the young audience. It is a word that bridges the gap between the adult world and the world of play.

그 어린아이는 길을 잃고 울고 있었습니다. (The young child was lost and crying.)

마을 사람들은 그 어린아이를 모두 좋아했습니다. (All the villagers liked that young child.)

While 어린아이 is a straightforward word, learners often make mistakes regarding its usage compared to other 'child' related words. The most common error is using it in contexts where a more specific or a more casual term is required. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural in Korean.

Confusing with '애': '애' is a contraction of '아이'. It is very casual. Using '어린아이' in a casual conversation with friends might sound a bit too stiff or 'bookish'.

Mistake: (To a friend) 우리 어린아이가 학교에 가요. (Better: 우리 애가 학교에 가요.)

Another mistake is using '어린아이' to refer to teenagers. In Korean, '어린아이' strictly refers to young children (usually under 10-12). For teenagers, you must use '청소년' (youth/adolescent) or '학생' (student). Referring to a 15-year-old as an '어린아이' would be seen as belittling or factually incorrect unless you are speaking from the perspective of a very old person.

Misusing '어린이' vs '어린아이': '어린이' is a term coined by Bang Jeong-hwan to show respect to children. It is often used in formal titles or to address children as a group. '어린아이' is more descriptive of the state of being young.

Correct: 어린아이의 순수함 (The purity of a young child). Correct: 어린이 신문 (Children's newspaper).

Learners also sometimes forget that '어린' is an adjective. You cannot say '어리 아이'. It must be '어린아이' (one word or adjective+noun). Also, avoid using '어린아이' when referring to your own children in a formal setting where '저희 아이' or '제 아들/딸' would be more appropriate. Using '어린아이' to describe your own kids to a boss might sound like you are distancing yourself from them.

그는 나이가 많지만 어린아이처럼 행동해요. (He is old but acts like a young child - Correct usage for behavior.)

이 책은 어린아이들이 읽기에 좋습니다. (This book is good for young children to read.)

To truly master 어린아이, you must understand how it relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Korean has many words for 'child,' each with a specific nuance based on age, relationship, and formality.

아이 (Ai) vs. 어린아이: '아이' is the general term. '어린아이' is more specific about the 'young' aspect. All '어린아이' are '아이', but not all '아이' (who could be 12-13) are necessarily '어린아이'.

그 아이는 제 조카예요. (That child is my nephew/niece.)

Then there is 어린이 (Eorini). This word is slightly more formal and is often used in the context of rights, education, and social status. It was popularized to give children a sense of dignity. 꼬마 (Kkoma) is a cute, colloquial term for a 'little kid' or 'tot.' It is much more informal than '어린아이' and is often used affectionately by adults.

유아 (Yua) vs. 소아 (Soa): '유아' refers to infants and toddlers (preschoolers). '소아' is a medical term used in '소아과' (pediatrics). '어린아이' is the common, everyday version of these technical terms.

꼬마야, 어디 가니? (Hey little kid, where are you going? - Very casual)

Lastly, 자녀 (Janyeo) is the formal word for 'children' in the sense of 'sons and daughters.' You would use '자녀' when asking someone about their family, but you would use '어린아이' to describe a child you see on the street. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the social hierarchy and emotional tone of Korean conversations.

유아 교육은 인격 형성에 중요합니다. (Early childhood education is important for character formation.)

그는 어린아이의 마음으로 그림을 그린다. (He paints with the heart of a young child.)

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

難易度

知っておくべき文法

レベル別の例文

어린아이가 있어요.

There is a young child.

Subject particle -가 used.

어린아이가 귀여워요.

The young child is cute.

Adjective 귀엽다 conjugated.

저 어린아이는 누구예요?

Who is that young child?

Determiner 저 (that) used.

어린아이가 자요.

The young child is sleeping.

Present tense of 자다.

어린아이가 우유를 마셔요.

The young child drinks milk.

Object particle -를 used.

어린아이가 세 명 있어요.

There are three young children.

Counter 명 for people.

어린아이가 학교에 가요.

The young child goes to school.

Directional particle -에.

어린아이가 웃어요.

The young child laughs.

Present tense of 웃다.

공원에 어린아이가 많아요.

There are many young children in the park.

Adjective 많다 (to be many).

어린아이에게 선물을 줬어요.

I gave a gift to the young child.

Dative particle -에게.

어린아이와 같이 놀아요.

I play together with the young child.

Comitative particle -와 같이.

어린아이가 공을 던져요.

The young child throws the ball.

Action verb 던지다.

어린아이가 사과를 먹고 있어요.

The young child is eating an apple.

Progressive form -고 있다.

어린아이의 손은 아주 작아요.

The young child's hands are very small.

Possessive particle -의.

어린아이가 길에서 울고 있어요.

A young child is crying on the street.

Location particle -에서.

어린아이를 위해 사탕을 샀어요.

I bought candy for the young child.

Benefactive -를 위해.

어린아이를 혼자 두면 위험해요.

It is dangerous to leave a young child alone.

Conditional -면.

어린아이들은 호기심이 정말 많아요.

Young children are really full of curiosity.

Plural marker -들.

어린아이처럼 순수한 마음을 갖고 싶어요.

I want to have a pure heart like a young child.

Comparison -처럼.

어린아이가 그린 그림이 벽에 걸려 있어요.

A drawing by a young child is hanging on the wall.

Noun modifying form -ㄴ/은.

어린아이를 키우는 것은 쉬운 일이 아니에요.

Raising a young child is not an easy task.

Gerund form -는 것.

어린아이의 시선으로 세상을 보세요.

Look at the world through the eyes of a young child.

Instrumental particle -으로.

어린아이가 다치지 않게 조심하세요.

Be careful so that the young child doesn't get hurt.

Adverbial -게 (so that).

어린아이들에게는 칭찬이 중요합니다.

Praise is important for young children.

Topic particle -는 after dative.

어린아이의 정서 발달에 부모의 역할이 큽니다.

Parents play a large role in a young child's emotional development.

Abstract noun 정서 발달.

그는 나이가 들어도 어린아이 같은 면이 있다.

Even as he gets older, he has a child-like side.

Modifier -같은 (like).

어린아이를 대상으로 한 범죄는 엄격히 처벌해야 한다.

Crimes targeting young children must be strictly punished.

-를 대상으로 한 (targeting).

어린아이의 상상력은 어른들이 생각하는 것보다 훨씬 풍부하다.

A young child's imagination is much richer than adults think.

Comparative -보다 훨씬.

정부는 어린아이들을 위한 보육 시설을 확충하고 있다.

The government is expanding childcare facilities for young children.

Progressive -고 있다.

어린아이가 거짓말을 하는 데에는 여러 가지 이유가 있을 수 있다.

There can be various reasons why a young child lies.

Bound noun -데 (case/situation).

어린아이의 건강을 위해 균형 잡힌 식단이 필수적이다.

A balanced diet is essential for a young child's health.

Adjective 필수적이다.

어린아이의 행동을 관찰하면 많은 것을 배울 수 있다.

You can learn a lot by observing a young child's behavior.

Conditional -면.

어린아이의 순수함은 종종 예술가들에게 영감의 원천이 된다.

The purity of a young child often becomes a source of inspiration for artists.

Noun phrase 영감의 원천.

현대 사회에서 어린아이의 권리를 보호하는 것은 국가의 책무이다.

Protecting the rights of young children in modern society is the state's responsibility.

Formal noun 책무 (duty/obligation).

어린아이의 언어 습득 과정은 매우 신비롭고 복잡하다.

The process of language acquisition in young children is very mysterious and complex.

Technical term 언어 습득.

그 작가는 어린아이의 시점를 통해 사회의 모순을 비판했다.

The author criticized the contradictions of society through a young child's perspective.

Through the perspective (시점을 통해).

어린아이의 놀이는 단순한 즐거움을 넘어 학습의 연장선이다.

A young child's play is an extension of learning, beyond simple pleasure.

Expression -를 넘어 (beyond).

어린아이의 무의식 속에 잠재된 공포를 이해하는 것이 중요하다.

It is important to understand the fears latent in a young child's subconscious.

Sino-Korean 무의식 (subconscious).

어린아이의 성격 형성에 유전과 환경 중 무엇이 더 큰 영향을 미치는가?

Which has a greater influence on a young child's character formation: genetics or environment?

Interrogative -는가.

어린아이의 눈망울에는 세상에 대한 경외심이 가득 차 있다.

A young child's eyes are filled with awe for the world.

Poetic expression 눈망울.

어린아이의 영혼 속에 깃든 신성을 발견하는 것은 종교적 체험과도 같다.

Discovering the divinity residing in a young child's soul is akin to a religious experience.

Literary verb 깃들다 (to dwell/reside).

그 철학자는 인간의 본성을 어린아이의 상태로 회귀하는 것에서 찾았다.

The philosopher found human nature in the return to the state of a young child.

Sino-Korean 회귀 (regression/return).

어린아이의 울음소리는 생존을 위한 가장 원초적인 의사소통 수단이다.

A young child's cry is the most primal means of communication for survival.

Academic term 원초적 (primal).

어린아이의 세계관은 논리보다는 직관과 감각에 의존한다.

A young child's worldview relies on intuition and sensation rather than logic.

Contrastive -보다는.

어린아이의 자아 분화 과정은 심리학적으로 매우 흥미로운 연구 대상이다.

The process of a young child's ego differentiation is a psychologically very interesting research subject.

Technical term 자아 분화.

어린아이의 웃음은 메마른 현대인의 삶에 한 줄기 빛과도 같다.

A young child's laughter is like a ray of light in the parched lives of modern people.

Metaphorical 한 줄기 빛.

어린아이의 도덕성 발달은 타율적 단계에서 자율적 단계로 이행한다.

The development of a young child's morality transitions from a heteronomous stage to an autonomous stage.

Formal verb 이행하다 (to transition).

어린아이의 창의성을 억압하는 교육 시스템은 근본적인 개혁이 필요하다.

An education system that suppresses a young child's creativity needs fundamental reform.

Strong verb 억압하다 (to suppress).

よく使う組み合わせ

어린아이를 키우다

어린아이를 돌보다

어린아이처럼 행동하다

어린아이의 마음

어린아이의 순수함

어린아이 취급

어린아이 교육

어린아이 옷

어린아이 장난감

어린아이 목소리

よく使うフレーズ

어린아이 같은

어린아이 시절

어린아이 하나

불쌍한 어린아이

길 잃은 어린아이

어린아이를 동반하다

어린아이의 눈높이

어린아이의 호기심

어린아이의 성장

어린아이의 안전

よく混同される語

어린아이 vs 어린이

어린아이 vs 꼬마

어린아이 vs 아기

慣用句と表現

間違えやすい

어린아이 vs 어린이

어린아이 vs 아기

어린아이 vs 애

文型パターン

使い方

Nuance

More descriptive and emotive than '아이'.

Age range

Usually 2 to 10 years old.

よくある間違い

Using it for teenagers.
Writing it as '어리 아이'.
Using it instead of '아기' for a newborn.
Using it in very casual slang where '애' is expected.
Confusing it with '어린이' in formal titles.

ヒント

Context Matters

Use '어린아이' when you want to highlight the vulnerability or innocence of a child.

Modifiers

Remember that '어린' is the modifier. You can replace it with '작은' (small) or '귀여운' (cute).

Respect

Use '어린이' if you are addressing children directly in a formal setting like a speech.

Tone

Softening your voice when saying '어린아이' can convey affection.

Description

In essays, use '어린아이' to contrast with '어른' (adult).

Media

Watch for this word in K-Drama flashbacks.

Easy Task

Remember '어린아이 손 비틀기' for something very easy.

Parents

When talking to parents, '아이' is usually sufficient and natural.

Signs

Look for '어린아이 보호' signs on Korean roads.

History

Knowing it came from 'foolish' helps you understand the 'immature' nuance.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Eorin (Young) + Ai (Child) = Young Child.

語源

Native Korean

文化的な背景

While children are young, the term '어린이' was created specifically to show them respect, unlike the more descriptive '어린아이'.

Celebrated on May 5th, focusing on the happiness of '어린이'.

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実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"어린아이를 좋아하세요?"

"어린아이였을 때 꿈이 뭐였어요?"

"공원에 어린아이들이 많네요."

"어린아이 교육에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"어린아이에게 줄 선물을 추천해 주세요."

日記のテーマ

나의 어린아이 시절 기억에 대해 써보세요.

어린아이의 순수함에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?

오늘 본 어린아이에 대해 묘사해 보세요.

よくある質問

10 問

아이 is a general term for child, while 어린아이 specifically emphasizes that the child is young. 어린아이 is more descriptive.

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is safer to use in writing or formal speech than the casual '애'.

Yes, but in formal situations, '저희 아이' or '제 아들/딸' is more common when talking to others.

Typically from a toddler (2-3 years) up to early primary school age (9-10 years).

It is often written as one word '어린아이', but '어린 아이' (adjective + noun) is also grammatically correct.

Only metaphorically or as an insult to imply immaturity. It is not used for adults literally.

어린아이들.

꼬마 is much more informal and 'cute'. 어린아이 is the standard descriptive term.

어린아이처럼.

Yes, it is the standard term for reporting on young children.