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가까이

A2 adverb 8 min read

가까이

gakkai

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 가까이 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 가까이 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter '가까이' as a basic word for location. It is usually taught alongside its opposite, '멀리' (far). At this stage, you focus on simple physical distances. For example, you learn to say 'Come here' (이리 오세요) and then 'Come closer' (가까이 오세요). The emphasis is on the most literal meaning: the absence of a large gap between two objects. You might use it to describe where you live in relation to a landmark, like '학교 가까이 살아요' (I live near the school). The goal at A1 is simply to recognize the word and use it in one-word or two-word commands and basic descriptions of your immediate surroundings. You learn it as a fixed adverbial unit that helps you navigate space and give simple directions to others.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '가까이' more flexibly in sentences. You learn that it can modify a variety of verbs, not just 'to come.' You might describe a cat approaching you or a car parked 'near' the entrance. You also start to see '가까이' used with the particle '에' to form '가까이에,' which functions as a location marker. A2 learners should be able to distinguish between the adjective '가깝다' (to be near) and the adverb '가까이' (near/closely). You start to use it in more complex sentences like '우리 집은 역에서 가까이 있어요' (My house is located near the station). This level also introduces the idea of '가까이' as an approximation for time, like '3시 가까이 되었어요' (It's nearly 3 o'clock), though the focus remains primarily on physical space.

At the B1 level, the usage of '가까이' expands into the realm of 'nearly' or 'almost' when dealing with numbers and quantities. You will encounter it in news articles or longer reading passages where it describes statistics, such as '천 명 가까이' (nearly a thousand people). You also begin to understand the metaphorical or emotional use of the word. For example, '두 사람은 아주 가까이 지내요' (The two people are very close/intimate). At this stage, you should be comfortable using '가까이' in compound structures and understanding its nuance in social contexts. You might also start using the verb '가까이하다' (to keep close/associate with) in the context of hobbies or habits, like '책을 가까이하는 습관' (the habit of keeping books close/reading often).

At the B2 level, you master the subtle distinctions between '가까이' and its synonyms like '근처,' '부근,' and '곁.' You understand that '가까이' implies a specific closeness in distance or relationship, whereas '근처' refers to a general area. You can use '가까이' in formal writing and presentations to describe trends or approaching deadlines. For instance, '마감 기한이 가까이 다가왔습니다' (The deadline has approached closely). You are also expected to recognize '가까이' in idiomatic expressions and literature where it might carry a more poetic or philosophical weight. Your ability to use the word correctly in various registers—from casual conversation to formal reports—demonstrates your growing fluency and sensitivity to Korean spatial and social logic.

At the C1 level, '가까이' is used with high precision. You can analyze its function in complex grammatical structures, such as when it acts as a pseudo-noun in phrases like '가까이에서 보니 더 예쁘다' (It looks prettier when seen from up close). You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'Uri' (we/us) in Korean culture, where physical and emotional 'nearness' is a core value. You can use '가까이' to describe abstract concepts like 'getting closer to the truth' or 'approaching a solution.' Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, incorporating the word into high-level discourse about sociology, psychology, or literature without hesitation.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '가까이' in all its forms, including archaic or highly literary contexts. You can appreciate the nuances of the word in classical Korean poetry or ancient texts where the concept of distance might be expressed differently. You are able to debate the philosophical implications of '가까이' in the context of interpersonal boundaries and social distance. You can use the word to create subtle rhetorical effects in your own writing, choosing it over synonyms to evoke specific imagery or emotional responses. At this level, '가까이' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for sophisticated expression, allowing you to navigate the finest details of the Korean language and culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

가까이 in 30 Seconds

가까이 means 'near' or 'close' and is used to describe physical, temporal, or emotional proximity in Korean.
It is an adverb that often follows a noun (e.g., 집 가까이) or modifies a verb (e.g., 가까이 오다).
It can also mean 'nearly' or 'almost' when used with numbers, time, or specific measurements.
Unlike the adjective 가깝다, 가까이 is used to describe the manner or location of an action.

The Korean word 가까이 (gakkai) is a versatile adverb that primarily means 'near,' 'close,' or 'nearby.' While its root adjective 가깝다 (gakkapda) describes the state of being close, the adverbial form 가까이 focuses on the manner of an action or the specific proximity of a location. In daily life, Koreans use this word to describe physical distance, the passage of time, and even the emotional intimacy between individuals. Whether you are telling someone to sit closer to you or describing a convenience store that is just around the corner, 가까이 is the essential building block for expressing 'nearness' in the Korean language.

Physical Proximity: This is the most common usage. It describes things within arm's reach or within a short walking distance. For example, '집 가까이' means 'near the house.'

조금 더 가까이 오세요. (Please come a little closer.)

Temporal Proximity: It can also refer to time approaching a certain point. If an event is 'near,' you can use this word to emphasize the short duration remaining.

In emotional contexts, 가까이 describes the bond between people. To 'keep someone close' (가까이하다) implies a deep friendship or a mentor-mentee relationship. This word transcends mere geography; it speaks to the Korean cultural emphasis on 'jeong' (attachment) and physical togetherness. In a crowded city like Seoul, the concept of 'nearness' is vital, as everything from subway stations to late-night snack bars is expected to be 가까이. Understanding this word allows you to navigate not just the streets of Korea, but also the nuances of social interactions. It is a word that invites connection, asking the listener to bridge the gap, whether it be a few inches on a bench or a few miles between neighborhoods.

Numerical Approximation: When used with numbers, it means 'nearly' or 'almost.' For example, '100명 가까이' means 'nearly 100 people.'

한 시간 가까이 기다렸어요. (I waited for nearly an hour.)

Using 가까이 correctly requires understanding its role as an adverb that can modify verbs or stand as a noun-like adverb in certain phrases. Unlike the adjective 가깝다, which requires a subject to be 'near,' 가까이 describes the action of being or moving near. It often pairs with verbs of motion like 오다 (to come), 가다 (to go), and 다가가다 (to approach). It is also frequently found in the pattern [Location] + 가까이, meaning 'near [Location].'

With Motion Verbs: When you want someone to approach, you use '가까이 오세요.' The adverb modifies the verb to indicate the direction and proximity of the movement.

고양이가 가까이 다가왔어요. (The cat approached closely.)

Another sophisticated use of 가까이 is when it is used to denote 'almost' or 'nearly' with quantities. In this context, it follows the noun and number. For instance, if you want to say 'nearly 10 years,' you would say 10년 가까이. This is a very common way to express duration or quantity in Korean news and formal reports. It adds a level of precision and descriptive flair that simple numbers lack.

As a Target Point: It can be used with the particle '에' (가까이에) to emphasize the location as a specific point where something exists.

학교 가까이에 살아요. (I live near the school.)

Finally, consider the compound verb 가까이하다. This verb means 'to get close to,' 'to associate with,' or 'to stay near.' It is often used in moral or social advice, such as '좋은 책을 가까이하세요' (Keep good books close to you). This usage highlights the philosophical side of the word, where proximity is a choice that affects one's character and lifestyle. By mastering these patterns, you can express everything from physical navigation to deep personal habits.

In South Korea, 가까이 is a word that echoes through subway stations, bustling markets, and quiet cafes. If you are riding the Seoul Metro, you might hear announcements or see signs reminding you not to stand too 가까이 to the screen doors for safety. In a crowded traditional market like Namdaemun, a vendor might call out to you to come 가까이 to see the quality of their goods. It is a word of invitation and caution alike.

In K-Dramas: You will often hear this word during romantic scenes. '더 가까이 와' (Come closer) is a classic line that signals a moment of intimacy or a confession of feelings.

내 가까이 있어줘. (Stay close to me.)

Beyond the screen, 가까이 is used in weather reports and news broadcasts. When a typhoon is 'approaching' the peninsula, reporters will say it is coming 가까이. When discussing statistics, such as the number of people attending a festival, the 'nearly' aspect of the word is used constantly. '만 명 가까이 모였습니다' (Nearly ten thousand people gathered). This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency words in the Korean language.

In Daily Chores: Parents often tell children, 'TV를 너무 가까이서 보지 마' (Don't watch TV from too close), a universal phrase that every Korean child grows up hearing.

Whether you are listening to a pop song (K-Pop lyrics are full of 'gakkai' to describe longing) or reading a technical manual about sensor proximity, this word is everywhere. It is a fundamental part of the spatial vocabulary that helps Koreans describe their world. By paying attention to where you hear it, you'll start to notice that 가까이 isn't just about meters and centimeters; it's about the space between people, objects, and time.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the adverb 가까이 with the adjective 가깝다. In English, 'near' can be both an adjective and a preposition, but in Korean, the parts of speech are strictly separated. You cannot say '집은 가까이예요' to mean 'The house is near.' Instead, you must use the adjective: '집은 가까워요.' Use 가까이 only when you are describing an action or specifying a location relative to another noun.

Adjective vs. Adverb: Mistake: '가까이 집' (Incorrect for 'Near house'). Correct: '가까운 집' (Adjective) or '집 가까이' (Adverb phrase).

❌ 이 역은 가까이예요. (Wrong)
✅ 이 역은 가까워요. (Right)

Another common error involves the placement of the word. English speakers often want to put 'near' before the noun (e.g., 'near the station'). In Korean, 가까이 usually comes *after* the noun it relates to: '역 가까이.' Placing it before the noun without the proper grammatical markers will sound unnatural and may confuse the listener. Always remember the order: [Noun] + [가까이].

Particle Usage: Learners often forget to add '에' or '에서' when '가까이' functions as a location. While '가까이 오세요' is correct, '가까이 살아요' is better as '가까이에 살아요.'

Finally, be careful with the word 가깝게. While both 가까이 and 가깝게 are adverbs, 가깝게 is often used for 'closely' in a metaphorical or resultative sense (e.g., 'cutting hair closely'), whereas 가까이 is the standard choice for physical distance. Mixing these up won't always cause a misunderstanding, but it will make your Korean sound slightly 'off' to a native speaker. Stick to 가까이 for 90% of your 'near' needs!

Korean has several words that express the concept of being 'near' or 'around.' Depending on the context, you might want to swap 가까이 for something more specific. The most common alternative is 근처 (geuncheo), which means 'vicinity' or 'neighborhood.' While 가까이 focuses on the distance itself, 근처 focuses on the general area surrounding a place.

가까이 vs. 근처: 가까이: Emphasizes short distance. (e.g., 'Stay close.')
근처: Emphasizes the general area. (e.g., 'Is there a bank nearby?')

이 근처에 편의점 있어요? (Is there a convenience store near here?)

Another synonym is 곁 (gyeot), which literally means 'side.' This is often used for emotional closeness or physical presence right next to someone. If you say '내 곁에 있어줘,' it sounds much more poetic and intimate than '내 가까이 있어줘.' 곁 implies a sense of support and companionship that 가까이 lacks. Use 곁 when you want to sound warm and caring.

부근 (Bugeun): This is a more formal version of '근처.' You will see this in news reports, maps, or real estate documents. '서울역 부근' (The area around Seoul Station).
인접하다 (Injeophada): A formal verb meaning 'to be adjacent to' or 'to border.' Used in academic or geographical contexts.

Lastly, for numerical approximation, you might use 약 (yak) or 정도 (jeongdo). While 가까이 means 'nearly' (approaching from below), 약 means 'approximately' (could be slightly above or below). If you say '100명 가까이,' it suggests you haven't quite reached 100 but are very close. If you say '약 100명,' it means roughly 100. Understanding these subtle differences will make your Korean much more precise and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Middle Korean, the word was written differently, but the root meaning of 'physical proximity' has remained remarkably stable for centuries. The suffix '-이' is one of the most common ways to turn an adjective into an adverb in Korean.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ka.k͈a.i/

US /ɡɑ.k͈a.i/

The stress is generally even across all three syllables, though the second syllable '까' may feel slightly more emphasized due to the tense consonant.

Rhymes With

사이 (sai - gap/between) 아이 (ai - child) 나이 (nai - age) 차이 (chai - difference) 오이 (oi - cucumber) 어이 (eoi - hey/how) 조이 (joi - tighten) 하이 (hai - hi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ㄲ' as a soft 'k' like in 'kite' (it should be tense).
Pronouncing '가' with too much aspiration (it should be a light 'k' or 'g').
Merging the '아' and '이' into a single diphthong (they should be distinct syllables).
Confusing the pronunciation with '가까워' (the adjective form).
Failing to pause slightly before the tense 'ㄲ' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once the root '가깝' is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct word order (Noun + 가까이).

Speaking 2/5

Common in daily speech, easy to pronounce.

Listening 2/5

High frequency, easily distinguishable.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가깝다 (to be near) 멀리 (far) 여기 (here) 거기 (there) 오다 (to come)

Learn Next

근처 (vicinity) 주변 (surroundings) 다가가다 (to approach) 친하다 (to be close/friendly) 거의 (almost)

Advanced

인접하다 (to be adjacent) 밀착하다 (to stick close) 근접하다 (to approach/be close) 지척 (a very short distance) 박두하다 (to be imminent)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial suffix -이

높다 -> 높이, 가깝다 -> 가까이

Noun + 가까이 positioning

서울 가까이 (Near Seoul)

가까이 vs 가까워요 (Adjective vs Adverb)

집이 가까워요 (The house is near) vs 집 가까이 살아요 (I live near the house)

Approximation with Numbers

100명 가까이 (Nearly 100 people)

가까이에 as a location marker

가까이에 편의점이 있다.

Examples by Level

가까이 오세요.

Come closer.

가까이 (adverb) + 오세요 (polite command)

집 가까이 있어요.

It is near the house.

Noun + 가까이 (location phrase)

가까이 앉아요.

Sit close.

가까이 (adverb) + 앉아요 (verb)

학교 가까이 살아요.

I live near the school.

Noun + 가까이 + 살아요 (verb)

가까이 봐요.

Look closely.

가까이 (adverb) + 봐요 (verb)

더 가까이 가요.

Go closer.

더 (more) + 가까이 (adverb) + 가요 (verb)

가까이 있어요.

It is nearby.

가까이 (adverb) + 있어요 (existence)

가까이 오지 마세요.

Don't come close.

가까이 (adverb) + -지 마세요 (negative command)

역 가까이에 편의점이 있어요.

There is a convenience store near the station.

가까이에 (adverb with location particle)

가까이서 보면 더 커요.

It looks bigger when seen from up close.

가까이서 (from close by) + 보면 (if/when you see)

3시 가까이 되었어요.

It's nearly 3 o'clock.

Time + 가까이 (approximation)

강 가까이로 산책을 가요.

I go for a walk near the river.

가까이로 (toward the near area)

가까이 있는 물건을 집으세요.

Pick up the object that is nearby.

가까이 있는 (that is nearby) + noun

가까이 다가가지 마세요.

Don't approach closely.

가까이 (adverb) + 다가가다 (to approach)

서로 가까이 앉으세요.

Please sit close to each other.

서로 (each other) + 가까이 (adverb)

가까이 살아서 자주 만나요.

We meet often because we live close by.

가까이 살아서 (because [we] live close)

그는 10년 가까이 한국에 살았어요.

He has lived in Korea for nearly 10 years.

Number/Time + 가까이 (nearly/almost)

두 사람은 아주 가까이 지내는 친구예요.

The two are friends who are very close.

가까이 지내다 (to be on close terms)

위험하니까 불 가까이 가지 마세요.

It's dangerous, so don't go near the fire.

가까이 (adverb) + 가지 마세요

가까이서 보니 가짜 꽃이었어요.

Looking at it closely, it was a fake flower.

가까이서 보니 (looking from close up)

집 가까이에는 큰 공원이 있습니다.

There is a large park near the house.

가까이에는 (as for the near area)

어느덧 겨울이 가까이 왔네요.

Winter has come close before I knew it.

Metaphorical time approaching

가까이 있는 행복을 찾으세요.

Find the happiness that is nearby.

Abstract usage of closeness

그는 100만 원 가까이 돈을 썼어요.

He spent nearly 1 million won.

Money amount + 가까이 (nearly)

성공이 눈앞에 가까이 다가왔습니다.

Success has approached closely before our eyes.

Abstract goal approaching

좋은 책을 가까이하면 지혜가 생겨요.

If you keep good books close, you gain wisdom.

가까이하다 (to keep close/associate with)

가까이 할 수 없는 사람처럼 느껴져요.

He feels like someone I cannot get close to.

가까이 할 수 없는 (unapproachable)

마감 시간이 가까이 다가올수록 초조해져요.

The closer the deadline gets, the more nervous I become.

가까이 다가올수록 (the more it approaches)

자연을 가까이하며 사는 것이 제 꿈입니다.

My dream is to live close to nature.

자연을 가까이하다 (to live near/with nature)

그의 목소리가 가까이서 들리는 것 같아요.

It feels like his voice is heard from close by.

가까이서 들리다 (to be heard from nearby)

진실에 한 걸음 더 가까이 다가갔어요.

We took one step closer to the truth.

Metaphorical movement

그 섬은 육지에서 아주 가까이 위치해 있다.

The island is located very close to the mainland.

Formal description of location

죽음이 가까이 왔음을 직감했습니다.

I sensed that death had come close.

Literary usage for life/death

가까이하기엔 너무 먼 당신이라는 노래가 있죠.

There is a song called 'You who are too far to get close to.'

Cultural/Musical reference

그는 권력을 가까이하며 많은 이득을 취했다.

He gained many benefits by staying close to power.

Abstract use of power/influence

현미경으로 가까이 들여다보니 세포가 보였다.

Looking closely through a microscope, cells were visible.

Scientific/Precise observation

가까이 있는 사람에게 더 잘해야 합니다.

You should treat those close to you better.

Ethical/Social advice

그 풍경은 가까이서 볼 때 진가를 발휘한다.

That scenery shows its true value when seen from up close.

Aesthetic appreciation

역사적 진실에 가까이 다가가려는 노력이 필요하다.

An effort to get closer to historical truth is necessary.

Academic/Formal discourse

그녀는 슬픔을 가까이하며 시를 썼다.

She wrote poetry while staying close to her sadness.

Poetic/Emotional proximity

신(神)에게 한 걸음 가까이 다가가는 고행의 길.

A path of asceticism to take one step closer to God.

Religious/Philosophical context

가까이서 본 그의 삶은 비극이었다.

His life, seen from up close, was a tragedy.

Literary reference (Charlie Chaplin)

만물의 근원에 가까이 닿으려는 철학적 사유.

Philosophical contemplation trying to reach close to the origin of all things.

High-level abstract thought

가까이할수록 멀어지는 신기루 같은 존재.

An existence like a mirage that gets farther away the closer you get.

Paradoxical literary expression

민심을 가까이 살피는 것이 정치의 기본이다.

Closely examining the public sentiment is the basis of politics.

Political/Formal governance

가까이의 이익에 눈이 멀어 대의를 그르치다.

To ruin a great cause by being blinded by immediate (near) interests.

Idiomatic/Moralistic usage

그의 문체는 독자를 진실 가까이로 끌어들인다.

His writing style draws the reader close to the truth.

Literary criticism/Analysis

가까이하기엔 너무나 고결한 영혼이었다.

He was a soul too noble to even approach.

Hyper-formal/Poetic praise

Common Collocations

가까이 오다

가까이 살다

가까이 다가가다

가까이서 보다

가까이 두다

가까이 지내다

가까이 있다

가까이 가다

가까이 앉다

가까이 느끼다

Common Phrases

가까이하기엔 너무 먼

— Too far to get close to. Used for unrequited love or unreachable goals.

그녀는 나에게 가까이하기엔 너무 먼 사람이다.

가까이 있는 행복

— Happiness that is nearby. Refers to finding joy in small, everyday things.

가까이 있는 행복을 놓치지 마세요.

가까이서 보면 비극

— Life is a tragedy when seen from up close. A famous quote by Charlie Chaplin.

인생은 멀리서 보면 희극, 가까이서 보면 비극이다.

가까이 오지 마

— Don't come close. A common defensive or angry expression.

화났으니까 가까이 오지 마!

가까이 할 수 없는

— Unapproachable or inaccessible. Used for people or status.

그는 가까이 할 수 없는 아우라가 있다.

눈앞에 가까이

— Right before one's eyes. Used when something is imminent.

시험이 눈앞에 가까이 다가왔다.

가까이 지내는 사이

— A close relationship. Used to describe friends or family.

우리는 아주 가까이 지내는 사이예요.

술을 가까이하다

— To drink frequently. Literally 'to keep alcohol close.'

그는 요즘 술을 너무 가까이한다.

자연을 가까이

— Close to nature. A common theme in wellness and lifestyle.

자연을 가까이하며 스트레스를 푸세요.

가까이 있는 사람

— The person nearby. Often refers to those physically present or loved ones.

가까이 있는 사람에게 친절하세요.

Often Confused With

가까이 vs 가깝게

While both are adverbs, '가깝게' is often used for the result of an action (e.g., 'cut closely'), while '가까이' is used for distance/location.

가까이 vs 근처

'근처' is a noun meaning 'vicinity.' '가까이' is an adverb. You say '근처에' but can say '가까이' alone.

가까이 vs 거의

'거의' means 'almost.' While '가까이' can mean 'nearly' with numbers, '거의' is more general (e.g., 'almost finished').

Idioms & Expressions

"가까운 이웃 사촌"

— A close neighbor is better than a distant relative. Emphasizes the importance of neighbors.

가까운 이웃이 먼 사촌보다 낫다고 하잖아요.

Proverb

"등잔 밑이 어둡다"

— It's darkest under the lamp. Means we often miss what is right under our noses (nearby).

열쇠를 코앞에 두고 찾다니, 등잔 밑이 어둡다더니 정말이네.

Proverb

"가까이하면 할수록"

— The more you get close, the more... Used to describe deepening impressions.

그는 가까이하면 할수록 진국이다.

Idiomatic

"손 닿는 가까이"

— Within arm's reach. Very convenient.

필요한 물건은 손 닿는 가까이 두세요.

Colloquial

"코앞에 가까이"

— Right under one's nose. Very close in distance or time.

방학이 코앞에 가까이 다가왔다.

Colloquial

"가까이하기 싫은"

— Someone or something one wants to avoid.

그는 가까이하기 싫은 행동만 골라 한다.

Neutral

"가까이 다가온 죽음"

— Imminent death. Used in dramatic contexts.

가까이 다가온 죽음 앞에서도 그는 당당했다.

Literary

"가까이서 지켜보다"

— To watch closely. To monitor someone's progress or safety.

선생님은 학생들을 가까이서 지켜보셨다.

Neutral

"가까이 있는 보물"

— A treasure nearby. Often used for overlooked virtues or people.

가까이 있는 보물을 보지 못하고 멀리서만 찾았다.

Poetic

"가까이 갈 수 없는 꿈"

— An unreachable dream.

나에게 그것은 가까이 갈 수 없는 꿈이었다.

Literary

Easily Confused

가까이 vs 가깝다

It is the adjective root.

가깝다 is used to describe a subject (The house is near). 가까이 is used to describe an action or relative location (He lives near).

집이 가까워요 (Adjective). 집 가까이 살아요 (Adverb).

가까이 vs 곁

Both mean 'near' or 'by.'

곁 is more physical ('at one's side') and emotional. 가까이 is more about general distance.

내 곁에 있어 (Stay by my side). 내 가까이 있어 (Stay near me).

가까이 vs 부근

Both relate to nearby areas.

부근 is formal and used in official contexts. 가까이 is used in everyday speech.

역 부근 (Station vicinity). 역 가까이 (Near the station).

가까이 vs 옆

Both describe location.

옆 means 'next to' (immediate side-by-side). 가까이 means 'near' (within a short distance).

내 옆에 앉아 (Sit next to me). 내 가까이 앉아 (Sit near me).

가까이 vs 주변

Both describe surroundings.

주변 refers to the environment or surrounding circumstances. 가까이 refers to the distance.

학교 주변 (School surroundings). 학교 가까이 (Near the school).

Sentence Patterns

가까이 오세요.

이쪽으로 가까이 오세요.

[Noun] 가까이 살아요.

회사 가까이 살아요.

[Number] 가까이 [Verb].

한 시간 가까이 기다렸어요.

가까이 지내다.

우리는 아주 가까이 지내요.

가까이서 보니 [Result].

가까이서 보니 더 멋지네요.

가까이하기엔 너무 먼 [Noun].

그는 가까이하기엔 너무 먼 당신이다.

가까이 다가가다.

천천히 가까이 다가갔어요.

가까이에 있어요.

화장실이 가까이에 있어요.

Word Family

Nouns

가까이 (can function as a noun meaning 'proximity')

가까움 (nearness)

Verbs

가까이하다 (to keep close/associate with)

가까워지다 (to become close)

Adjectives

가깝다 (to be near)

가까운 (near/close - modifier form)

거리 (distance)

근처 (vicinity)

이웃 (neighbor)

친하다 (to be close/friendly)

인접 (adjacency)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High. It is one of the top 1000 most common words in Korean.

Common Mistakes

이 역은 가까이예요. → 이 역은 가까워요.
You cannot use the adverb '가까이' as a predicate to describe a subject. Use the adjective '가깝다' instead.
가까이 집 → 집 가까이 / 가까운 집
Adverbs like '가까이' don't typically modify nouns directly in this order. Use the adjective '가까운' or put the adverb after the noun.
가까이 오다 (when meaning 'almost') → 다 되어 가다 / 거의 다 하다
While '가까이' means nearly, '가까이 오다' is usually literal physical movement. For 'almost finished,' use '거의' or '다 되어 가다.'
가까이 지내다 (when meaning 'next door') → 이웃에 살다
'가까이 지내다' usually refers to an emotional or social relationship, not just living in the next house.
가까이서 (when meaning 'recently') → 최근에
'가까이' refers to distance/time proximity, but never to 'recently' in a temporal sense like 'lately.'

Tips

Word Order

Always remember that '가까이' usually follows the noun it refers to. 'Station near' (역 가까이) is the mental model you should use.

Tense Consonants

Make sure to pop the 'ㄲ' sound. It's a tense consonant, so build up pressure behind your tongue before releasing it.

Numbers

When using it with numbers, think of it as 'approaching.' If you say '100명 가까이,' you are emphasizing how close you are to that milestone.

Compound Verbs

Learn '가까이하다' as a single unit. It's a sophisticated way to talk about your interests and social circle.

Subway Announcements

Listen for '가까이' in Korean subways. They often warn you not to stand too close to the tracks or doors.

Personal Space

In Korea, '가까이' can mean different things depending on social status. Observe how Koreans adjust their distance based on who they are talking to.

Particles

Don't be afraid to add '-에' or '-서' to '가까이.' It makes your sentences sound more natural and grammatically precise.

The 'Eye' Trick

Think: 'I need to be GAKKAI to see with my eye.' It helps link the sound to the meaning of proximity.

Emotional vs Physical

While '가까이' is mostly physical, using it for emotions ('우리 가까이 지내자') adds a warm, inviting tone to your speech.

Vs. Near (English)

Remember that 'near' in English is very flexible. In Korean, you must choose between the adjective (가깝다) and the adverb (가까이).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gakkai' as 'Got-K-Eye.' You need to be 'near' to have a 'Good-K-Eye' (close look) at something.

Visual Association

Imagine a cat (Goyangi) creeping 'Gakkai' (near) to a bowl of milk.

Word Web

가깝다 (Root) 가까이 오다 (Motion) 집 가까이 (Location) 가까이 지내다 (Relationship) 가까이하다 (Action) 100명 가까이 (Number) 가까이서 (From close) 가까이에 (At the near place)

Challenge

Try to use '가까이' three times today: once for a physical object, once for a time, and once when talking about a friend.

Word Origin

가까이 is the adverbial form of the Native Korean adjective '가깝다' (gakkapda). The root '가깝-' combined with the adverbial suffix '-이'.

Original meaning: The root relates to being short in distance or interval.

Koreanic (Native Korean)

Cultural Context

Be mindful of personal space. While '가까이' is a common word, actually being '가까이' to someone you don't know well in Korea can be intrusive.

In English, 'near' can be a preposition, but in Korean, '가까이' is an adverb that usually follows the noun. English speakers often struggle with this word order.

Song: '가까이하기엔 너무 먼 당신' (You who are too far to get close to) by Lee Gwang-cho. Movie Quote: 'Life is a comedy in long-shot, but a tragedy in close-up (가까이서 보면).' K-Drama: Numerous scenes where characters say '더 가까이 와' (Come closer).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Directions

역 가까이 있어요.
가까이 가면 보여요.
가까이에 은행이 있어요.
학교 가까이로 가세요.

Socializing

우리 가까이 살아요.
더 가까이 앉으세요.
가까이 지내고 싶어요.
가까이서 보니 반갑네요.

Shopping/Markets

가까이 와서 보세요.
가까이서 보면 질이 좋아요.
가까이에 탈의실 있나요?
거의 만 원 가까이 해요.

Safety Warnings

불 가까이 가지 마세요.
너무 가까이서 보지 마세요.
가까이 다가가면 위험해요.
차에 가까이 붙지 마세요.

Time/Deadlines

시험이 가까이 왔어요.
12시 가까이 되었네요.
마감이 가까이 다가와요.
한 달 가까이 걸렸어요.

Conversation Starters

"집 가까이 맛있는 식당이 있어요?"

"회사 가까이 살면 출퇴근이 편해요?"

"우리 조금 더 가까이 앉을까요?"

"학교 가까이에 서점이 어디에 있죠?"

"최근에 친구랑 가까이 지내게 된 계기가 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

당신의 집 가까이에서 가장 좋아하는 장소는 어디인가요? 왜 그곳을 좋아하나요?

요즘 당신이 가까이하고 싶은 습관이나 취미가 있나요?

최근에 100만 원 가까이 돈을 쓴 적이 있나요? 무엇을 샀나요?

누군가와 가까이 지내기 위해 어떤 노력을 하나요?

자연을 가까이하며 살고 싶나요, 아니면 도시 가까이 살고 싶나요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should say '가까운 집' (using the adjective form) or '집 가까이' (using the adverbial phrase). In Korean, the adverb '가까이' usually follows the noun it modifies.

They are often interchangeable, but '가까이에' emphasizes the location as a specific point in space (at the near place), while '가까이' simply describes the proximity (near).

Place it after the number and the counter. For example, '10명 가까이' means 'nearly 10 people.' It suggests the number is approaching the limit but hasn't reached it yet.

It is a neutral word used in all registers. The formality is determined by the verb ending that follows it (e.g., '가까이 와' vs. '가까이 오세요').

Yes, it is very common. '3시 가까이' means 'nearly 3 o'clock.' It can also be used for seasons: '겨울이 가까이 왔다' (Winter has come near).

It is a verb meaning 'to keep close' or 'to associate with.' You can use it for people ('그를 가까이하다') or things/habits ('책을 가까이하다').

Yes, '가까이 지내다' means to be on close terms with someone. However, the adjective '친하다' is more common for 'to be close friends.'

This is due to Korean phonological rules. When the 'ㅂ' irregular root '가깝-' meets the suffix '-이,' the 'ㅂ' is dropped and replaced with a vowel sound, resulting in '가까이.'

Yes, frequently. It is used to describe approaching storms, economic trends nearing a certain point, or the proximity of political events.

The most common opposite is '멀리' (meolli), which means 'far' or 'at a distance.'