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A2 adjective #500 most common 8 min read

작은

Top 500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 작은 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 작은 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners use '작은' (jageun) to describe basic physical objects in their immediate environment. The focus is on simple noun-adjective pairings. You will learn to say things like 'a small ball' (작은 공) or 'a small house' (작은 집). The grammar is straightforward: take the root '작' and add '은' before a noun. This level emphasizes physical size only. You will use it to distinguish between objects, such as choosing the 'small' one over the 'large' (큰) one. It is a foundational word for basic shopping and descriptive tasks.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '작은' in more varied contexts, such as describing people's physical features or simple abstract concepts. You will learn the phrase '키가 작은' to describe someone as short. You also start using '작은' to describe parts of the body, like '작은 손' (small hands) or '작은 눈' (small eyes). At this stage, you might also use it for simple events or mistakes, like '작은 파티' (a small party) or '작은 실수' (a small mistake). You are expected to correctly distinguish '작은' (size) from '적은' (quantity) in basic sentences.

At the B1 level, '작은' is used to describe more complex situations and emotions. You might use it in the context of '소확행' (small but certain happiness) to talk about your hobbies or daily life. You can describe social structures, like '작은 마을' (a small village) or '작은 회사' (a small company), and understand the implications of these sizes. You will also start to see '작은' in common idioms and set phrases. Your ability to use '작은' with connecting particles (e.g., '작고 예쁜') to create more descriptive and flowing sentences increases.

At the B2 level, you use '작은' to discuss nuances in meaning and tone. You understand when to use '작은' versus its synonyms like '조그만' (tiny) or '소형' (small-scale) to match the register of the conversation. You can use '작은' in argumentative or descriptive essays to highlight minor points or subtle changes ('작은 변화'). You also become proficient in using '작은' in metaphorical ways, such as describing a 'small voice' in a political sense or a 'small hope' in a literary context. Your usage is natural and contextually appropriate.

At the C1 level, '작은' is used with high precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You can appreciate the use of '작은' in classic Korean literature and poetry, where it often symbolizes humility, fragility, or hidden beauty. You understand the historical etymology and how the word has evolved. In professional settings, you might use '작은' to describe 'micro-trends' or 'minority opinions' using sophisticated phrasing. You can also explain the subtle differences between '작은' and more obscure synonyms to other learners.

At the C2 level, your use of '작은' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it to create complex puns, wordplay, or deep philosophical metaphors. You understand the word's role in the broader structure of the Korean language and how it interacts with various dialects and historical forms. You can use '작은' to describe the most minute scientific details or the most expansive philosophical concepts of 'the small within the large.' Your command of the word includes all its idiomatic, slang, and formal variations across all domains of life.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

작은 in 30 Seconds

작은 means 'small' in size or scale.
It is the modifier form of the verb 작다.
Always place it directly before the noun it modifies.
Do not confuse it with 적은 (few/quantity).

The Korean word 작은 (jageun) is the attributive or adjective form of the descriptive verb 작다 (jakda), which primarily translates to 'small' or 'little' in English. In the Korean language, adjectives function similarly to verbs, and to modify a noun directly (e.g., 'a small house'), the suffix -ㄴ is added to the stem. Thus, 작- plus -ㄴ becomes 작은. This word is fundamental for describing physical dimensions, scale, and occasionally abstract importance. It is one of the first descriptive words a learner encounters because it applies to almost every aspect of daily life, from the size of a coffee cup to the height of a person.

Physical Dimension: Used to describe objects that are below average in size or volume, such as a small room (작은 방) or a small car (작은 차).

저는 작은 가방을 사고 싶어요. (I want to buy a small bag.)

Beyond physical size, 작은 carries a variety of nuances depending on the context. In a social or emotional context, it can imply something modest or humble. For instance, '작은 정성' (jageun jeongseong) refers to a 'small token of appreciation,' where the speaker downplays their effort to show politeness. This reflects the Korean cultural value of humility. Furthermore, in modern Korean society, the concept of '소확행' (so-hwak-haeng), which stands for 'small but certain happiness,' has popularized the use of 작은 to describe the simple joys of life, like a warm cup of tea or a short walk.

Abstract Scale: Used for non-physical things like mistakes (작은 실수) or changes (작은 변화) to indicate they are minor or insignificant.

그것은 작은 실수였어요. (That was a small mistake.)

In terms of register, 작은 is neutral and can be used in formal, informal, and literary settings. In children's literature, it is often paired with cute imagery, whereas in technical manuals, it might specify the size of a component. Understanding 작은 is not just about knowing a word for 'small'; it is about understanding how Korean speakers categorize the world into the 'large' (큰) and the 'small' (작은), often creating a binary that helps in clear communication. Whether you are describing a 'small town' (작은 마을) or a 'small voice' (작은 목소리), this word is your primary tool for expressing diminished scale.

Using 작은 correctly requires an understanding of Korean noun modification. Unlike English, where 'small' is an adjective that stays the same regardless of its position, Korean descriptive verbs must change form to modify a noun. The root is 작다 (to be small). To say 'The house is small,' you use the sentence-ending form: 집이 작아요. But to say 'The small house,' you must use 작은 집. This 'noun-modifying form' is essential for building complex sentences.

Placement: Always place '작은' directly before the noun it describes. For example: 작은 고양이 (small cat), 작은 선물 (small gift).

작은 상자 안에 무엇이 있나요? (What is inside the small box?)

When you want to describe a person's height, 작은 is used in the phrase '키가 작은' (ki-ga jageun), which literally means 'height-is-small.' This is the standard way to say someone is short. Note that you don't usually say '작은 사람' to mean a short person unless you are referring to their overall physical frame or in a metaphorical sense. For height specifically, always include '키' (height).

Multiple Adjectives: When using '작은' with other adjectives, you often connect them using '-고'. For example, '작고 예쁜 꽃' (a small and pretty flower).

그녀는 작고 귀여운 강아지를 키워요. (She raises a small and cute puppy.)

In more advanced usage, 작은 can be used to describe sounds or voices. '작은 목소리' (a small voice) refers to a quiet or low-volume voice. This is a direct parallel to English. Similarly, '작은 소리' can mean a faint noise. In writing, 작은 is frequently used to set a scene, creating an atmosphere of intimacy or insignificance. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering the placement and grammatical transformation of 작은 is a key milestone in achieving natural-sounding Korean speech.

You will hear 작은 everywhere in Korea, from bustling markets to quiet libraries. In a shopping context, a clerk might ask if you are looking for a '작은 사이즈' (small size). In a restaurant, you might ask for a '작은 접시' (small plate) for sharing food. The word is ubiquitous because Korean culture often emphasizes the details of objects and social interactions.

In Media: Korean dramas and movies often use '작은' in titles to evoke a sense of intimacy or nostalgia. A famous example is the movie 'Little Forest' (리틀 포레스트), which in Korean contexts is often discussed using the word '작은' to describe the simple, small-scale life in the countryside.

이것은 우리 마을의 작은 축제예요. (This is our village's small festival.)

In K-pop lyrics, 작은 is frequently used to describe delicate emotions or small gestures of love. BTS’s hit song 'Boy With Luv' has the Korean title '작은 것들을 위한 시' (Jageun geotdeureul wihan si), which translates to 'A Poem for Small Things.' Here, the word 작은 highlights the importance of paying attention to the little details in a relationship, showing how the word can carry deep emotional weight.

Daily Conversations: Parents often use '작은' when talking to children, describing '작은 손' (small hands) or '작은 발' (small feet). It adds a layer of endearment to the description.

아기의 작은 손이 정말 귀여워요. (The baby's small hands are really cute.)

Furthermore, in news reports or documentaries, 작은 is used to describe '작은 기업' (small businesses) or '작은 섬' (small islands). It serves as a standard descriptor in journalism to provide scale. Whether you are listening to a podcast about economics or a romantic ballad, 작은 will appear as a versatile and essential part of the vocabulary, bridging the gap between literal size and metaphorical significance.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 작은 is confusing it with 적은 (jeogeun). While they sound somewhat similar to a non-native ear, their meanings are entirely different. 작은 refers to physical size (small/little), whereas 적은 refers to quantity or amount (few/little). For example, if you want to say 'a small number of people,' you should use '적은 수의 사람,' but if you want to say 'a small person (in size),' you use '작은 사람'. Mixing these up can lead to significant confusion.

Size vs. Quantity: 작은 방 (Small room - Size) vs. 적은 돈 (Little money - Quantity). Never use '작은' for amounts of money or numbers of items.

Wrong: 작은 설탕을 주세요. (Give me small sugar.)
Right: 적은 양의 설탕을 주세요. (Give me a small amount of sugar.)

Another common error involves describing age. In English, we often use 'little' to mean 'young' (e.g., 'my little brother'). In Korean, while you can say '작은 오빠' in very specific family contexts (like the 'smaller' of two older brothers), the standard word for 'young' is 어린 (eorin). Using 작은 to mean 'young' can sound like you are commenting on the person's physical stature rather than their age. Always use '어린' for age-related 'little'.

Height Confusion: When saying someone is short, you must say '키가 작은 사람'. Just saying '작은 사람' can be ambiguous or even slightly rude depending on the context.

그는 키가 작은 편이에요. (He is on the shorter side.)

Lastly, learners often forget the '은' suffix when modifying a noun. They might try to say '작 가방' instead of '작은 가방'. Remember that in Korean, the dictionary form (작다) cannot be used directly before a noun. You must always use the modifier form. By keeping the distinction between size and quantity clear and remembering the grammatical rules for adjectives, you can avoid these common pitfalls and speak more accurately.

While 작은 is the most common word for 'small,' Korean has a rich variety of synonyms that offer different shades of meaning. Choosing the right one can make your Korean sound much more natural and expressive. For example, 조그맣다 (jogeumata) is a common alternative that sounds a bit more 'cute' or 'tiny' than the neutral 작다. It is often used for things that are remarkably small or delicate.

작은 vs. 조그만: '작은' is neutral and objective. '조그만' (the modifier form of 조그맣다) feels more subjective and often implies the object is 'tiny' or 'cute'.

저기 조그만 새가 있어요. (There is a tiny bird over there.)

For more formal or technical contexts, you might encounter 소형 (sohyeong), which means 'small-sized' or 'miniature.' This is often used for electronics, cars, or appliances. For instance, a 'small car' is often called a '소형차' (sohyeong-cha) in official documents or advertisements. Another word is 미세하다 (misehada), which means 'microscopic' or 'extremely fine,' used for things like dust (미세먼지) or very small differences.

Comparison Table

작은: General small size (Neutral)
조그만: Tiny/Cute (Subjective)
소형: Small-scale/Model (Technical/Formal)
사소한: Trivial/Minor (Abstract things like mistakes)

그것은 아주 사소한 문제예요. (That is a very trivial/small problem.)

In literature, you might see 앙증맞다 (angjeungmatda), which describes something so small and well-proportioned that it is charming or adorable. This is often used for crafts or small animals. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your descriptions to fit the exact mood and context of your conversation. While 작은 is a perfect 'all-purpose' word, using these synonyms will help you express more nuanced thoughts and feelings in Korean.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Middle Korean, the word had a similar form, showing the stability of basic descriptive adjectives in the Korean language over time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /t͡ɕa̠ɡɯn/

US /t͡ɕa̠ɡun/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but the first syllable '작' carries the core meaning.

Rhymes With

먹은 (meogeun) 적은 (jeogeun) 밝은 (balgeun) 맑은 (malgeun) 젊은 (jeolmeun) 굵은 (gulgeun) 붉은 (bulgeun) 낡은 (nalgeun)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '작' as 'jak' with a very hard 'k' instead of a soft 'g' transition to '은'.
Confusing the vowel 'ㅡ' in '은' with 'ㅜ' or 'ㅣ'.
Not linking the 'ㄱ' batchim to the next syllable (it should sound like ja-geun).
Stressing the second syllable too much.
Making the 'j' sound too much like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a basic A1/A2 word.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding of the -ㄴ modifier suffix.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of the batchim transition (ja-geun) needs practice.

Listening 2/5

Must distinguish from '적은' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

작다 크다 은/는 가방 집

Learn Next

적다 좁다 조그맣다 소형

Advanced

미세하다 사소하다 왜소하다

Grammar to Know

Adjective Noun-Modifying Form (-ㄴ/은)

작다 -> 작은

Connecting Adjectives with -고

작고 귀엽다

Degree Adverbs (아주, 매우, 정말)

아주 작은

Comparative Form (-보다)

이것보다 작은

Superlative Form (가장, 제일)

가장 작은

Examples by Level

작은 공이 있어요.

There is a small ball.

작은 modifies the noun 공.

저는 작은 가방을 사요.

I buy a small bag.

작은 comes before the object 가방.

이것은 작은 책이에요.

This is a small book.

Standard noun modification.

작은 집이 예뻐요.

The small house is pretty.

작은 집 is the subject.

작은 의자에 앉으세요.

Please sit on the small chair.

Used with a location particle.

작은 사과를 먹어요.

I eat a small apple.

Direct object modification.

작은 창문이 있어요.

There is a small window.

Describing a feature.

작은 컵에 물을 주세요.

Please give me water in a small cup.

Requesting a specific size.

제 동생은 키가 작은 편이에요.

My younger sibling is on the shorter side.

키가 작은 is the standard phrase for 'short'.

작은 실수를 했어요.

I made a small mistake.

Abstract use of 'small'.

그녀는 작은 손을 가졌어요.

She has small hands.

Describing body parts.

작은 선물을 준비했어요.

I prepared a small gift.

Implying modesty.

작은 마을에 살고 싶어요.

I want to live in a small village.

Describing a location.

작은 목소리로 말해 주세요.

Please speak in a small (quiet) voice.

Describing volume.

작은 변화가 생겼어요.

A small change has occurred.

Describing a process.

작은 차가 주차하기 편해요.

Small cars are easy to park.

Generalizing about size.

작은 행복이 중요하다고 생각해요.

I think small happiness is important.

Related to the '소확행' concept.

작은 회사에서 일하는 것도 장점이 많아요.

There are many advantages to working in a small company.

Discussing social structures.

작은 일에도 최선을 다해야 해요.

You should do your best even in small tasks.

Moral/Ethical usage.

작은 구멍으로 빛이 들어와요.

Light comes in through a small hole.

Describing physical phenomena.

작은 관심이 큰 힘이 됩니다.

A little interest becomes a big strength.

Common motivational phrase.

작은 고추가 더 맵다는 속담이 있어요.

There is a proverb that says small peppers are spicier.

Idiomatic usage.

작은 차이가 명품을 만듭니다.

Small differences make a masterpiece.

Advertising/Marketing context.

작은 소망을 담아 편지를 썼어요.

I wrote a letter containing a small wish.

Emotional/Poetic usage.

작은 부주의가 큰 사고로 이어질 수 있습니다.

A small carelessness can lead to a big accident.

Formal/Safety context.

작은 규모의 프로젝트를 먼저 시작해 봅시다.

Let's start with a small-scale project first.

Business/Professional usage.

그는 작은 일에도 쉽게 상처를 받아요.

He gets hurt easily even by small things.

Describing personality.

작은 단서 하나가 사건을 해결했습니다.

A single small clue solved the case.

Narrative/Mystery context.

작은 성의지만 받아 주십시오.

It's a small token of my sincerity, but please accept it.

Formal polite expression.

작은 습관이 인생을 바꾼다고 해요.

They say small habits change your life.

Self-improvement context.

작은 부품 하나가 고장 나서 기계가 멈췄어요.

The machine stopped because one small part broke.

Technical description.

작은 목소리들이 모여 큰 변화를 이끌어냈습니다.

Small voices gathered to lead a big change.

Metaphorical/Social context.

작은 일탈이 때로는 삶의 활력소가 됩니다.

A small deviation sometimes becomes the energy of life.

Sophisticated vocabulary (일탈).

작은 차이점에 주목하는 것이 분석의 핵심입니다.

Paying attention to small differences is the core of analysis.

Academic/Analytical context.

작은 불씨가 온 산을 태울 수 있습니다.

A small spark can burn down an entire mountain.

Proverbial/Warning usage.

작은 배려가 사회를 따뜻하게 만듭니다.

Small considerations make society warm.

Social commentary.

작은 오해가 쌓여 큰 갈등이 되었습니다.

Small misunderstandings piled up and became a big conflict.

Describing interpersonal dynamics.

작은 성취감을 맛보는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to taste a small sense of accomplishment.

Psychological context.

작은 틈새 시장을 공략하는 전략이 필요합니다.

A strategy to target small niche markets is needed.

Economic/Business terminology.

작은 흔들림에도 민감하게 반응하는 기계입니다.

It is a machine that reacts sensitively even to small vibrations.

Technical precision.

작은 미물이라도 생명의 존엄성은 동일합니다.

Even for a small creature, the dignity of life is the same.

Philosophical/Ethical usage.

작은 소용돌이가 거대한 폭풍의 전조일 수 있습니다.

A small swirl can be a precursor to a giant storm.

Literary/Metaphorical.

작은 기여가 인류의 진보에 밑거름이 되었습니다.

Small contributions became the foundation for human progress.

Historical/Academic context.

작은 파동이 우주 전체에 영향을 미칩니다.

Small waves affect the entire universe.

Scientific/Theoretical.

작은 고정관념이 창의성을 가로막는 장애물이 됩니다.

Small stereotypes become obstacles that block creativity.

Intellectual discussion.

작은 선의가 때로는 예상치 못한 결과를 초래합니다.

Small goodwill sometimes brings about unexpected results.

Complex cause-and-effect.

작은 디테일의 완성도가 작품의 격을 결정합니다.

The perfection of small details determines the class of a work.

Artistic criticism.

작은 울림이 사람들의 마음을 움직였습니다.

A small resonance moved people's hearts.

Poetic/Emotional resonance.

Common Collocations

작은 방

작은 선물

작은 실수

작은 마을

작은 목소리

작은 변화

작은 차이

작은 고추

작은 기업

작은 손

Common Phrases

작은 것

— A small thing or item.

작은 것부터 시작하세요.

작은 성의

— A small token of sincerity/gratitude.

작은 성의를 표하고 싶습니다.

작은 일

— A minor matter or small task.

작은 일에 신경 쓰지 마세요.

작은 아버지

— Father's younger brother (married).

작은 아버지를 만나러 가요.

작은 어머니

— Wife of father's younger brother.

작은 어머니가 음식을 하셨어요.

작은 누나

— The younger of two older sisters (for males).

작은 누나가 집에 왔어요.

작은 형

— The younger of two older brothers (for males).

작은 형이랑 놀아요.

작은 고추가 맵다

— Small but strong/capable.

그는 키는 작지만 작은 고추가 매워요.

작은 차이

— A slight difference.

작은 차이가 결과를 바꿉니다.

작은 소망

— A small wish or hope.

저의 작은 소망입니다.

Often Confused With

작은 vs 적은

Means 'few' or 'little' in quantity. This is the most common confusion.

작은 vs 좁은

Means 'narrow' (area/width), whereas '작은' is overall size.

작은 vs 낮은

Means 'low' (height/level), often confused when describing height.

Idioms & Expressions

"작은 고추가 맵다"

— Literally 'Small peppers are spicy.' It means that someone who is small or young can be more capable or stronger than they look.

작은 고추가 맵다더니, 그 아이는 정말 똑똑하네요.

Common/Proverb

"작은 일에 목숨 걸다"

— To risk everything or get too worked up over a trivial matter.

그렇게 작은 일에 목숨 걸지 마세요.

Informal

"작은 부자가 진짜 부자다"

— A person who saves small amounts of money is the truly wealthy one.

작은 부자가 진짜 부자라는 말도 있잖아요.

Proverb

"작은 도둑이 소도둑 된다"

— A small thief becomes a big thief (if not corrected).

작은 도둑이 소도둑 된다고, 아이를 잘 가르쳐야 해요.

Proverb

"작은 구멍이 배를 가라앉힌다"

— A small hole can sink a big ship (small mistakes lead to big disasters).

작은 구멍이 배를 가라앉히는 법이니 조심하세요.

Proverb

"작은 고기보다 큰 고기를 잡아라"

— Aim for big goals rather than small ones.

작은 고기보다 큰 고기를 잡으려고 노력해 봐.

Metaphorical

"작은 고추가 더 맵다"

— Variant of the first idiom, emphasizing the intensity of small things.

작은 고추가 더 맵다는 걸 보여주겠어.

Common

"작은 정성이 산을 옮긴다"

— Small bits of sincerity can move a mountain.

작은 정성이 산을 옮긴다는 마음으로 일해요.

Inspirational

"작은 물결이 큰 파도를 만든다"

— Small ripples create big waves.

작은 물결이 큰 파도를 만드는 법입니다.

Metaphorical

"작은 차이가 명품을 만든다"

— Small differences create high-quality products (often used in marketing).

작은 차이가 명품을 만든다는 광고 카피가 있죠.

Modern/Business

Easily Confused

작은 vs 적은

Similar sound and both translate to 'little' in English.

작은 is for size; 적은 is for quantity.

작은 컵 (small cup) vs 적은 물 (little water).

작은 vs 좁은

Both describe limited space.

작은 is 3D size; 좁은 is 2D width/area.

작은 방 (small room) vs 좁은 길 (narrow road).

작은 vs 어린

English uses 'little' for young age.

작은 is physical size; 어린 is chronological age.

작은 아이 (small child) vs 어린 아이 (young child).

작은 vs 낮은

Both can describe something not tall.

작은 is overall small; 낮은 is specifically low height.

작은 산 (small mountain) vs 낮은 산 (low mountain).

작은 vs 사소한

Both can mean 'minor'.

작은 is general; 사소한 is specifically for trivial/unimportant things.

작은 일 (small task) vs 사소한 일 (trivial matter).

Sentence Patterns

작은 + Noun

작은 공

이것은 작은 + Noun + 이에요

이것은 작은 책이에요.

키가 작은 + Person

키가 작은 친구

작은 + Noun + 을/를 + Verb

작은 선물을 사요.

작고 + Adjective + Noun

작고 예쁜 방

작은 + Noun + 이/가 + 중요해요

작은 행복이 중요해요.

작은 + Noun + 에도 불구하고

작은 실수에도 불구하고

작은 + Noun + 이/가 + 초래하다

작은 오해가 갈등을 초래하다.

Word Family

Nouns

작음 (smallness)

소형 (small size)

축소 (reduction)

Verbs

작아지다 (to become small)

작게 하다 (to make small)

Adjectives

작다 (to be small)

조그맣다 (to be tiny)

자그마하다 (to be smallish)

크다 (big)

적다 (few)

좁다 (narrow)

낮다 (low)

짧다 (short)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Korean.

Common Mistakes

작은 돈 → 적은 돈
Money is a quantity, so '적은' is the correct word.
작은 시간 → 짧은 시간
Time is duration, so '짧은' (short) is used.
작 가방 → 작은 가방
You must use the modifier form '작은' before a noun.
작은 오빠 (for age) → 어린 오빠
Use '어린' for age unless referring to a specific family rank.
작은 길 → 좁은 길
For narrow paths or roads, '좁은' is more accurate.

Tips

Modifier Suffix

Always remember the '-ㄴ' suffix. The root '작' cannot stand alone before a noun.

Size vs Quantity

Memorize '작은 = Size' and '적은 = Quantity' to avoid the most common learner mistake.

Humility

Use '작은' when giving gifts to sound polite and humble.

Linking Sounds

Pronounce it as 'ja-geun', not 'jak-eun'. The 'g' moves to the next syllable.

Connecting

Use '작고' to combine 'small' with other descriptions like 'pretty' or 'cheap'.

Context Clues

If you hear '키가', the next word is almost certainly '작은' or '큰'.

Softness

Saying '작은' softly can help convey the 'smallness' of the object.

Tech Terms

In tech, you might see '소형' more often than '작은' for 'mini' versions.

Spicy Peppers

Remember the 'small pepper' idiom to impress native speakers with your knowledge of proverbs.

Comparison

Always visualize a '큰' object next to a '작은' one to reinforce the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'JUG' (sounds like 'jag') that is very small. A 'Jageun' jug is a small jug.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant '큰' (keun) elephant standing next to a '작은' (jageun) mouse.

Word Web

Size Little Mini Minor Short Quiet Humble Petite

Challenge

Try to find 5 objects in your room and label them with '작은' if they are smaller than your hand.

Word Origin

The word '작은' comes from the native Korean root '작-', which has been used for centuries to denote smallness. It is a pure Korean word (pure-hangeul) and does not have a Hanja (Chinese character) origin, although the concept of smallness is often represented by the Hanja '小' (소) in compound words.

Original meaning: The original meaning has always been related to physical size and scale, contrasting with '크다' (big).

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '작은' to describe people; always use '키가 작은' for height to avoid sounding dismissive.

English speakers often use 'little' for both size and quantity, but Korean strictly separates them into '작은' and '적은'.

작은 것들을 위한 시 (Boy With Luv) by BTS 작은 아씨들 (Little Women - Korean title) 리틀 포레스트 (Little Forest - often described as a '작은' life)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

작은 사이즈 있어요?
더 작은 거 주세요.
작은 가방이 예뻐요.
작은 상자에 담아주세요.

Describing People

키가 작은 편이에요.
손이 정말 작아요.
얼굴이 작으시네요.
작은 아이가 뛰어가요.

Daily Life

작은 실수를 했어요.
작은 방에서 살아요.
작은 목소리로 말해요.
작은 변화가 있어요.

Nature

작은 꽃이 피었어요.
작은 새가 날아요.
작은 돌을 던졌어요.
작은 나무가 자라요.

Business

작은 기업입니다.
작은 프로젝트예요.
작은 차이가 중요해요.
작은 규모로 시작해요.

Conversation Starters

"어떤 작은 행복을 좋아하세요? (What small happiness do you like?)"

"키가 작은 사람과 큰 사람 중 누가 더 좋아요? (Do you like short or tall people more?)"

"작은 마을에서 살고 싶으세요? (Do you want to live in a small village?)"

"최근에 한 작은 실수가 있나요? (Is there a small mistake you made recently?)"

"작은 선물을 받는 것을 좋아하세요? (Do you like receiving small gifts?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 나를 행복하게 만든 작은 일들에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the small things that made you happy today.)

내가 가진 작은 습관 중 하나를 설명해 보세요. (Describe one of the small habits you have.)

작은 마을과 큰 도시 중 어디가 더 좋은지 이유를 써보세요. (Write about why you prefer a small town or a big city.)

내가 했던 작은 실수가 어떻게 해결되었는지 써보세요. (Write about how a small mistake you made was resolved.)

나의 작은 소망은 무엇인가요? (What is your small wish?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but you must use the phrase '키가 작은 사람'. Just saying '작은 사람' might be misunderstood as someone who is physically small in frame or metaphorically 'small'.

'작은' is neutral and objective. '조그만' is more subjective and often implies the object is tiny, cute, or surprisingly small.

You use the word '가장' (gajang) or '제일' (jeil) before '작은'. For example, '가장 작은 방' means 'the smallest room'.

Generally, no. Use '어린' (eorin) for young age. However, in families, '작은아버지' refers to a younger uncle, but this is a set title.

Yes, when paired with '목소리' (voice) or '소리' (sound), it means quiet or low-volume.

In Korean, it is a descriptive verb (adjective). '작다' is the dictionary form, and '작은' is the modifier form.

That would be '조금' (jogeum). '작은' is only used to modify nouns.

No, for small amounts of money, use '적은 돈' (quantity).

The opposite is '큰' (keun), which means 'big' or 'large'.

No, for a short time, use '짧은 시간' (short time).