저것

The Korean word 저것 (jeogeot) is a fundamental demonstrative pronoun that serves as a cornerstone for spatial orientation in the Korean language. To understand its meaning, one must first grasp the tripartite system of Korean demonstratives: 이것 (this thing near the speaker), 그것 (that thing near the listener or previously mentioned), and 저것 (that thing far from both the speaker and the listener). When you use 저것, you are physically or psychologically pointing to an object that is at a distance from the immediate conversational circle. Imagine you are standing in a park with a friend, and you see a kite high up in the sky or a mountain in the distance. Because neither you nor your friend can touch it, and it is not in your immediate personal space, you would refer to it as 저것.

Spatial Distance

Refers to objects that are physically distant from both the speaker and the listener, often requiring a pointing gesture toward the horizon or across a room.

The word is composed of two parts: '저' (jeo), which is the distal determiner meaning 'that' (far away), and '것' (geot), which means 'thing' or 'object'. In everyday spoken Korean, 저것 is frequently contracted to 저거 (jeogeo) for ease of pronunciation. This contraction is almost universal in casual conversation, while the full form 저것 is reserved for more formal writing, speeches, or when the speaker wants to be particularly clear and emphatic. Understanding when to use 저것 versus 그것 is one of the first major hurdles for English speakers, as English often collapses these two into a single 'that'. In Korean, the distinction is vital for maintaining the correct spatial relationship between the participants of the conversation.

Visual Identification

Used when both parties can see the object but it is outside their immediate reach, such as a star, a distant building, or an item on a high shelf.

Furthermore, 저것 is not just for physical objects. It can occasionally be used to refer to abstract concepts or events that are perceived as being 'far' in time or psychological relevance, though this is less common than its spatial use. In a classroom setting, a teacher might point to a diagram on the far wall and ask, "저것이 보입니까?" (Can you see that thing?). The use of 저것 establishes a shared focus on a distant point, creating a triangle of attention between the speaker, the listener, and the object. This shared focus is a key element of Korean communication etiquette, ensuring that everyone is literally 'on the same page' regarding the environment.

Psychological Distance

Sometimes used to distance oneself from an unpleasant object or situation, emphasizing that it is 'over there' and not part of the speaker's immediate concern.

In summary, 저것 is the distal member of the Korean demonstrative family. It is used for objects far from both the speaker and the listener, frequently appears as '저거' in speech, and is essential for accurate spatial communication. By mastering 저것, learners can effectively navigate physical spaces and direct attention to the world around them with the precision that Korean social and spatial norms require.

Using 저것 in a sentence requires an understanding of how it interacts with Korean particles. Since 저것 is a noun-equivalent (a pronoun), it can take any of the standard particles like 이/가 (subject), 을/를 (object), or 은/는 (topic). However, because 저것 ends in a consonant (ㅅ), the choice of particle is fixed. For example, the subject form is 저것이, the object form is 저것을, and the topic form is 저것은. These full forms are common in formal writing and polite speech.

Subject Marker (이)

저것이 맛있어 보여요. (That thing [over there] looks delicious.)

In spoken Korean, these combinations undergo significant contraction. This is where most learners find the word challenging. 저것이 becomes 저게 (jeoge), 저것은 becomes 저건 (jeogeon), and 저것을 becomes 저걸 (jeogeol). Using these contractions makes your Korean sound much more natural and fluid. If you use the full form 저것을 in a casual conversation with friends, it might sound overly stiff or robotic, as if you are reading from a textbook. Therefore, practicing the transition from 저것 to 저거 and its various particle-attached forms is crucial.

Object Marker (을)

저걸 사고 싶어요. (I want to buy that thing [over there].)

When using 저것 in complex sentences, it often acts as the anchor for descriptive clauses. For instance, you might say "저기 멀리 있는 저것" (that thing that is far over there). Here, '저기 멀리 있는' (being far over there) describes 저것. This allows for very specific identification of objects in a cluttered environment. In a shopping mall, you might point to a mannequin in a window across the atrium and say, "저것 좀 보세요!" (Look at that thing!). The word 저것 provides the necessary spatial context that 'it' or 'that' in English might lack without a clear gesture.

Topic Marker (은)

저건 너무 비싸요. (As for that thing [over there], it is too expensive.)

Finally, it is important to remember that 저것 refers to inanimate objects. While you might use 'that' for a person in English ("Who is that?"), in Korean, you should use '저분' (jeobun - polite) or '저 사람' (jeo saram - neutral) when referring to a person at a distance. Using 저것 for a person is considered extremely rude, as it treats the person as an object. By following these rules of particle usage, contraction, and animacy, you can use 저것 accurately in any sentence structure.

You will hear 저것 (and its more common spoken form 저거) in almost every environment in Korea, from bustling city streets to quiet rural landscapes. Its most frequent occurrence is in situations where people are navigating shared spaces. For example, in a restaurant, a customer might point to a dish being served at a distant table and ask the waiter, "저거 이름이 뭐예요?" (What is the name of that thing?). Here, 저거 is the most natural choice because the dish is far from both the customer and the waiter. You'll also hear it constantly in retail settings, such as when a customer points to a pair of shoes on a high shelf: "저거 한번 보여주세요" (Please show me that thing).

Daily Life

Used when walking with friends and spotting something interesting in the distance, like a unique building or a billboard.

In Korean media, such as K-dramas and variety shows, 저것 is used to create a sense of shared wonder or curiosity. In travel variety shows like '2 Days & 1 Night' or 'Running Man', cast members often point to distant landmarks or mission objectives using 저거. It helps the audience follow the cast's line of sight. In dramas, a character might use 저것 to refer to a distant memory or a symbolic object that represents a goal they are striving toward, though this is a more metaphorical application. The sound of "저거, 저거!" (That one, that one!) is a common refrain when someone is trying to get another person's attention to look at something specific.

Media & Entertainment

Frequently heard in variety shows when cast members discover something new or far away during an outdoor mission.

Another place you'll hear 저것 is in educational settings. A teacher pointing to a chalkboard or a projector screen will use 저것 to refer to the information being displayed. This creates a clear distinction between the teacher's personal space and the shared educational material. Similarly, in a museum or gallery, a guide will use 저것 to refer to the artifacts or paintings on display. Because these items are meant to be viewed from a distance and not touched, 저것 is the most appropriate and respectful term to use. Listening for the distinction between '이거' (this), '그거' (that), and '저거' (that over there) in these contexts will greatly improve your listening comprehension.

Educational Context

Used by instructors to point out visual aids, diagrams, or text that is visible to the whole class but located at the front of the room.

In summary, 저것 is a ubiquitous part of the Korean auditory landscape. Whether you are shopping, eating out, watching TV, or studying, you will encounter this word as a tool for spatial navigation and shared attention. Its frequent contraction to 저거 makes it a high-frequency word that is essential for anyone hoping to understand and participate in natural Korean conversations.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Korean is the confusion between 저것 (that thing over there) and 그것 (that thing near the listener or previously mentioned). In English, both are often translated as 'that', which leads learners to use them interchangeably. However, in Korean, using 저것 when you should use 그것 can create confusion about the location of the object. If you are talking about a book that your friend is holding and you say "저것은 뭐예요?", your friend will look behind them or into the distance, wondering what you are pointing at, because 저것 implies the object is far from both of you.

Mistake: Spatial Misplacement

Using 저것 to refer to something the listener is holding. Correct: 그것.

Another frequent error is using 저것 to refer to a person. As mentioned previously, 저것 literally means 'that thing'. Calling a person a 'thing' is highly offensive in Korean culture. Even if the person is far away, you must use '저 사람' (that person) or '저분' (that person - honorific). Beginners often forget this because they are focused on the spatial 'that' and forget the 'thing' part of the word. Always remember: 저것 is for objects, 저분 is for people. This distinction is non-negotiable for polite communication.

Mistake: Dehumanization

Using 저것 to refer to a person in the distance. Correct: 저분 or 저 사람.

Learners also struggle with the contracted forms. While 저거 is common, some learners try to attach particles to it in ways that don't exist, such as '저거이' instead of '저게' or '저거은' instead of '저건'. These are grammatically incorrect and sound very awkward. It is better to memorize the contractions as separate vocabulary items: 저게 (subject), 저건 (topic), and 저걸 (object). Mastering these contractions will prevent you from sounding like you are reading a list of vocabulary words and help you blend in with native speakers.

Mistake: Incorrect Contraction

Applying standard particle rules to the contracted form 저거 incorrectly. Memorize 저게, 저건, 저걸.

Finally, avoid using 저것 when the object is within your own reach. If you are holding it, you must use '이것' (this thing). Using 저것 for something in your hand would be like saying "That thing over there is my hand" while looking at your own hand—it makes no sense spatially. Korean is very precise about these three zones of space (near me, near you, far from both), and failing to respect these zones is the most common source of error for beginners. By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can use 저것 with confidence and clarity.

To fully master 저것, it is helpful to compare it with its counterparts and related distal terms. The most obvious alternatives are the other two demonstrative pronouns: 이것 (this thing) and 그것 (that thing). While 저것 is for objects far from both speakers, 이것 is for objects near the speaker, and 그것 is for objects near the listener or things already mentioned in conversation. This 'I-Geu-Jeo' (이-그-저) system is the foundation of Korean spatial deixis.

Comparison: 이것 vs 그것 vs 저것

• 이것: Near speaker (This)
• 그것: Near listener / Contextual (That)
• 저것: Far from both (That over there)

Beyond objects, there are distal terms for places and people. If you want to refer to a *place* that is far away, you use 저기 (jeogi - over there). For example, "저기에 편의점이 있어요" (There is a convenience store over there). If you want to refer to a *direction*, you use 저쪽 (jeojjok - that way). And as mentioned before, for *people*, you use 저분 (polite) or 저 사람 (neutral). These words all share the '저' prefix, which indicates the distal (far) relationship. Learning them as a group makes it much easier to remember their meanings and usage.

Related Distal Terms

• 저기: That place / Over there
• 저쪽: That direction / That way
• 저분: That person (honorific)
• 저 사람: That person (neutral)

In some contexts, you might see 저물건 (jeomulgeon), which specifically means 'that item' or 'that product'. This is more specific than 저것 and is often used in business or trade. Another alternative is 저아이 (jeoai), which means 'that child' or 'that kid' (often shortened to 쟤). While 저것 is a general-purpose pronoun, these more specific terms allow for greater precision in description. However, for a beginner, 저것 is the most versatile and important word to learn first. It covers a wide range of situations where you simply need to point and say "that thing".

Synonyms & Nuance

• 저거: Spoken/Informal version of 저것.
• 저물건: Specifically 'that object/item'.
• 저것들: Plural form 'those things'.

In conclusion, while 저것 is the primary word for 'that thing over there', it exists within a rich ecosystem of demonstratives. By understanding how it relates to 이것 and 그것, and knowing when to swap it for 저기 or 저분, you will be able to describe your environment with the accuracy of a native speaker. Always consider the distance, the nature of the object (person vs. thing), and the level of formality required by the situation.