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A1 adjective #8,000 mais comum 8 min de leitura

늙다

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 늙다 em 30 segundos

Explicação 늙다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 늙다 as a basic word to describe people. You will mostly use it in its simple past form 늙었어요 (is old) or 늙은 (old) to describe a person. However, even at this stage, you must be careful. While you learn that it means 'old,' you should immediately learn that it is only for people and animals. If you want to say your bag is old, you cannot use 늙다. At this level, focus on simple sentences like '할아버지는 늙었어요' (Grandpa is old), but keep in mind that Korean people prefer more polite ways to say this. Think of 늙다 as the 'dictionary' word that helps you understand the concept of aging. You might see it in picture books or very basic stories about animals or the cycle of life. Remember the pronunciation: the 'ㄹ' is silent when followed by '다', so it sounds like [늑다].

At the A2 level, you begin to understand that 늙다 is a verb, not an adjective. This is a crucial realization. You will start using it with more complex endings like -고 있다 (늙고 있다 - is aging) or -기 싫다 (늙기 싫다 - hate getting old). You should also start comparing 늙다 with 낡다 (old for things) and 나이가 들다 (to get older). A2 learners should practice using 늙다 when talking about themselves or general facts, while using '나이가 많아요' or '연세가 많으세요' for others. You will also encounter the word in the context of health and appearance, such as '얼굴이 늙어 보여요' (Your face looks old/aged). This level is about refining the usage and avoiding the most common mistakes, like using it for inanimate objects.

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At the B1 level, you can use 늙다 to express more nuanced feelings and observations. You might use it in conditional sentences like '늙으면 건강이 최고예요' (When you get old, health is the most important thing). You will also encounter it in more literary or emotional contexts, such as songs or dramas where characters reflect on their lives. You should be comfortable with the honorific form 늙으시다, even though you know that '연세가 드시다' is often better. At this level, you start to see the word in compound forms or with various suffixes that change the mood, like 늙어버리다 (to end up getting old). You should also be able to distinguish between 늙다 and the Sino-Korean term 노화 (aging) used in more formal or scientific contexts like skincare or biology.

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At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of the social implications of 늙다. You understand that using this word can sometimes sound cold or overly clinical. You will encounter it in social issues discussions, such as '늙어가는 대한민국' (The aging Republic of Korea), referring to the demographic shift. You can use it metaphorically or in proverbs. Your vocabulary should now include related nouns like 늙은이 (an old person, often used disparagingly or very informally) and you should know when not to use them. You can handle the grammatical complexities, such as the difference between 늙은 (who has aged/is old) and 늙는 (who is currently aging) when modifying nouns. You are also expected to know more specific synonyms like 노쇠하다 (to be old and infirm) or 연로하다 (to be of advanced age).

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At the C1 level, you use 늙다 with the sophistication of a near-native speaker. You understand its use in classical literature and poetry, where it might symbolize the transience of life (무상함). You can discuss the nuances between 늙다 and its various synonyms in different registers. You might use the word in complex grammatical structures to describe the societal impact of an aging population or the psychological aspects of aging. You are aware of the subtle differences in tone when a writer chooses 늙다 over a more neutral term like '나이가 들다.' You can also use and understand various idioms involving the word, such as '늙은 호박' (a ripe, yellow pumpkin) or '늙은이가 다 됐다' (to have become a complete old person), and use them appropriately in conversation or writing to add flavor to your speech.

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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 늙다 and its place in the Korean linguistic landscape. You can analyze the etymological roots and its relationship with other words in the 'age' semantic field. You can engage in high-level debates about the 'aging society' (고령화 사회) using both native Korean and Sino-Korean terminology fluently. You understand the historical shifts in how the elderly have been described in Korean culture and how the usage of 늙다 has evolved. You can detect the slightest bit of irony, sarcasm, or deep pathos when the word is used in contemporary media or high literature. Your use of the word is always perfectly tuned to the context, register, and social hierarchy, ensuring that you never cause accidental offense while being able to express the full range of human experience regarding time and mortality.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

늙다 em 30 segundos

늙다 means to age or be old, used specifically for people and animals.
It is a verb in Korean, meaning its present tense form is 늙는다.
Never use 늙다 for objects; use 낡다 or 오래되다 for things like books or cars.
It is often replaced by honorifics like 연세가 드시다 in polite conversation.

The Korean word 늙다 (neulda) is a fundamental verb that every learner must understand, but it comes with specific grammatical and social rules. At its core, it means 'to be old' or 'to age' specifically in reference to biological beings, primarily humans and sometimes animals. Unlike English, where 'old' is an adjective, in Korean, 늙다 is categorized as a verb because it describes a process of change—the act of becoming older over time. This distinction is vital for proper conjugation.

Biological Aging: It describes the natural progression of life. When you say someone has 'aged,' you use this word to indicate the passage of time on their physical appearance or vitality.
Social Context: In Korea's hierarchical society, age is a sensitive topic. While 늙다 is the dictionary term, using it directly to describe an elder can be perceived as blunt or even disrespectful. It is often replaced by honorific expressions in polite conversation.

사람은 누구나 늙는다. (Everyone ages.)

You will encounter this word frequently in literature, songs, and casual complaints about one's own aging. For example, a person looking in the mirror might sigh and say, 'I've really aged' (정말 늙었네). It captures the inevitability of time. However, it is never used for inanimate objects like cars or buildings; for those, Koreans use the word 낡다 (nakda).

우리 강아지도 이제 많이 늙었어. (Our dog has also aged a lot now.)

Visual Indicators: Koreans associate this word with white hair, wrinkles, and a decrease in physical strength. It is a very 'physical' word.

부모님이 늙으시는 것을 보면 마음이 아프다. (It hurts my heart to see my parents aging.)

In summary, use 늙다 to discuss the biological fact of aging for people and animals. Be careful with the verb conjugation and remember to switch to honorifics like '연세가 드시다' when talking about someone you need to show respect to, such as a teacher, a boss, or a grandparent.

Using 늙다 correctly requires an understanding of Korean verb endings and the concept of 'state vs. process.' Since 늙다 is a verb, it focuses on the transition into being old. When you want to say someone 'is old' (the state), you often use the past tense 늙었다 because they have already completed the process of aging.

Past Tense for Current State: To say 'He is old,' you say '그는 늙었다.' Using the past tense suffix '-었-' indicates that the person has reached the state of being old.
Present Continuous: To describe the ongoing process of getting older, you can use '-고 있다'. For example, '늙어가고 있다' (is in the process of aging).

나는 늙기 싫어. (I hate getting old.)

When modifying a noun, the form changes based on whether you mean 'an old person' (state) or 'an aging person' (process). '늙은 사람' refers to an old person, where '늙은' acts as the past participle adjective. This is the most common way to describe someone's age using this root.

시간이 흐르면 모든 생명체는 늙는다. (As time passes, all living things age.)

Negative Forms: '안 늙다' or '늙지 않다' means 'to not age.' This is often used in the context of skin care or health: '늙지 않는 비결' (the secret to not aging).

그 배우는 전혀 늙지 않았어요. (That actor hasn't aged at all.)

Finally, consider the emotive use. 늙다 can carry a tone of sorrow or resignation. In daily speech, '폭삭 늙다' is a common expression meaning 'to age suddenly and drastically,' usually due to stress or illness. Mastering these nuances allows you to express not just a fact, but a feeling about the passage of time.

In South Korea, you will hear 늙다 in a variety of settings, ranging from dramatic TV shows to skincare commercials. However, the way it is used changes drastically depending on the speaker's relationship with the listener. Understanding these social layers is key to natural-sounding Korean.

Self-Deprecation: It is very common for Koreans to use 늙다 about themselves. You might hear a 30-year-old say '나도 이제 늙었어' (I'm old now too) after feeling tired. This is a way of bonding or expressing modest frustration.
K-Dramas and Melodramas: In emotional scenes, a character might look at their aging parents and cry, '언제 이렇게 늙으셨어요?' (When did you get so old?). Here, the word emphasizes the tragic passage of time.

마음은 늙지 않아요. (The heart doesn't age.)

In the beauty industry, the term 노화 (nohwa), which is the Sino-Korean word for aging, is used more formally, but 늙다 is the everyday 'gut' word. Skincare ads might ask, '늙고 싶지 않으세요?' (Don't you want to avoid aging?). It hits a more personal, emotional chord than the scientific term.

벌써 이렇게 늙어버렸네. (I've already ended up aging like this.)

Proverbs and Sayings: You will hear it in folk wisdom, such as '늙으면 어린애가 된다' (When you get old, you become a child), referring to how the elderly might need care similar to infants.

곱게 늙는 것이 제 꿈이에요. (Aging gracefully is my dream.)

In summary, 늙다 is a word of reality. It’s used to face the truth of time, to lament lost youth, or to describe the natural cycle of life. While it is biologically descriptive, its social weight means you must handle it with care, reserving it for yourself, close family (in emotional contexts), or general truths about humanity.

Learning 늙다 involves navigating several linguistic traps. Because English uses the adjective 'old' for both people and things, English speakers often misapply the Korean equivalents. Here are the most critical mistakes to avoid.

Mistake 1: Using 늙다 for Objects: This is the #1 error. If you say '이 책은 늙었어요' (This book is old), Koreans will imagine a book with a human face and wrinkles. For objects, use 낡다 (worn out) or 오래되다 (long-standing).
Mistake 2: Treating it as an Adjective: In Korean, adjectives and verbs have different present-tense endings. Since 늙다 is a verb, the present tense is 늙는다. Saying '사람이 늙다' as a statement is grammatically incomplete; it must be '사람이 늙는다'.

❌ 이 차는 너무 늙었어. (This car is old - Incorrect)
✅ 이 차는 너무 낡았어. (This car is old/worn out - Correct)

Another nuance is the level of politeness. Using 늙다 toward a superior is considered very rude. Even if you use the honorific suffix '-시-', as in '늙으셨어요,' it can still sound like you are pointing out their decline. It is much better to use '연세가 드시다' (to consume age) or '나이가 많으시다' (age is much).

❌ 할아버지는 늙었어요. (Grandpa is old - Blunt/Rude)
✅ 할아버지는 연세가 많으세요. (Grandpa is of advanced age - Polite)

Confusion with '나이가 들다': While they mean the same thing, '나이가 들다' (to gain age) is more neutral and common in polite daily speech than '늙다'.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Am I talking about a person or a thing?' and 'Am I being respectful?' If it's a thing, use 낡다. If it's a respected person, use 연세가 드시다. Save 늙다 for yourself or general biological facts.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for age, reflecting its cultural emphasis on hierarchy and respect. While 늙다 is the basic verb, you should know these alternatives to speak like a native.

나이가 들다 (Naiga deulda): Literally 'age enters.' This is the most common, neutral way to say someone is getting older. It is less 'harsh' than 늙다. Example: '나이가 들수록 건강이 중요해요' (As you get older, health is important).
연세가 드시다 (Yeonsega deushida): The honorific version of '나이가 들다.' '연세' is the honorific word for age. Use this for grandparents, parents, or elderly strangers. It shows great respect.
낡다 (Nakda): Used exclusively for inanimate objects that are old, worn out, or shabby. Example: '낡은 옷' (old/worn clothes).
오래되다 (Oraedoeda): Used for objects or traditions that have existed for a long time. It doesn't necessarily mean 'worn out' like 낡다; it just means 'of a long duration.' Example: '오래된 건물' (an old/historic building).

비교:
1. 늙은 사람 (Old person - blunt)
2. 나이 든 사람 (Older person - neutral)
3. 연세 많으신 분 (Elderly person - respectful)

In formal or scientific contexts, you will see 노화 (Nohwa). This is a noun meaning 'aging' or 'senescence.' It is used in phrases like '피부 노화' (skin aging) or '노화 방지' (anti-aging). Another formal term is 고령 (Goryeong), meaning 'advanced age,' often used in '고령 사회' (aged society).

그는 노익장을 과시했다. (He showed off his old-age vigor - A specific idiom for active elders.)

By choosing the right word from this list, you demonstrate not only your vocabulary range but also your cultural competence in Korean society. Choosing '연세가 드시다' over '늙다' when talking to an elder is a powerful way to show you understand Korean values.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Because '늙다' is a verb, it implies that 'old' is not just a static state you are in, but something you are constantly 'doing' as time passes.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /nɯk.t͈a/

US /nɯk.t͈a/

In Korean, stress is generally even, but the first syllable '늙' carries the main weight.

Rima com

낡다 (nakda - to be old/worn) 맑다 (makda - to be clear) 읽다 (ikda - to read) 갉다 (gakda - to gnaw) 굵다 (gukda - to be thick) 깎다 (kkakda - to cut/shave) 닦다 (dakda - to wipe) 막다 (makda - to block)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing both the 'ㄹ' and 'ㄱ' (e.g., 'neul-kta'). In standard Korean, only the 'ㄱ' is heard before '다'.
Treating it as a two-syllable word without the final consonant stop.
Confusing it with '낡다' (nakda), which has a similar sound but different vowel.
Failing to double the 'ㄷ' sound in '다' to 't͈a'.
Mispronouncing the 'ㅡ' vowel as 'u' or 'i'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize, but must distinguish from similar-looking words like 낡다.

Escrita 3/5

Conjugation as a verb (늙는다) instead of an adjective is a common stumbling block.

Expressão oral 4/5

High social risk if used with the wrong person or register.

Audição 2/5

The silent 'ㄹ' in the batchim is a standard rule learners pick up early.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

사람 (person) 나이 (age) 많다 (to be many) 가다 (to go) 있다 (to be/exist)

Aprenda a seguir

젊다 (to be young) 낡다 (to be old - things) 연세 (honorific age) 노화 (aging - noun) 어르신 (elder)

Avançado

노쇠하다 (to be infirm) 연로하다 (advanced age) 고령화 (population aging) 장수 (longevity)

Gramática essencial

Verb vs Adjective Conjugation

늙다 is a verb: 늙는다 (Present). 젊다 is an adjective: 젊다 (Present).

Batchim 'ㄺ' Pronunciation

Before '다', only 'ㄱ' is pronounced: [늙다 -> 늑다].

Honorific Suffix -시-

늙다 -> 늙으시다 (To be old - honorific, but use with caution).

Past Tense for State

늙었다 (Is old/Has aged) describes the current state reached.

Modifier Form -은/는

늙은 사람 (Old person - completed process), 늙는 사람 (Person who is aging).

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Exemplos por nível

우리 할아버지는 늙었어요.

My grandfather is old.

늙었어요 is the past tense of 늙다, used here to describe a current state.

늙은 개가 잠을 자요.

The old dog is sleeping.

늙은 is the adjective form of the verb 늙다.

사람은 다 늙어요.

All people get old.

늙어요 is the polite present tense.

저는 늙기 싫어요.

I don't want to get old.

늙기 is the noun form (gerund) of 늙다.

할머니는 안 늙었어요.

Grandmother is not old.

안 늙었어요 is the negative past tense.

이 나무는 아주 늙었어요.

This tree is very old.

Note: 늙다 can sometimes be used for very old trees as if they are living beings.

누가 늙었어요?

Who is old?

A simple question using the subject marker '가'.

엄마, 늙지 마세요.

Mom, please don't get old.

-지 마세요 is the polite prohibitive form.

요즘 제가 너무 늙은 것 같아요.

I feel like I've aged too much lately.

-ㄴ 것 같다 expresses a supposition or feeling.

고양이가 늙어서 기운이 없어요.

The cat has no energy because it's old.

-어서 indicates a reason or cause.

그 배우는 늙어도 멋있어요.

That actor is cool even though he's old.

-어도 means 'even if' or 'even though'.

우리는 같이 늙어가는 친구예요.

We are friends who are growing old together.

-어가는 indicates a process moving into the future.

늙는 것이 무서워요?

Are you afraid of aging?

-는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase.

부모님이 벌써 이렇게 늙으셨네요.

My parents have already aged this much.

-으셨네요 is the honorific past tense with an exclamatory ending.

늙기 전에 여행을 많이 가고 싶어요.

I want to travel a lot before I get old.

-기 전에 means 'before doing'.

거울을 보니 제가 늙었다는 생각이 들어요.

Looking in the mirror, I think I've aged.

-는다는 생각 indicates the content of the thought.

마음이 젊으면 몸은 늙어도 청춘이에요.

If your heart is young, you are still in your youth even if your body ages.

Contrast between '늙다' and '젊다'.

그는 늙어서야 공부를 시작했다.

Only after he got old did he start studying.

-어서야 emphasizes that something happened only after a certain point.

늙지 않는 약이 있다면 얼마나 좋을까요?

How great would it be if there were a medicine that prevents aging?

-ㄴ다면 is a hypothetical conditional.

그녀는 곱게 늙어서 보기가 참 좋다.

She has aged gracefully, so she looks very nice.

'곱게 늙다' is a common expression for aging beautifully.

세월이 빠르니 금방 늙어버리겠어요.

Time is fast, so I'll probably end up aging in no time.

-어버리다 expresses a completed action, often with a sense of regret.

늙으신 부모님을 모시고 살아요.

I live with my elderly parents and take care of them.

'모시다' is the honorific verb for 'to live with/serve' an elder.

늙는다는 것은 자연스러운 현상입니다.

Aging is a natural phenomenon.

Formal sentence structure using '-입니다'.

너무 고생을 해서 폭삭 늙어 보였다.

He looked like he had aged drastically because he suffered so much.

'폭삭 늙다' is an intensive expression for aging quickly.

사회 전체가 빠르게 늙어가고 있습니다.

The entire society is rapidly aging.

Metaphorical use for a population or society.

늙었다고 해서 꿈을 포기할 필요는 없다.

Just because you are old doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams.

-ㄴ다고 해서 means 'even if one says that...'.

그의 늙은 손에는 인생의 흔적이 가득했다.

His aged hands were full of the traces of life.

Literary description using '늙은'.

늙으면 서러운 법이라더니 그 말이 맞네요.

They say you get sorrowful when you're old, and that's right.

-는 법이다 indicates a general rule or tendency.

그 배우는 늙을수록 연기력이 깊어진다.

The older that actor gets, the deeper his acting skills become.

-을수록 means 'the more... the more...'.

늙어가는 처지에 서로 도와야지요.

Since we're all in the position of getting older, we should help each other.

'처지' refers to a situation or circumstance.

그는 늙어서도 젊은이 못지않은 열정을 가졌다.

Even in old age, he had a passion no less than that of a young person.

-못지않은 means 'not inferior to'.

늙음은 누구에게나 공평하게 찾아온다.

Old age comes to everyone equally.

늙음 is the noun form of 늙다.

늙어가는 육신과는 달리 정신은 더욱 맑아졌다.

Unlike his aging body, his mind became even clearer.

Contrast between '육신' (body) and '정신' (spirit).

세월의 풍파에 늙어버린 그의 얼굴에서 슬픔을 읽었다.

I read sadness in his face, which had aged from the hardships of time.

'세월의 풍파' is a literary idiom for life's hardships.

늙는다는 것은 지혜를 얻는 과정이기도 하다.

Aging is also a process of gaining wisdom.

-이기도 하다 means 'is also...'.

그녀는 늙어서도 자신의 품위를 잃지 않았다.

Even as she aged, she did not lose her dignity.

'품위' refers to dignity or class.

인간은 늙으면서 비로소 삶의 진실을 깨닫는다.

Humans finally realize the truth of life as they age.

'비로소' means 'finally' or 'at last'.

늙은 사자는 더 이상 무리를 이끌 수 없었다.

The old lion could no longer lead the pride.

Example of using 늙다 for animals.

부모님이 늙으시는 모습에 가슴이 미어졌다.

My heart was torn seeing my parents age.

'가슴이 미어지다' is an idiom for extreme sadness.

늙는 것을 거부하기보다는 수용하는 자세가 필요하다.

An attitude of acceptance is needed rather than rejecting aging.

-기보다는 means 'rather than'.

늙어가는 문명 속에서 우리는 무엇을 지켜야 하는가?

In an aging civilization, what must we protect?

Highly metaphorical use for 'civilization'.

육체는 늙어 소멸하지만 사상은 영원히 남는다.

The body ages and perishes, but ideas remain forever.

Philosophical contrast between '육체' and '사상'.

늙음의 미학을 이해하는 사람은 드물다.

Few people understand the aesthetics of aging.

'미학' means aesthetics.

그는 늙어서도 서슬 퍼런 기개를 잃지 않았다.

Even in old age, he did not lose his sharp, fierce spirit.

'서슬 퍼런' is an idiom for being sharp or fierce.

늙어가는 것이 아니라 익어가는 것이라고들 한다.

They say it's not aging, but ripening.

Famous song lyric/cultural expression: '익어가다' (to ripen).

고령화에 따른 사회적 비용은 늙어가는 국가의 피할 수 없는 숙명이다.

Social costs due to aging are the unavoidable fate of an aging nation.

Academic/Political context.

늙은 장인의 손길에는 수십 년의 세월이 응축되어 있었다.

In the old craftsman's touch, decades of time were condensed.

'응축되다' means to be condensed or concentrated.

죽음보다 늙어가는 과정에서 느끼는 소외감이 더 두렵다.

The feeling of alienation felt in the process of aging is more fearful than death.

'소외감' refers to a sense of alienation or being left out.

Colocações comuns

폭삭 늙다

곱게 늙다

늙어 보이다

늙어 죽다

늙어 가다

늙은 부모님

늙은 호박

늙지 않다

늙으나 젊으나

늙은이 취급

Frases Comuns

나도 이제 늙었나 봐.

— I guess I'm getting old too. Often said when feeling tired.

조금만 걸어도 힘드네. 나도 이제 늙었나 봐.

늙어서 고생이다.

— It's a struggle being old. Used to lament the hardships of age.

아이고, 늙어서 고생이네.

늙으면 죽어야지.

— When you're old, you should just die. A common (though dark/humorous) lament by elders.

할머니가 '늙으면 죽어야지'라고 습관처럼 말씀하신다.

안 늙는 비결이 뭐예요?

— What is the secret to not aging? A common compliment.

피부가 너무 좋으세요. 안 늙는 비결이 뭐예요?

늙은 게 죄냐?

— Is being old a sin? Used when feeling discriminated against due to age.

내가 못 한다고? 늙은 게 죄냐?

늙어서 주책이다.

— Acting silly/undignified in old age. Self-deprecating.

내가 늙어서 주책이지, 왜 그랬을까?

늙은 사자

— An old lion. Refers to a once-powerful person who is now old.

그 정치인은 이제 늙은 사자일 뿐이다.

늙기 아깝다.

— It's a pity to get old. Used for someone very beautiful or talented.

그녀는 너무 예뻐서 늙기 아깝다.

늙으나 자나

— Whether old or young. Meaning everyone.

늙으나 자나 효도는 해야 한다.

늙어가는 처지

— The state of getting older. Used to show solidarity.

우리 다 같이 늙어가는 처지인데 이해합시다.

Frequentemente confundido com

늙다 vs 낡다

Used for inanimate objects. 늙다 is for living beings.

늙다 vs 나이가 들다

A softer, more common way to express aging in conversation.

늙다 vs 오래되다

Means 'long-standing' or 'old' for traditions or inanimate objects, without the 'worn-out' nuance of 낡다.

Expressões idiomáticas

"늙은 호박"

— A fully ripened, yellow pumpkin. Also used metaphorically for something or someone mature.

시장에서 늙은 호박을 하나 샀다.

Neutral

"늙은이 다 됐다"

— To have become a complete old person. Used when someone acts or feels older than they are.

너 벌써 늙은이 다 됐구나.

Informal

"늙으나 젊으나"

— Regardless of age; everyone.

늙으나 젊으나 운동은 필수다.

Neutral

"늙어서 아이 된다"

— Old people become like children. Refers to needing care and attention.

늙으면 아이 된다더니 우리 할아버지도 그러셔.

Neutral

"늙은 말은 길을 안다"

— An old horse knows the way. Meaning experienced people have wisdom.

늙은 말은 길을 안다니까 그분 말씀을 들어봐.

Literary

"늙은 여우"

— An old fox. Refers to a very sly or cunning person.

그 사장은 정말 늙은 여우야.

Informal/Derogatory

"폭삭 늙다"

— To age drastically and suddenly.

사업 실패 후 그는 폭삭 늙었다.

Informal

"곱게 늙다"

— To age gracefully and beautifully.

나의 꿈은 곱게 늙는 것이다.

Positive

"늙은 도둑"

— A metaphor for someone who has been doing something bad for a long time.

늙은 도둑이 제 발 저린다.

Neutral

"늙은이 소리 듣다"

— To be called an old person. To hear that one is acting old.

벌써 늙은이 소리 들으면 안 되지.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

늙다 vs 낡다

Similar pronunciation and both mean 'old' in English.

늙다 is for biological aging (people/animals). 낡다 is for physical wear and tear of objects (clothes/cars).

늙은 사람 (Old person) vs 낡은 신발 (Old shoes).

늙다 vs 어리다

It's the opposite, but beginners sometimes mix up age-related terms.

어리다 means young (child-like). 늙다 means old (elderly).

그는 나보다 어려요. (He is younger than me.)

늙다 vs 익다

Both can mean 'mature' or 'ripen'.

익다 is for fruit ripening or food cooking. 늙다 is specifically for human/animal aging.

사과가 익었다. (The apple is ripe.)

늙다 vs 지나다

Both involve the passage of time.

지나다 means 'to pass' (time/place). 늙다 is the effect of time passing on a person.

시간이 지났다. (Time passed.)

늙다 vs 변하다

Aging is a form of change.

변하다 is a general 'to change'. 늙다 is a specific biological change.

세상이 변했다. (The world changed.)

Padrões de frases

[Subject]은/는 늙었어요.

우리 개는 늙었어요.

[Subject]은/는 늙기 싫어해요.

사람들은 늙기 싫어해요.

늙어도 [Positive Trait]해요.

그는 늙어도 마음은 젊어요.

늙으신 [Noun]

늙으신 부모님을 도와드려요.

늙을수록 [Change]

늙을수록 건강 관리가 중요해요.

[Subject]이/가 늙어 보이다

피곤해서 더 늙어 보여요.

늙어가는 [Noun]

늙어가는 사회에 대비해야 합니다.

늙음의 [Noun]

늙음의 지혜를 배워야 합니다.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

늙음 Old age; the state of being old.

늙은이 Old person (informal/sometimes derogatory).

노인 Elderly person (formal Sino-Korean).

Verbos

늙다 To age; to be old.

늙어가다 To be in the process of aging.

늙어버리다 To end up aging (completely).

Adjetivos

늙은 Old (modifying a noun).

늙수그레하다 To look somewhat old/elderly.

Relacionado

나이 (age)

세월 (time/years)

젊다 (to be young)

낡다 (to be old - objects)

어르신 (esteemed elder)

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in daily life, media, and literature.

Erros comuns

이 책은 늙었어요. → 이 책은 낡았어요 / 오래됐어요.
You cannot use 늙다 for inanimate objects like books. Use 낡다 for 'worn out' or 오래되다 for 'existed for a long time'.
사람이 늙다. → 사람이 늙는다.
늙다 is a verb, so in the plain present tense, it needs the '-ㄴ다' ending.
할머니, 늙으셨네요! → 할머니, 더 건강해 보이세요! (or avoid mentioning age).
Even with honorifics, telling an elder they 'aged' can be offensive. Focus on their health or vitality instead.
늙은 차. → 낡은 차 / 오래된 차.
Cars are not biological, so they cannot '늙다'.
나이가 늙다. → 나이가 들다 / 나이가 많다.
The noun 'age' (나이) doesn't 'age' itself. You 'gain' age (들다) or your age 'is many' (많다).

Dicas

Verb Conjugation

Remember that 늙다 is a verb. In the present tense, it becomes 늙는다. This is a key difference from adjectives.

People vs. Things

Always use 늙다 for people/animals and 낡다 for objects. Mixing them up is a classic beginner mistake.

Respect the Elders

Avoid using 늙다 directly when talking to or about someone older. Use '연세가 많으세요' to stay polite.

Self-Deprecation

It's okay to use 늙었다 about yourself to express tiredness or the passage of time. It's a common way to bond.

Literary Use

In stories, use '늙은' to describe wise characters or ancient creatures to add a sense of history.

Silent 'ㄹ'

Don't try to pronounce the 'ㄹ' in 늙다. It's just [nuk-ta]. Focus on the sharp 'k' sound.

Skincare Context

If you see '노화 방지', it means anti-aging. '늙지 않는 피부' means skin that doesn't age.

Ripening

Remember the phrase '익어가는 것' (ripening) as a positive alternative to '늙어가는 것' (aging).

Emotional Tone

Listen for the sigh. '아이고, 늙었네' is usually a sigh of exhaustion, not just a statement of age.

Daily Practice

Look at an old photo and say '이때는 젊었네' (I was young then) and then '지금은 늙었어' (Now I'm old).

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the 'ㄹ' and 'ㄱ' in 늙다 as the two legs of an old person walking with a cane. The 'ㅡ' vowel looks like the flat ground they are walking on.

Associação visual

Imagine a tree with deep roots and many rings. Each ring is a year the tree has '늙었다' (aged).

Word Web

사람 (person) 나이 (age) 시간 (time) 주름 (wrinkles) 흰머리 (white hair) 지혜 (wisdom) 할아버지 (grandfather) 낡다 (old-objects)

Desafio

Try to use '늙다' to describe yourself in a funny way, then use '연세가 많으시다' to describe a respected elder. Notice the difference in feeling!

Origem da palavra

Native Korean word. It has existed in the Korean language for centuries to describe the natural process of biological decay and aging.

Significado original: To grow old; to mature past one's prime.

Koreanic

Contexto cultural

Avoid calling anyone '늙은이' directly. Use '어르신' or '할머니/할아버지' instead. Using 늙다 for a superior is a major social faux pas.

In English, 'old' is used for everything from cars to people. In Korean, you must split this into 늙다 (people) and 낡다 (things).

The song 'About Aging' (늙어가는 것에 대하여) by Kim Kwang-seok. The phrase 'We are not aging, we are ripening' from a famous song by Noh Sa-yeon. The movie 'The Way Home' (집으로) which depicts a '늙은' grandmother.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Talking about family

부모님이 늙으셨어요.
할머니는 안 늙으세요.
늙은 개를 키워요.
우리 가족은 다 동안이에요.

Skincare and Beauty

늙고 싶지 않아요.
늙어 보이기 싫어요.
안 늙는 비결이 뭐예요?
피부 노화를 막아요.

Self-reflection

나도 늙었네.
벌써 늙다니 슬퍼요.
늙는 건 자연스러운 거야.
곱게 늙고 싶다.

Health/Doctor

늙어서 눈이 안 좋아요.
기운이 없는 건 늙어서 그래요.
늙어도 운동해야 해요.
노인성 질환이에요.

Social Issues

사회가 늙어가고 있어요.
늙은 인구가 늘어나요.
고령화 사회의 문제점.
노인 복지가 필요해요.

Iniciadores de conversa

"요즘 거울 보면 늙었다는 생각이 드나요?"

"안 늙는 비결이 있다면 무엇일까요?"

"몇 살부터 늙었다고 생각하세요?"

"곱게 늙기 위해서 무엇을 해야 할까요?"

"늙는 것의 장점은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

Temas para diário

내가 늙었다고 느꼈던 순간에 대해 써 보세요.

부모님이 늙어가는 모습을 볼 때 어떤 감정이 드나요?

늙지 않는 약이 발명된다면 세상이 어떻게 변할까요?

내가 꿈꾸는 '곱게 늙은 모습'은 어떤 모습인가요?

한국 사회의 고령화 문제에 대해 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, you should not use 늙다 for a phone. 늙다 is only for living beings. For a phone, you should use '낡았다' (it's worn out/old) or '오래됐다' (it's an old model). If you say your phone is '늙었다', it sounds like your phone has human skin and wrinkles!

In Korean, 늙다 is a verb (동사). This is because it describes a process of change. This affects its conjugation. For example, in the present tense plain form, you say '늙는다' instead of '늙다'. This is different from adjectives like '크다' (to be big) which stays '크다'.

The most polite way to refer to an elderly person is '어르신'. You can also use '연세가 많으신 분'. Avoid using '늙은 사람' or '늙은이' as they can sound disrespectful or too blunt.

늙었다 is the past tense, often used to describe the current state of being old (e.g., 'He has aged/is old'). 늙는다 is the present tense, describing the ongoing process of aging (e.g., 'Everyone ages').

Yes, you can occasionally use 늙다 for very old trees because they are living things. '늙은 나무' is a common expression for an ancient tree.

'나이가 들다' (age enters/gains) is a more indirect and neutral expression. It sounds less harsh than 늙다, which focuses on the physical decline. It's safer to use in most social situations.

Not always, but it is very informal. It can be used by old people to refer to themselves or between very close friends, but a younger person should never call an older person '늙은이'.

The honorific form is '늙으시다'. However, even with the honorific suffix, it's still often better to use '연세가 드시다' to be truly respectful.

It means to age drastically and suddenly, usually due to a specific event like extreme stress, illness, or a big shock. '폭삭' is an onomatopoeia for something collapsing or crumbling.

Mostly, yes. It refers to the biological aging process. If you want to talk about being 'old-fashioned' in your thinking, you might use '보수적이다' (conservative) or '고리타분하다' (stuffy/old-fashioned).

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