조금
jogeum[t͡ɕo̞ɡɯm]
The English phrase 'a bit' is translated into Korean as 조금 (jogeum).
조금 is the most common and versatile translation for 'a bit' in Korean, used to describe either a small amount of something or a short period of time. It can function as a word describing a quantity of a substance, or as an adverb to soften an adjective, much like the English 'a bit'.
Which one should you use?
While 조금 is a general term for 'a little bit', you may use 조금씩 to specifically mean 'a bit at a time' to emphasize doing something gradually or step by step.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the meaning of the phrase by adding the particle 만 to 조금 to create 조금만, which means 'just a little bit' or 'only a little bit'.
How do you pronounce it?
jogeum
Did you know?
- In casual spoken Korean, 조금 is frequently shortened to 쫌 (jjom). This shortened version often carries a nuance of slight annoyance or a strong plea, which the standard 조금 does not.
- In Korea, 조금 is often used as a polite way to say 'no' to an offer. Saying 'just a bit' instead of a direct 'no' helps the speaker avoid being seen as overly blunt or rude.
- When people are hesitant or shy, they may stretch the vowel in 조금 to sound like 조오금 to soften the request or make the statement sound more tentative.
Examples in context
- 목이 조금 마릅니다.My throat is a bit dry.This sentence is useful for describing a physical sensation of dryness in the throat using 조금.Tatoeba #12401401 by gratified3539, translation #5295487 by CK
- 조금 피곤한 기분이야.I'm feeling a bit tired.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling of tiredness using 조금.Tatoeba #8362503 by Eunhee, translation #3732418 by CK
- 항성핵이 조금 뜨거워요.Stellar cores are a bit hot.This sentence is useful for describing a temperature state using 조금.Tatoeba #13877480 by loonaOT12dalso, translation #13877482 by loonaOT12dalso
- 이 문제는 약간 어려운 것 같아요.This problem seems a bit difficult.
- 그 계획은 실행하기에 다소 어려워 보입니다.The plan seems a bit difficult to execute.
- 이 음식은 좀 맵다.This food is a bit spicy.
- 문제를 조금씩 해결해 나갈 거예요.We'll solve the problems little by little.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are deciding what to order at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 커피가 조금 써요?Minjun ssi, keopi-ga jogeum sseoyo?Minjun, is the coffee a bit bitter?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 조금 쓰지만 맛있어요.ne, jogeum sseujiman masisseoyo.Yes, it is a bit bitter but delicious.
- 민지 Min-ji설탕을 조금 더 넣을까요?seoltang-eul jogeum deo neokeul-kayo?Shall I put in a bit more sugar?
- 민준 Min-jun아니요, 괜찮아요.aniyo, gwaenchannayo.No, it's okay.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 조금, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
