대략
daeryak[ˈtɛ(ː)ɾja̠k̚]
The English word "approximately" can be translated into Korean using several forms, most commonly 대략 (daeryak). Wiktionary also lists 약 (yak).
Meaning: imprecise but close to in quantity or amount (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 대략 | daeryak | [ˈtɛ(ː)ɾja̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈte̞(ː)ɾja̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 약 | yak | [ja̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
These words are used to describe something that is imprecise but close in quantity or amount. For example, you can use the form 대략적인 as an adjective to modify a noun, such as in the phrase 대략적인 수치 (approximate figure).
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on how they function in a sentence. 약 is typically used as a prefix placed directly before a number to indicate an approximate quantity, such as in 약 10명 (approximately 10 people). In contrast, 대략 is used as an adverb to describe the manner of an estimation.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create a more formal adverbial form by adding the particle '-적으로' to the word 대략, resulting in 대략적으로, which means "in a rough or approximate manner".
How do you pronounce it?
daeryak
Did you know?
- Because 약 is a homonym, the exact same sound can mean 'medicine' (藥), 'approximately' (約), or even an 'ancient bamboo flute' (籥) depending on the Hanja used.
- The word 대략 is formed from characters meaning 'big' and 'outline'. It literally describes the act of sketching a general shape rather than focusing on precise details.
Examples in context
- 대략적으로 30분 후에 도착할 예정입니다.I will arrive approximately in 30 minutes.
- 나 대충 일년 정도 걸릴 것 같아.It will take approximately a year, I think.
- 7시 쯤에 만나자.Let's meet around 7 o'clock.
- 대략 삼십 분 정도 걸려요.daeryak samsip bun jeongdo geollyeoyo.It takes approximately thirty minutes.
- 그곳에 사람이 대략 백 명 있어요.geugose sarami daeryak baeng myeong isseoyo.There are approximately one hundred people there.
- 대략 이 정도면 충분할까요?daeryak i jeongdomyeon chungbun-hal-kkayo?Is approximately this much enough?
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are discussing the cost of a project.
- 수빈 Su-bin비용이 대략 얼마나 들까요?biyongi daeryak eolmana deul-kkayo?Approximately how much will it cost?
- 도현 Do-hyeon대략 오백만 원 정도 예상돼요.daeryak obaekman won jeongdo yesang-dwaeyo.It is expected to be approximately five million won.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 예산이 너무 많네요.Dohyun ssi, yesani neomu man-neyo.Dohyun, the budget is too high.
- 도현 Do-hyeon조금 더 줄여보도록 할게요.jogeum deo juryeobodorok halgeyo.I will try to reduce it a little more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “approximately” translations and entries 대략, 약, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 대략, 약, CC BY-SA 4.0.
