덜
deol
The Korean word for "less" is 덜 (deol).
The adverb 덜 is used to modify adjectives or verbs to indicate a lower degree or amount.
Meaning: to a smaller extent or degree (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 덜 modifies the degree of a quality, such as saying something is "less hot", the word 적게 is used to modify the quantity of a noun, such as saying "eat less".
How do you pronounce it?
deol
Did you know?
- While 덜 indicates 'less', Koreans often use the phrase 덜 됐다 to describe a person who is immature or lacking in social grace, literally meaning they are 'less than finished'.
- The word 덜 is closely tied to the verb 덜다, which means 'to lessen' or 'to reduce'. In a dining context, 덜다 is specifically used when transferring food from a communal main dish into a personal small bowl.
- The word 덜 first appeared in written records in 1489 within the 구급간이방언해, a medical text providing emergency first aid instructions.
Examples in context
- 제품의 가격을 더 낮출 수 있을까요? (Jepeum-ui gagaeg-eul deo najchul su iss-eulkka-yo?)Can we lower the price of the product?
- 오늘은 조금 덜 바빴어. (Oneul-eun jogeum deol bappass-eo.)I was a little less busy today.
- 설탕을 덜 넣으세요.seoltangeul deol neoeuseyo.Please put in less sugar.
- 어제보다 덜 추워요.eoje boda deol chuwoyo.It is less cold than yesterday.
- 가방이 조금 덜 무겁네요.gabangi jogeum deol mugeopneyo.The bag is a little less heavy.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing a spicy dish at a restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 찌개 너무 매워요.i jjigae neomu maewoyo.This stew is too spicy.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 덜 매운 걸로 시킬까요?geureom deo maeun geollo sikilkayo?Then shall we order something less spicy?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 그렇게 해요.ne, geureoke haeyo.Yes, let's do that.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo현우가 다시 주문할게요.Hyunwoo-ga dasi jumunhalgeyo.Hyunwoo will order again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 덜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
