How to Say "Little" in Korean

작은

jageun[t͡ɕa̠ɡɯn]

In Korean, the English phrase "little" (meaning small in size) is translated as 작은 (jageun).

작은 is used to describe the physical size of an object or person.

Meaning: small in size (adj)

What does it mean word for word?

The form 작은 is derived from the stem 작- and the modifier suffix -은.

Use 작은 to describe physical size, whereas 적은 should be used to describe a small quantity or amount.

The dictionary form of the adjective is the verb 작다.

jageun

In Korean, the word for 'small' can sometimes be used to express humility, such as describing one's own achievements or properties as 'small' to show modesty.
The word 작다 behaves like a verb in Korean rather than a simple adjective. This means it conjugates and can be used in sentences in ways that a static English adjective cannot.
To say 'a little bit' in a way that emphasizes a tiny, almost negligible amount, Koreans might use the word 쬐금 instead of the standard 작은.

그 작은 소년은 동물원에 있다.
The little boy is at the zoo.
This sentence uses 작은 to describe a boy.
Tatoeba #11105197 by intertime, translation #682523 by Source_VOA
내향적인 사람은 아무것도 없는 작은 방에서 더없이 행복하지.
An introvert is perfectly happy in a tiny little room with nothing.
This sentence uses 작은 to describe a room.
Tatoeba #8855595 by Eunhee, translation #8855565 by Hybrid

Subin and Hyunwoo are looking at a gift for a friend.

수빈 Su-bin

이 작은 상자가 마음에 들어요?
i jageun sangjaga maeume deureoyo?
Do you like this small box?
현우 Hyeon-woo

네, 너무 귀여워요.
ne, neomu gwiyeowoyo.
Yes, it is so cute.
수빈 Su-bin

선물을 넣기에 충분할까요?
seonmureul neohgie chungbunhalkkayo?
Will it be enough to put the gift in?
현우 Hyeon-woo

네, 딱 맞을 것 같아요.
ne, ttak majeul geot gatayo.
Yes, I think it will fit perfectly.

Sources

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