어린아이
eorina-i
The English phrase "little kid" is translated into Korean as 어린아이 (eorina-i).
어린아이 is used to refer to a young child.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 어린, meaning young or little and 아이, meaning child.
Which one should you use?
While 어린아이 is a standard term for a young child, the contraction 애 is much more frequently used in daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you can add the suffix -들 to the end of the noun to form 어린아이들 (little kids).
How do you pronounce it?
eorina-i
Did you know?
- In Middle Korean, the word 어리다 meaning 'young' actually meant 'foolish' or 'stupid'. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from a lack of wisdom to a lack of age.
- While 어린아이 is the literal term, adults often refer to their own children as 우리 애 meaning 'our kid' even if they are the only parent present.
- While 어린아이 is the standard term, calling someone a 애 (the contraction) can sometimes be used as a condescending way to call someone 'childish' or 'immature' in an argument.
Examples in context
- 그 어린이는 아주 귀엽습니다.That child is very cute.
- 그 어린이는 열심히 배우고 있어요.That child is learning diligently.
- 유아들이 이 동화책을 사랑해요.The kids love this picture book.
- 어린아이가 공원에서 놀고 있어요.eorin-aiga gong-won-eseo nolgo isseoyo.A little kid is playing in the park.
- 그 어린아이는 정말 귀여워요.geu eorin-ain-eun jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.That little kid is really cute.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are at a park.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 어린아이가 혼자 있어요.jeogi eorin-aiga honja isseoyo.There is a little kid over there alone.
- 민준 Min-jun정말이네요. 부모님을 잃어버렸나 봐요.jeongmal-ineyo. bumonimeul ireobeoryeonna bwayo.You're right. I think they lost their parents.
- 민지 Min-ji우리가 도와줘야 할 것 같아요.uriga dowajwoya hal geot gatayo.I think we should help them.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 같이 가서 확인해 봐요.ne, gachi gaseo hwaginhae bwayo.Yes, let's go check together.
