꼬마
kkoma[k͈o̞ma̠]
The Korean phrase for "little one" is 꼬마 (kkoma).
꼬마 is a term used to refer to a small child or a kid.
Meaning: young child (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
꼬마 is an informal term used to refer to a small child.
How do you pronounce it?
kkoma
When do people say it?
꼬마 is typically used by adults when referring to a child or when speaking to a child in a friendly, casual manner.
Did you know?
- If you were to call an adult 꼬마, it would be a significant insult or a very bold joke, as it implies they are childish or immature.
- Korean speakers often add certain suffixes to words like 꼬마 to create even more 'cute' sounding variations, a linguistic phenomenon known as 'aegyo'.
- There is a specific slang term 꼬맹이 which is a more playful and slightly more diminutive version of 꼬마.
Examples in context
- 너는 나의 작은 꼬마 친구야!You are my little friend!
- 저 꼬마는 정말 귀여워요.jeo kkoma-neun jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.That little one is really cute.
- 꼬마가 혼자서 잘 걸어요.kkoma-ga honjaseo jal georeoyo.The little one walks well by themselves.
- 옆집 꼬마가 노래를 불러요.yeopjip kkoma-ga norae-reul bulleoyo.The little one next door is singing.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are looking at a child in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 봐요, 귀여운 꼬마가 있어요.jeogi bwayo, gwiyeoun kkomaga isseoyo.Look over there, there is a cute little one.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 작고 귀엽네요.jeongmal jakgo gwiyeopneyo.He is really small and cute.
- 민지 Min-ji누구 아이일까요?nugu a-i-ilkkayo?I wonder whose child it is.
- 도현 Do-hyeon부모님이 근처에 계시겠어요.bumonimi geuncheoe gyesigeosseoyo.The parents must be nearby.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 꼬마, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
