가까운
gakkaun
The English phrase 'near' is translated into Korean as 가까운 (gakkaun).
In Korean, the word for proximity can take different forms depending on whether you are describing a noun, an action or a state of being. The form 가깝다 is a descriptive verb used to state that something is near, such as in the sentence 'It is near'. This term is also used metaphorically to describe being close or intimate in a relationship with people.
Meaning: in close proximity to (prep)
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the grammatical role: 가까운 is used to modify a noun directly, while 가까이 is an adverb used to describe an action or a state, such as 'stay near'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 가까운 is the adjectival form used to modify a noun, such as in the phrase 'near station' (가까운 역). The dictionary form 가깝다 functions as a descriptive verb to state a property, such as 'It is near' (가깝다).
How do you pronounce it?
gakkaun
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific way of expressing 'almost' or 'nearly' using the root of 가깝다, such as in the expression 가까스로, which describes barely achieving something.
- In traditional Korean social etiquette, maintaining a certain physical distance is a sign of respect, making the literal 'nearness' of 가깝다 a social signal of intimacy or informality.
- Korean speakers often use 가까이 to describe not just physical proximity, but the act of paying close attention or observing something intently.
Examples in context
- 가까운가요?Is it near here?This sentence is useful for asking if a location is near using the form 가까운.Tatoeba #5951671 by alvations, translation #3768330 by tanay
- 은행이 가까이 있어요The bank is near
- 호텔 근처에 식당이 있어요There is a restaurant near the hotel
- 여기 근처에 편의점이 있어요There is a convenience store near here
- 피자 가게가 여기 근처에 있어요.The pizza restaurant is near here.
- 대학교가 집에서 멀지 않아요.The university is not far from home.
- 도서관이 가까운 곳에 있어요?Is the library located in a nearby place?
- 가까운 곳에 편의점이 있어요.gakkaun go-se pyeon-ui-jeom-i is-seo-yo.There is a convenience store in a nearby place.
- 가까운 학교를 찾고 있어요.gakkaun hak-gyo-reul chat-go is-seo-yo.I am looking for a nearby school.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are looking for a restaurant.
- 민지 Min-ji가까운 식당이 있을까요?gakkaun sikdangi isseulkkayo?Would there be a restaurant nearby?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 저기 앞에 하나 보여요.ne, jeogi ape hana boyeoyo.Yes, I see one over there.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 가깝네요. 빨리 가요!jeongmal gakkapneyo. ppalli gayo!It's really close. Let's go quickly!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 같이 가요.joayo, gati gayo.Sounds good, let's go together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
