작은
jageun[t͡ɕa̠ɡɯn]determiner
The Korean word for "small" is 작은 (jageun) or 작다.
Meaning: not large (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 작은 | jageun | [t͡ɕa̠ɡɯn] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | determiner |
| 작다 | jakda | [ˈt͡ɕa̠(ː)k̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both forms are used to express the concept of being small or not large.
Which one should you use?
작다 is the dictionary form used as the predicate at the end of a sentence to state that something is small. In contrast, 작은 is used as a determiner when the adjective directly precedes a noun to describe it.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to describe a noun directly, use the form 작은 before the noun. When you want to use the word as the main verb or adjective at the end of a sentence, use the dictionary form 작다.
How do you pronounce it?
jageun
Did you know?
- In Korean, 작다 is used to describe a sound that is 'small' in volume, which English speakers would call 'quiet'.
- To describe something 'tiny' or 'cute', Koreans often use the diminutive form of 작다 or add a suffix to make it sound more endearing, such as 쪼끄맣다.
- The word 작다 is used to describe a 'small' amount of effort or a 'small' heart, which expresses a lack of sincerity or generosity.
Examples in context
- 저기 작은 집이 보이나요?Can you see that small house?This is useful for practicing how to use 작은 to identify a small house.Tatoeba #13264327 by jungmin_kim, translation #70237 by CK
- 나는 작은 아파트에 살아요.I live in a small apartment.This is useful for practicing how to use 작은 to describe a small apartment.Tatoeba #4963570 by rainbow4us, translation #4262909 by JFMorais
- 이 책상은 톰에게 너무 작다.This desk is too small for Tom.This is useful for practicing how to use 작다 as a predicate to say a desk is small.Tatoeba #11107541 by intertime, translation #1027275 by CK
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Subin are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저 작은 강아지 좀 봐!jeo jageun gangaji jom bwa!Look at that small puppy!
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 귀엽네요, 도현 씨.jeongmal gwiyeopneyo, Dohyeon ssi.It is really cute, Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨도 저 강아지가 좋아 보여요?Subin ssi-do jeo gangajiga joa boyeoyo?Subin, do you like that puppy too?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 정말 사랑스러워요.ne, jeongmal sarangseureowoyo.Yes, it is so lovely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries 작은, 작다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
