너비
neobi
The Korean word for 'width' is 너비 (neobi).
너비 is a noun used to describe the measurement of something from side to side.
Meaning: measurement of something from side to side (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 너비 is a general term for width, the word 폭 is often used specifically when referring to the width of a road, a river or a wide expanse.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 너비 as the subject of a sentence to describe a measurement, it often takes the subject marker 너비가.
How do you pronounce it?
neobi
Did you know?
- In a metaphorical sense, a 'wide' heart or mind is expressed using the root of 너비 to describe someone who is generous and tolerant.
- The term 너비 was documented as early as 1449 in the 월인천강지곡, a Buddhist text written shortly after the invention of the Korean alphabet.
- In Korean, the concept of 'width' can sometimes overlap with the word 넓이, which refers to 'area' or 'surface area', leading to potential confusion for beginners.
Examples in context
- 이 사진의 폭은 얼마인가요?What is the width of this picture?
- 이 방의 가로는 몇 미터인가요?What is the width of this room?
- 이 테이블의 너비는 얼마야?What is the width of this table?
- 이 책상의 너비는 80센티미터입니다.The width of this desk is 80 centimeters.
- 책상 너비가 얼마나 돼요?chaeksang neobiga eolmana dwaeyo?How wide is the desk?
- 도로 너비가 너무 좁아요.doro neobiga neomu jobayo.The width of the road is too narrow.
- 이 문의 너비를 재 보세요.i munui neobireul jae boseyo.Please measure the width of this door.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are measuring a space for a new sofa.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 소파 놓을 공간의 너비가 얼마예요?Jieun ssi, sopa noeul gongganui neobiga eolmayeyo?Jieun, what is the width of the space for the sofa?
- 지은 Ji-eun너비는 일 미터 정도 될 것 같아요.Neobineun il miteo jeongdo doel geot gatayo.I think the width will be about one meter.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 이 소파는 충분히 들어가겠네요.Geureom i sopaneun chungbunhi deureogagenneyo.Then this sofa will fit easily.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 지훈 씨. 딱 맞을 거예요.Ne, Jihoon ssi. Ttak majeul geoyeyo.Yes, Jihoon. It will fit perfectly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너비, CC BY-SA 4.0.
