젊은
jeolmeun
The Korean word for "young" is 젊은 (jeolmeun).
젊은 is an adjective used to describe people who are in the early part of their life.
Meaning: belonging in the early part of life (adj)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between 젊은 and 어린. While 젊은 refers to people in their prime or youth, 어린 is used to describe children or those who are small in age.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 젊은 is used when the adjective directly precedes a noun, such as in the phrase 젊은 사람 (young person).
How do you pronounce it?
jeolmeun
Did you know?
- In certain song lyrics or poetry, the concept of being 'young' is expressed through the word 푸르다 (to be blue/green). This suggests that youth is viewed as a vibrant, verdant stage of life rather than just a number.
- When describing a 'young' person in a professional setting, you would rarely use 젊은. Instead, you would use titles or age-based honorifics, as calling someone 'young' can unintentionally imply they lack experience.
- In historical Korean contexts, the term 청년 for 'young man' was heavily associated with nationalist movements and intellectual awakening in the early 20th century.
Examples in context
- 젊은 시절은 한 번 뿐이다.You are only young once.Tatoeba #13993028 by Ldyhippo, translation #265742 by CK
- 늙은 피와 젊은 피, 우리 모두 마지막 크루즈에 있다.Old and young, we are all on our last cruise.Tatoeba #14039150 by Qibli, translation #906643 by Scott
- 청소년들의 의견을 듣는 것이 중요해요.It's important to listen to the opinions of young people.
- 젊은이들이 저희 사회의 발전을 이끌 거예요.The youth will lead the development of our society.
- 오늘은 어린 친구들과 함께 즐거운 시간을 보냈어!Today I had a great time with my young friends!
- 청춘이라서 해병대에 가고 싶단 말야?You want to join the Marine Corps because you're young, right?
- 젊은 사람들은 에너지가 넘쳐요.Jeolmeun saramdeureun eneojiga neomchyeoyo.Young people are full of energy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about a new coworker.
- 민준 Min-jun새로 온 동료는 정말 젊은 것 같아요.saero on dongryoneun jeongmal jeolmeun geot gatayo.The new colleague seems really young.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 아주 열정적으로 일하더라고요.majayo, aju yeoljeongjeogeuro ilhadeoragoyo.That's true, they work very passionately.
- 민준 Min-jun젊은 에너지가 팀에 도움이 되겠어요.jeolmeun eneojiga time domumi doegesseoyo.Young energy will be helpful for the team.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 그렇게 생각해요, 민준 씨.jeodo geureoke saenggakhaeyo, Minjun ssi.I think so too, Minjun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
