더 어린
deo eorin
The English word "younger" is translated into Korean as 더 어린 (deo eorin).
더 어린 is an adjective used to describe someone in an earlier period of life. In social contexts like schools or workplaces, someone who is younger or junior in age or position is often referred to as a 후배. If you are referring to the youngest member of a specific group, such as a family, a band or a team, the informal term 막내 is used.
Meaning: in an earlier period of life (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 더, meaning "more" and 어린, meaning "young". Literally, it means "more young".
How does it change in a sentence?
The comparative form is created by placing the adverb 더 (more) directly before the adjective 어린 (young). When using this in a complete sentence, the adjective is typically conjugated with a polite ending, such as 더 어립니다 or 더 어린데요.
How do you pronounce it?
deo eorin
Did you know?
- While 더 어린 describes biological age, the term 후배 can be used to describe someone as 'younger' in a professional hierarchy even if that person is actually older in years.
- In Korean culture, knowing who is 더 어린 is vital for choosing the correct speech level, as even a one-year difference can change whether a person uses formal or informal language.
- The word 더 is an ancient part of the Korean language, having been recorded in the 15th-century text 석보상절 (Seokbo sangjeol) as part of Middle Korean.
Examples in context
- 더 어린 시절을 그리워해요.deo eorin sijeoreul geuriwohaeyo.I miss my younger days.
- 그는 더 어린 때에 여행을 많이 했어요.geuneun deo eorin ttae-e yeohaeng-eul mani haesseoyo.He traveled a lot when he was younger.
- 더 어린 학생들은 노래를 좋아해요.deo eorin haksaengdeureun noraereul joahaeyo.Younger students like songs.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about their families.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨는 형제가 있어요?Subin ssineun hyeongjega isseoyo?Subin, do you have any siblings?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 저보다 더 어린 남동생이 하나 있어요.ne, jeoboda deo eorin namdongsaengi hana isseoyo.Yes, I have one younger brother who is younger than me.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 몇 살 차이가 나요?jeongmalyo? myeot sal chaiga nayo?Really? How many years apart are you?
- 수빈 Su-bin두 살 차이 나요.du sal chai nayo.There is a two year difference.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 더, CC BY-SA 4.0.
