Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Big" in Korean: 크다
크다keuda
Big in Korean is 크다 (keuda). 크다 loses ㅡ in 커요; 큰 is the form used directly before a noun.
Big: an everyday statement
이 방은 커요.i bangeun keoyo.
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How to pronounce 크다
Say it
keuda
/kʰɯta/
Read 크다 as keuda. The spoken form 커요 is keoyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Big" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 크다keuda | Big Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 커요keoyo | Big (polite present) Use 커요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 커요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 컸어요keosseoyo | Big (polite past) Use 컸어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 컸어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 크다 in real life
- 1Big: an everyday statement
이 방은 커요.
i bangeun keoyo.
This room is big.
커요 is the present form of 크다.
- 2Big: a different situation
예전 집은 정말 컸어요.
yejeon jibeun jeongmal keosseoyo.
Our old house was really big.
컸어요 is the past form of 크다.
- 3Big: a question or request
가방이 너무 커요?
gabangi neomu keoyo?
Is the bag too big?
커요 is the present form of 크다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 크다
Incorrect: 크다.
Correct: 커요.
When practicing big, 크다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 커요.
Incorrect: 어제 커요.
Correct: 어제 컸어요.
When practicing big, for a completed event yesterday, use 컸어요; the present form 커요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
크다 loses ㅡ in 커요; 큰 is the form used directly before a noun. 커요 is the polite conversational form of 크다; 컸어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 크다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
이 방은 커요.
i bangeun keoyo.
This room is big.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
예전 집은 정말 컸어요.
yejeon jibeun jeongmal keosseoyo.
Our old house was really big.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Big" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Big" in Korean
How do I use 크다 in polite speech?
커요 is the polite conversational form of 크다; 컸어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 크다 in a past-tense sentence?
컸어요 is the polite past form. 크다 loses ㅡ in 커요; 큰 is the form used directly before a noun.
What does 커요 mean here?
커요 is used for big. For example, 이 방은 커요. means “This room is big.”
What should I remember about 크다?
크다 loses ㅡ in 커요; 큰 is the form used directly before a noun.
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