Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Cheap" in Korean: 싸다
싸다ssada
Cheap in Korean is 싸다 (ssada). 싸다 describes a low price; 저렴하다 is a more formal alternative and does not necessarily imply poor quality.
Cheap: an everyday statement
이 표는 싸요.i pyoneun ssayo.
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How to pronounce 싸다
Say it
ssada
/s͈ata/
Read 싸다 as ssada. The spoken form 싸요 is ssayo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Cheap" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 싸다ssada | Cheap Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 싸요ssayo | Cheap (polite present) Use 싸요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 싸요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 쌌어요ssasseoyo | Cheap (polite past) Use 쌌어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 쌌어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 싸다 in real life
- 1Cheap: an everyday statement
이 표는 싸요.
i pyoneun ssayo.
This ticket is cheap.
싸요 is the present form of 싸다.
- 2Cheap: a different situation
작년에는 더 쌌어요.
jangnyeoneneun deo ssasseoyo.
It was cheaper last year.
쌌어요 is the past form of 싸다.
- 3Cheap: a question or request
왜 이렇게 싸요?
wae ireoke ssayo?
Why is it so cheap?
싸요 is the present form of 싸다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 싸다
Incorrect: 싸다.
Correct: 싸요.
When practicing cheap, 싸다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 싸요.
Incorrect: 어제 싸요.
Correct: 어제 쌌어요.
When practicing cheap, for a completed event yesterday, use 쌌어요; the present form 싸요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
싸다 describes a low price; 저렴하다 is a more formal alternative and does not necessarily imply poor quality. 싸요 is the polite conversational form of 싸다; 쌌어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 싸다
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 표는 싸요.
i pyoneun ssayo.
This ticket is cheap.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
작년에는 더 쌌어요.
jangnyeoneneun deo ssasseoyo.
It was cheaper last year.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Cheap" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Cheap" in Korean
How do I use 싸다 in polite speech?
싸요 is the polite conversational form of 싸다; 쌌어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 싸다 in a past-tense sentence?
쌌어요 is the polite past form. 싸다 describes a low price; 저렴하다 is a more formal alternative and does not necessarily imply poor quality.
What does 싸요 mean here?
싸요 is used for cheap. For example, 이 표는 싸요. means “This ticket is cheap.”
What should I remember about 싸다?
싸다 describes a low price; 저렴하다 is a more formal alternative and does not necessarily imply poor quality.
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