Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Small" in Korean: 작다
작다jakda
Small in Korean is 작다 (jakda). 작다 describes small size; 적다 means a small amount and is not interchangeable.
Small: an everyday statement
이 신발은 작아요.i sinbareun jagayo.
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How to pronounce 작다
Say it
jakda
/tɕak̚t͈a/
Read 작다 as jakda. The spoken form 작아요 is jagayo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Small" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 작다jakda | Small Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 작아요jagayo | Small (polite present) Use 작아요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 작아요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 작았어요jagasseoyo | Small (polite past) Use 작았어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 작았어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 작다 in real life
- 1Small: an everyday statement
이 신발은 작아요.
i sinbareun jagayo.
These shoes are small.
작아요 is the present form of 작다.
- 2Small: a different situation
전에 살던 방이 작았어요.
jeone saldeon bangi jagasseoyo.
The room I lived in before was small.
작았어요 is the past form of 작다.
- 3Small: a question or request
이 옷이 작아요?
i osi jagayo?
Are these clothes small?
작아요 is the present form of 작다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 작다
Incorrect: 작다.
Correct: 작아요.
When practicing small, 작다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 작아요.
Incorrect: 어제 작아요.
Correct: 어제 작았어요.
When practicing small, for a completed event yesterday, use 작았어요; the present form 작아요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
작다 describes small size; 적다 means a small amount and is not interchangeable. 작아요 is the polite conversational form of 작다; 작았어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 작다
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 신발은 작아요.
i sinbareun jagayo.
These shoes are small.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
전에 살던 방이 작았어요.
jeone saldeon bangi jagasseoyo.
The room I lived in before was small.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Small" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Small" in Korean
How do I use 작다 in polite speech?
작아요 is the polite conversational form of 작다; 작았어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 작다 in a past-tense sentence?
작았어요 is the polite past form. 작다 describes small size; 적다 means a small amount and is not interchangeable.
What does 작아요 mean here?
작아요 is used for small. For example, 이 신발은 작아요. means “These shoes are small.”
What should I remember about 작다?
작다 describes small size; 적다 means a small amount and is not interchangeable.
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