Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Thin" in Korean: 얇다
얇다yalpda
Thin in Korean is 얇다 (yalpda). 얇다 describes physical thickness such as paper or clothing; 날씬하다 describes a slim person.
Thin: an everyday statement
이 종이는 얇아요.i jongineun yalbayo.
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How to pronounce 얇다
Say it
yalpda
/jap̚t͈a/
Read 얇다 as yalpda. The spoken form 얇아요 is yalbayo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Thin" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 얇다yalpda | Thin Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 얇아요yalbayo | Thin (polite present) Use 얇아요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 얇아요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 얇았어요yalbasseoyo | Thin (polite past) Use 얇았어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 얇았어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 얇다 in real life
- 1Thin: an everyday statement
이 종이는 얇아요.
i jongineun yalbayo.
This paper is thin.
얇아요 is the present form of 얇다.
- 2Thin: a different situation
입었던 코트가 얇았어요.
ibeotdeon koteuga yalbasseoyo.
The coat I wore was thin.
얇았어요 is the past form of 얇다.
- 3Thin: a question or request
이 책이 얇아요?
i chaegi yalbayo?
Is this book thin?
얇아요 is the present form of 얇다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 얇다
Incorrect: 얇다.
Correct: 얇아요.
When practicing thin, 얇다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 얇아요.
Incorrect: 어제 얇아요.
Correct: 어제 얇았어요.
When practicing thin, for a completed event yesterday, use 얇았어요; the present form 얇아요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
얇다 describes physical thickness such as paper or clothing; 날씬하다 describes a slim person. 얇아요 is the polite conversational form of 얇다; 얇았어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 얇다
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 종이는 얇아요.
i jongineun yalbayo.
This paper is thin.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
입었던 코트가 얇았어요.
ibeotdeon koteuga yalbasseoyo.
The coat I wore was thin.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"Thin" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Thin" in Korean
How do I use 얇다 in polite speech?
얇아요 is the polite conversational form of 얇다; 얇았어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 얇다 in a past-tense sentence?
얇았어요 is the polite past form. 얇다 describes physical thickness such as paper or clothing; 날씬하다 describes a slim person.
What does 얇아요 mean here?
얇아요 is used for thin. For example, 이 종이는 얇아요. means “This paper is thin.”
What should I remember about 얇다?
얇다 describes physical thickness such as paper or clothing; 날씬하다 describes a slim person.
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