조금 (jo-geum, jogeum) · 잠깐 (jam-kkan, jamkkan)
조금 indicates a small amount or degree, while 잠깐 refers to a short duration of time; use each according to context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates a small amount or degree of something
When to use
quantity expression, degree expression, non-time quantity
The nuance
Used to express a small quantity or degree, applicable not only to time but also size, amount, intensity, etc.
Indicates a very short duration of time
When to use
time expression, temporary situation, time unit
The nuance
Used exclusively to express a short length of time, meaning 'for a moment' or 'briefly'.
조금 기다려 주세요.
jo-geum gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jo geum gi da ryeo ju se yo.
‘조금’ appropriately expresses a small amount of waiting time.
잠깐 기다려 주세요.
jam-kkan gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jam kkan gi da ryeo ju se yo.
‘잠깐’ naturally means to wait for a brief moment.
조금 머물렀어요.
jo-geum meo-mul-reoss-eo-yo., jo geum meo mul reoss eo yo.
‘조금’ fits to express a small amount of time stayed.
잠깐 머물렀어요.
jam-kkan meo-mul-reoss-eo-yo., jam kkan meo mul reoss eo yo.
‘잠깐’ naturally means stayed for a short time.
잠깐 물 좀 주세요.
jam-kkan mul jom ju-se-yo., jam kkan mul jom ju se yo.
‘잠깐’ refers to short time, so it cannot express quantity of water; use ‘조금’ instead.
조금 물 좀 주세요.
jo-geum mul jom ju-se-yo., jo geum mul jom ju se yo.
‘조금’ appropriately expresses a small amount of water.
조금만 기다려 주세요.
jo-geum-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jo geum man gi da ryeo ju se yo.
‘조금만’ naturally means just a little bit.
잠깐만 기다려 주세요.
jam-kkan-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo., jam kkan man gi da ryeo ju se yo.
‘잠깐만’ naturally means wait for a brief moment.
Which word should you use to say you stayed for a short time?
Which word is appropriate to express a small amount?
Can ‘잠깐’ be used to express amount of water?
What does it mean?
