약간 (yak-gan, yakgan) · 살짝 (sal-jjak, saljjak)
Both 약간 and 살짝 mean 'a little,' but 약간 emphasizes quantity change, while 살짝 highlights lightness of action or state.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A little, indicating a slight change or amount
When to use
quantity change, expressing feelings, emphasizing degree
The nuance
Used when indicating a slight change or existence in amount or degree. Suitable for numbers, feelings, or degrees.
Indicates an action or state that happens lightly and quickly
When to use
light action, quick change, subtle sensation
The nuance
Used when an action or state occurs lightly and quickly. Mainly used for actions or sensations.
그 음식은 약간 매워요.
geu eum-sik-eun yak-gan mae-wo-yo., geu eum sik eun yak gan mae wo yo.
약간 is suitable for expressing degree of spiciness quantitatively.
그 음식은 살짝 매워요.
geu eum-sik-eun sal-jjak mae-wo-yo., geu eum sik eun sal jjak mae wo yo.
살짝 can be used when the spiciness is light and subtle.
그는 약간 웃었어요.
geu-neun yak-gan us-eoss-eo-yo., geu neun yak gan us eoss eo yo.
Use 약간 when the degree of smiling is slight.
그는 살짝 웃었어요.
geu-neun sal-jjak us-eoss-eo-yo., geu neun sal jjak us eoss eo yo.
살짝 is natural to express a light and quick smile.
문을 약간 열었어요.
mun-eul yak-gan yeol-eoss-eo-yo., mun eul yak gan yeol eoss eo yo.
약간 suits indicating the door is opened a little.
문을 살짝 열었어요.
mun-eul sal-jjak yeol-eoss-eo-yo., mun eul sal jjak yeol eoss eo yo.
살짝 fits when expressing a light and quick door-opening action.
그는 살짝 피곤해요.
geu-neun sal-jjak pi-gon-hae-yo., geu neun sal jjak pi gon hae yo.
For states like tiredness, use 약간 to express degree.
그는 약간 피곤해요.
geu-neun yak-gan pi-gon-hae-yo., geu neun yak gan pi gon hae yo.
약간 is appropriate for expressing degree of tiredness.
Which is appropriate to express a slight amount or degree?
Which word is suitable to express a quick and light action?
Fill in the blank: 'He is ___ tired.'
