크다 (keu-da, keuda) · 작다 (jak-da, jakda)
'크다' and '작다' are used to compare sizes of objects or people, indicating something is big or small respectively.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adjective used when an object or person is larger or bigger than a standard reference
When to use
Physical size, Age expression, Quantity expression
The nuance
'크다' is used when size is relatively bigger than a standard. It applies mainly to physical size, age, quantity, etc.
An adjective used when an object or person is smaller or less than a standard reference
When to use
Physical size, Age expression, Quantity expression
The nuance
'작다' is used when something is smaller or less than a standard. It applies mainly to physical size, age, quantity, etc.
이 집은 정말 크다.
i jip-eun jeong-mal keu-da., i jip eun jeong mal keu da.
Natural and correct to say the house is physically big.
이 집은 정말 작다.
i jip-eun jeong-mal jak-da., i jip eun jeong mal jak da.
Appropriate to express the house is physically small.
그 사람은 나보다 크다.
geu sa-ram-eun na-bo-da keu-da., geu sa ram eun na bo da keu da.
Correct comparative expression for a person being taller or bigger.
그 사람은 나보다 작다.
geu sa-ram-eun na-bo-da jak-da., geu sa ram eun na bo da jak da.
Appropriate to express a person is shorter or smaller.
내 나이는 작다.
nae na-i-neun jak-da., nae na i neun jak da.
'작다' is not suitable for age; use '어리다' instead.
내 나이는 크다.
nae na-i-neun keu-da., nae na i neun keu da.
'크다' is unnatural for age; use '많다' or '어리다' instead.
사과가 크다.
sa-gwa-ga keu-da., sa gwa ga keu da.
Natural to say the apple is big physically.
사과가 작다.
sa-gwa-ga jak-da., sa gwa ga jak da.
Correct to say the apple is small physically.
Which adjective is used for bigger physical size?
What is the natural expression for younger age?
Which adjective to use for smaller quantity?
What does it mean?
