길다 (gil-da, gilda) · 짧다 (jjap-da, jjapda)
길다 indicates something is physically long or lasts a long time, while 짧다 means the opposite, being physically short or brief in duration.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates that something is physically long or lasts for a long time.
When to use
Physical length, Time duration, Hair length
The nuance
Use 길다 when length or duration exceeds a certain standard. Commonly used for length, time, distance, hair length, etc.
Indicates that something is physically short or lasts for a short time.
When to use
Physical length, Time duration, Hair length
The nuance
Use 짧다 when length or duration is shorter than a certain standard. Commonly used for length, time, distance, hair length, etc.
이 다리는 너무 길다.
i da-ri-neun neo-mu gil-da., i da ri neun neo mu gil da.
Refers to the physical length of the bridge being long, so 길다 is correct.
이 다리는 너무 짧다.
i da-ri-neun neo-mu jjap-da., i da ri neun neo mu jjap da.
Refers to the physical length of the bridge being short, so 짧다 is correct.
회의 시간이 너무 길다.
hoe-ui si-gan-i neo-mu gil-da., hoe ui si gan i neo mu gil da.
Indicates that the meeting lasts long, so 길다 is correct.
회의 시간이 너무 짧다.
hoe-ui si-gan-i neo-mu jjap-da., hoe ui si gan i neo mu jjap da.
Indicates that the meeting lasts a short time, so 짧다 is correct.
그 사람의 머리카락이 길다.
geu sa-ram-ui meo-ri-ka-rak-i gil-da., geu sa ram ui meo ri ka rak i gil da.
Means the person's hair is long, so 길다 is appropriate.
그 사람의 머리카락이 짧다.
geu sa-ram-ui meo-ri-ka-rak-i jjap-da., geu sa ram ui meo ri ka rak i jjap da.
Means the person's hair is short, so 짧다 is appropriate.
이 책은 너무 길다.
i chaek-eun neo-mu gil-da., i chaek eun neo mu gil da.
Indicates the book is long in length or content, so 길다 is correct.
이 책은 너무 짧다.
i chaek-eun neo-mu jjap-da., i chaek eun neo mu jjap da.
Indicates the book is short in length or content, so 짧다 is correct.
Which sentence should use '길다'?
Which sentence correctly uses '짧다'?
Which word do you use when a book has a lot of content?
