높다 (nop-da, nopda) · 낮다 (naj-da, najda)
'높다' and '낮다' are fundamental adjectives expressing height or level, clearly distinguishing between 'being positioned high' and 'being positioned low.'
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates that a position or degree is high or elevated
When to use
Building height, Mountain height, Score level, High temperature
The nuance
Used when something is positioned above a reference point. Expresses high or large degree such as buildings, mountains, scores, temperature.
Indicates that a position or degree is low or beneath
When to use
Building height, Mountain height, Score level, Low temperature
The nuance
Used when something is positioned below a reference point. Expresses low or small degree such as buildings, mountains, scores, temperature.
이 건물은 너무 높아서 꼭대기까지 올라가기 힘들다.
i geon-mul-eun neo-mu nop-a-seo kkok-dae-gi-kka-ji ol-ra-ga-gi him-deul-da., i geon mul eun neo mu nop a seo kkok dae gi kka ji ol ra ga gi him deul da.
Describes the building's upper position, so '높다' is correct.
이 산은 낮아서 등산이 쉽다.
i san-eun naj-a-seo deung-san-i swip-da., i san eun naj a seo deung san i swip da.
Means the mountain's height is low, so '낮다' is appropriate.
내 점수가 시험에서 너무 낮아서 걱정이다.
nae jeom-su-ga si-heom-e-seo neo-mu naj-a-seo geok-jeong-i-da., nae jeom su ga si heom e seo neo mu naj a seo geok jeong i da.
Indicates the score is below standard, so '낮다' is correct.
오늘 기온이 높아서 반팔을 입었다.
o-neul gi-on-i nop-a-seo ban-pal-eul ip-eoss-da., o neul gi on i nop a seo ban pal eul ip eoss da.
Means the temperature is high, so '높다' is correct.
그 산은 너무 높아서 쉽게 올라갈 수 있다.
geu san-eun neo-mu nop-a-seo swip-ge ol-ra-gal su iss-da., geu san eun neo mu nop a seo swip ge ol ra gal su iss da.
'높다' implies difficulty climbing, so '높아서 쉽게' is contradictory.
내 점수가 시험에서 너무 높아서 걱정이다.
nae jeom-su-ga si-heom-e-seo neo-mu nop-a-seo geok-jeong-i-da., nae jeom su ga si heom e seo neo mu nop a seo geok jeong i da.
High scores usually aren't worrisome, so context is inappropriate.
오늘 기온이 낮아서 반팔을 입었다.
o-neul gi-on-i naj-a-seo ban-pal-eul ip-eoss-da., o neul gi on i naj a seo ban pal eul ip eoss da.
Low temperature usually calls for warmer clothes, so this is unnatural.
이 건물은 너무 낮아서 꼭대기까지 올라가기 힘들다.
i geon-mul-eun neo-mu naj-a-seo kkok-dae-gi-kka-ji ol-ra-ga-gi him-deul-da., i geon mul eun neo mu naj a seo kkok dae gi kka ji ol ra ga gi him deul da.
If the building is low, climbing difficulty is illogical.
Which word is appropriate when a mountain is low?
Which word fits when a score is above standard?
Which word suits expressing cold weather with low temperature?
