크게 (keu-ge, keuge) · 조금 (jo-geum, jogeum) · 살짝 (sal-jjak, saljjak)
크게, 조금, and 살짝 all express degree but differ clearly in size and nuance.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adverb used when the amount or degree is very large or strong
When to use
Significant change, Strong emotion, Loud sound or size, Clear difference
The nuance
크게 is used when the amount or degree is noticeably large or strong. It can be positive or negative and is mainly for distinct changes or differences.
An adverb used when the amount or degree is small or slight
When to use
Small amount, Slight change, Polite request, Neutral degree
The nuance
조금 is used when the amount or degree is very small or slight. It is the most common and neutral degree expression in daily conversation.
An adverb used when the amount or degree is very small and subtle
When to use
Subtle change, Small gentle action, Cautious expression, Hardly noticeable degree
The nuance
살짝 expresses a very small and subtle degree. It is mainly used for small changes or actions that are not easily noticeable.
그는 크게 웃었다.
geu-neun keu-ge us-eoss-da., geu neun keu ge us eoss da.
크게 means a loud or strong laugh, so it fits well to express strong laughter or loud sound.
그는 조금 웃었다.
geu-neun jo-geum us-eoss-da., geu neun jo geum us eoss da.
조금 means a slight laugh, natural for a weak or slight laugh.
그는 살짝 웃었다.
geu-neun sal-jjak us-eoss-da., geu neun sal jjak us eoss da.
살짝 means a very slight laugh, suitable for subtle and gentle laughter.
그는 크게 살짝 웃었다.
geu-neun keu-ge sal-jjak us-eoss-da., geu neun keu ge sal jjak us eoss da.
크게 and 살짝 have opposite degrees, so using them together causes contradiction.
문이 조금 열렸다.
mun-i jo-geum yeol-ryeoss-da., mun i jo geum yeol ryeoss da.
조금 indicates the door is slightly open, an appropriate degree expression.
문이 살짝 열렸다.
mun-i sal-jjak yeol-ryeoss-da., mun i sal jjak yeol ryeoss da.
살짝 expresses a very slight opening, suitable for subtle state.
문이 크게 열렸다.
mun-i keu-ge yeol-ryeoss-da., mun i keu ge yeol ryeoss da.
크게 means the door is opened wide, showing a noticeable difference.
나는 크게 조금 먹었다.
na-neun keu-ge jo-geum meok-eoss-da., na neun keu ge jo geum meok eoss da.
크게 and 조금 differ too much in degree to be used together; only ‘조금 먹었다’ is correct.
Which situation fits using ‘살짝’?
Which sentence does NOT suit ‘크게’?
When can’t you use ‘조금’?
What does it mean?
