자주 (ja-ju, jaju) · 드물게 (deu-mul-ge, deumulge)
자주 indicates frequent occurrence, while 드물게 denotes rarity; they are opposite frequency expressions.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adverb indicating that something happens frequently
When to use
daily frequency, habitual actions, repetitive events
The nuance
Use 자주 when an action or event occurs at a relatively high frequency, commonly experienced or observed in daily life.
An adverb indicating that something happens very infrequently or rarely
When to use
rare events, exceptional cases, low frequency
The nuance
Use 드물게 when something happens very rarely or almost never; suitable for uncommon or exceptional situations.
나는 드물게 카페에 간다.
na-neun deu-mul-ge ka-pe-e gan-da., na neun deu mul ge ka pe e gan da.
Saying 'I rarely go to cafes' accurately indicates a very low frequency of cafe visits.
나는 자주 병에 걸린다.
na-neun ja-ju byeong-e geol-rin-da., na neun ja ju byeong e geol rin da.
Getting sick frequently is unlikely; '자주' is inappropriate here. Use '드물게' instead.
나는 드물게 운동한다.
na-neun deu-mul-ge un-dong-han-da., na neun deu mul ge un dong han da.
'드물게' is appropriate to mean exercising infrequently.
나는 드물게 친구를 만난다.
na-neun deu-mul-ge chin-gu-reul man-nan-da., na neun deu mul ge chin gu reul man nan da.
Use '드물게' when meeting friends is not frequent.
그는 드물게 늦게 온다.
geu-neun deu-mul-ge neuj-ge on-da., geu neun deu mul ge neuj ge on da.
'드물게' fits to mean he rarely arrives late.
그는 자주 늦게 온다.
geu-neun ja-ju neuj-ge on-da., geu neun ja ju neuj ge on da.
Use '자주' when being late happens frequently.
Which sentence should use '자주'?
When is '드물게' appropriate?
Which word fits: '나는 ___ 카페에 간다.'?
What does it mean?
