비싸다 (bi-ssa-da, bissada) · 싸다 (ssa-da, ssada)
비싸다 and 싸다 both describe price levels, but must be used precisely depending on context and nuance.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates a high price or something costly.
When to use
Describing premium goods, Expressing price complaints, Mentioning service costs
The nuance
Used when the price of an item or service is generally or comparatively high; can be used positively or negatively.
Indicates a low price or something inexpensive.
When to use
Introducing discounted items, Recommending affordable prices, Purchasing within budget
The nuance
Used when the price of an item or service is generally or comparatively low; usually has a positive connotation.
이 가방은 너무 비싸요.
i ga-bang-eun neo-mu bi-ssa-yo., i ga bang eun neo mu bi ssa yo.
Correct use of 비싸다 to indicate a high price.
이 가방은 너무 싸요.
i ga-bang-eun neo-mu ssa-yo., i ga bang eun neo mu ssa yo.
Using 싸다 here contradicts the intended meaning of expensive.
이 옷은 싸서 많이 샀어요.
i os-eun ssa-seo man-i sass-eo-yo., i os eun ssa seo man i sass eo yo.
Correct use of 싸다 to express low price.
이 옷은 비싸서 많이 샀어요.
i os-eun bi-ssa-seo man-i sass-eo-yo., i os eun bi ssa seo man i sass eo yo.
Implies buying many expensive clothes, which is unlikely and unnatural.
서비스가 비싸지만 품질이 좋아요.
seo-bi-seu-ga bi-ssa-ji-man pum-jil-i joh-a-yo., seo bi seu ga bi ssa ji man pum jil i joh a yo.
Appropriate use of 비싸다 to describe costly service.
서비스가 싸지만 품질이 좋아요.
seo-bi-seu-ga ssa-ji-man pum-jil-i joh-a-yo., seo bi seu ga ssa ji man pum jil i joh a yo.
싸다 implies cheap service, which contradicts the context of good quality.
할인해서 가격이 싸졌어요.
hal-in-hae-seo ga-gyeok-i ssa-jyeoss-eo-yo., hal in hae seo ga gyeok i ssa jyeoss eo yo.
Correct use of 싸다 to indicate price reduction.
할인해서 가격이 비싸졌어요.
hal-in-hae-seo ga-gyeok-i bi-ssa-jyeoss-eo-yo., hal in hae seo ga gyeok i bi ssa jyeoss eo yo.
Illogical to say price increased after discount.
Which word to use when the price is high?
Appropriate expression for low price?
Correct sentence when service is good but costly?
Correct expression for price lowered after discount?
What does it mean?
