크다 (keu-da, keuda)
'크다' (keuda) means to be big or large in size or amount. It's commonly used in everyday and business Korean.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
'크다' is an adjective meaning to be big, large, or great in size, amount, or degree.
Nuances
When to use
Everyday conversation, Business meeting, Product description
In context
'크다' is used as an adjective to describe nouns or as a predicate. Before a noun, it changes to '큰'. It is natural in both formal and informal contexts.
이 집은 정말 크다.
i jip-eun jeong-mal keu-da., i jip eun jeong mal keu da.
A natural sentence describing the size of 'this house'.
큰 강아지가 공원에 있어요.
keun gang-a-ji-ga gong-won-e iss-eo-yo., keun gang a ji ga gong won e iss eo yo.
Correct use of '크다' as '큰' before the noun 'dog'.
사과가 크다 맛있다.
sa-gwa-ga keu-da mas-iss-da., sa gwa ga keu da mas iss da.
Missing a connector between predicates; '크다 맛있다' is ungrammatical.
그 회사는 큰 성공을 거두었다.
geu hoe-sa-neun keun seong-gong-eul geo-du-eoss-da., geu hoe sa neun keun seong gong eul geo du eoss da.
'큰' naturally modifies the abstract noun 'success'.
나는 키가 크다.
na-neun ki-ga keu-da., na neun ki ga keu da.
A very common sentence expressing physical height.
크다 나무 아래에서 쉬었어요.
keu-da na-mu a-rae-e-seo swi-eoss-eo-yo., keu da na mu a rae e seo swi eoss eo yo.
'크다' must change to '큰' before a noun; this sentence is incorrect.
Which sentence uses '크다' correctly?
When does '크다' change to '큰'?
Which is NOT a metaphorical meaning of '크다'?
