What does 느리다 mean?

느리다 (neu-ri-da, neurida)

The Korean adjective '느리다' describes slowness in speed or progress. It’s common in daily conversation and formal contexts.

Illustration showing slow movement for 느리다

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

느리다(neu-ri-da, neurida)

'느리다' means to be slow in movement, change, or reaction; to proceed slowly.

Nuances

  • Used not only for slow speed but also slow reactions or understanding
  • Can have negative nuance depending on context
  • '느리다' is relative, meaning clearer when compared to something faster

When to use

traffic, learning, work speed

In context

'느리다' is an adjective describing the subject’s state. It can also become an adverb by adding '-게' after the verb. Example: 그는 걷는 속도가 느리다. / 그는 느리게 걷는다. (He walks slowly.)

Real-world examples

  • 그 자동차는 너무 느리다.

    geu ja-dong-cha-neun neo-mu neu-ri-da., geu ja dong cha neun neo mu neu ri da.

    Clearly states the subject (car) is slow.

  • 그는 일을 느리게 한다.

    geu-neun il-eul neu-ri-ge han-da., geu neun il eul neu ri ge han da.

    Correct use of adverb form '느리게' with verb '하다'.

  • 나는 느리다 달린다.

    na-neun neu-ri-da dal-rin-da., na neun neu ri da dal rin da.

    Adjective '느리다' cannot directly modify verb; adverb form needed.

  • 그 학생은 이해가 느리다.

    geu hak-saeng-eun i-hae-ga neu-ri-da., geu hak saeng eun i hae ga neu ri da.

    'Understanding is slow' naturally expresses slow reaction.

  • 느리게 그는 걷는다.

    neu-ri-ge geu-neun geot-neun-da., neu ri ge geu neun geot neun da.

    Adverb '느리게' should be placed directly before the verb.

Quick quiz

  1. Which sentence correctly uses '느리다'?

    다음 중 '느리다'를 올바르게 사용한 문장은?(da-eumjung'neu-ri-da'reulol-ba-reu-gesa-yong-hanmun-jang-eun?, daeumjung'neurida'reulolbareugesayonghanmunjangeun?)
  2. What is the most appropriate meaning of '느리다'?

    '느리다'의 뜻으로 가장 적절한 것은?('neu-ri-da'uitteus-eu-roga-jangjeok-jeol-hangeos-eun?, 'neurida'uitteuseurogajangjeokjeolhangeoseun?)

More meaning guides

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