TOPIK · Level 337
15 words
Korean word
두어
Pronunciation
Romanizationtueo
Meaning
- numeraltwo or three
Example
우리는 두어 시간이 필요하다.u ri neun tu eo si ga ni pi ryo ha da
We need two or three hours.
More examples
그 모임에는 두어 명이 참석했다.keu mo i me neun tu eo myeong i cham seo kaet tta
Two or three people attended the meeting.
Core concept
A small number around two or three when an exact count is unnecessary.
Common phrases
두어 달tu eo tal
two or three months
두어 명tu eo myeong
two or three people
두어 번tu eo peon
two or three times
Similar words
두tu: The number two used before a noun to identify its quantity exactly.
두세tuse: A casual way to allow for either two or three items, people, or events.
한두handu: About one or two of something, without stating the exact number.
서너seoneo: About three or four of something, without stating the exact number.
Definition in Korean
대략 둘에서 셋 사이의 수를 가리키는 수사로, 주로 명사 앞에서 수량이 많지 않음을 나타낸다.tae ryak tu re seo set sa i ui su reul ka ri ki neun su sa ro chu ro myeong sa a pe seo su ryang i man chi a neu meul na ta naen da
Word origin
Its historical formation is uncertain, and no supported decomposition is available, so the word is best remembered as meaning roughly two or three.
Usage tips
- It is especially useful in everyday planning when a rough amount is enough, while exact figures are better for schedules, records, and calculations.