Korean word

소수

Pronunciation

Romanizationsosu

Meaning

  • nouna small number

Example

그 사실은 소수의 사람들만 알고 있다.keu sa si reun so su ui sa ram deul man al go it tta

Only a small number of people know that fact.

Illustration for 소수 (a small number)

More examples

그 모임은 소수에 불과했다.keu mo i meun so su e pul gwa haet tta

The gathering consisted of only a small number of people.

Core concept

A limited number of people or views standing opposite the larger part of a group.

Common phrases

  • 소수에 불과하다so su e pul gwa ha da

    be only a small number

  • 소수 집단so su chip ttan

    minority group

Similar words

다수tasu: The larger part of a group, containing most of its people or things.
소수 의견sosu uigyeon: A view or position supported by only a few people in a group.
소수자sosuja: People who form a numerically smaller community within a population or society.

Definition in Korean

사회적 맥락에서 다수에 대비되는 적은 수의 집단이나 의견을 가리키는 말.sa hoe jeok maeng na ge seo ta su e tae bi doe neun cheo geun su ui chip tta ni na ui gyeo neul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The word is formed from Sino-Korean elements for few and number, making its basic image a group that does not make up the larger share.

Usage tips

  • In news and discussion, a small group or opinion can still be important, so limited numbers do not automatically mean limited value.

Other meanings

  • minoritynoun
  • very fewnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 소수자sosujaminoritynoun
  • 소수민족sosuminjokethnic minoritynoun

Word lists with this word