TOPIK · Level 145
15 words
Korean word
어린아이
Pronunciation
Romanizationeorinai
Meaning
- nounyoung child
Example
길에서 울고 있는 어린아이를 도와줬어요.ki re seo ul go in neun eo ri na i reul to wa jwo sseo yo
I helped a young child who was crying in the street.
More examples
주말마다 어린아이를 돌봐요.chu mal ma da eo ri na i reul tol bwa yo
I look after a young child every weekend.
Core concept
A small child at the beginning of life, pictured as needing an adult's help and protection.
Common phrases
어린아이를 돌보다eo ri na i reul tol bo da
look after a young child
어린아이가 울다eo ri na i ga ul da
crying young child
Similar words
아이ai: A child mentioned with warmth in ordinary family speech.
어린이eorini: A child described in the formal language used by schools and public services.
아기agi: A very young child who depends on adults for regular care.
꼬마kkoma: A small child addressed in an affectionate, familiar way.
Definition in Korean
어린아이는 성장 초기로 보살핌과 보호를 많이 필요로 하는 나이가 적은 사람을 뜻하는 말.eo ri na i neun seong jang cho gi ro po sal pim gwa po ho reul ma ni pi ryo ro ha neun na i ga cheo geun sa ra meul tteu ta neun mal
Word origin
The word is formed from the idea of being young and the Korean noun for child, making its age focus clear.
Usage tips
- English often uses child for a wide age range, so this word helps learners show that the person is at the young end of childhood.