Korean Conversation · Level 49
15 words
Korean word
적다
Pronunciation
Romanizationcheoktta
Meaning
- adjectivefew
Example
사람이 적다.sa ra mi cheok tta
There are few people.
More examples
요즘은 일손이 적다.yo jeu meun il so ni cheok tta
These days, there are few workers.
Core concept
There is not much of something compared with what would normally be expected.
Common phrases
일손이 적다il so ni cheok tta
few workers
정보가 적다cheong bo ga cheok tta
little information
Similar words
부족하다pujokada: A quantity or ability does not reach the level required by a standard or goal.
모자라다mojarada: A shortage leaves too little money, time, or material for a particular purpose.
드물다teumulda: A chance or event is rarely seen or experienced.
Definition in Korean
양이나 수가 전체에 비해 적어 부족하거나 드문 상태를 이르는 형용사로, 사람·물건·횟수 따위의 수량이 얼마 없음을 나타낸다.yang i na su ga cheon che e pi hae cheo geo pu jo ka geo na teu mun sang tae reul i reu neun hyeong yong sa ro sa ram mul geon hoet ssu tta wi ui su ryang i eol ma eop sseu meul na ta naen da
Word origin
Its precise origin is uncertain, but the native adjective has been used for a small number or amount since early Korean, separately from the writing verb.
Usage tips
- English changes the word after it, as in not many books and not much water, while Korean uses this adjective in both situations.