작다
jakda
to be small (physical size)
적다
jeokda
to be few / little (quantity)
작다 vs 적다: Small Size vs Small Quantity in Korean
작다 describes something as physically small in size or dimension, while 적다 describes a small number or amount of something and is the opposite of 많다.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 작다 (jakda) | 적다 (jeokda) | |
|---|---|---|
| What It Describes | Physical smallness — size, shape, dimensions | Small quantity or number of something |
| Opposite | 크다 (keuda — to be big) | 많다 (manhada — to be many/much) |
| Adverbial Form | 작게 (jakge — in a small way, small-ly) | 적게 (jeokge — in small amounts, little) |
| Example Usage | 신발이 작아요 (the shoes are small) | 시간이 적어요 (there is little time) |
| Common Confusion | Often confused with 적다 — both suggest 'not much/big' | Often confused with 작다 — both feel like 'not enough' |
Examples in Context
Saying shoes do not fit because they are too small — using 작다
이 신발은 저한테 작아요.
These shoes are too small for me.
Describing a tiny studio apartment — using 작다
제 방이 너무 작아요.
My room is very small.
Saying there are few students in class — using 적다
오늘 수업에 학생이 적었어요.
There were few students in class today.
Noting there is not much time left — using 적다
남은 시간이 너무 적어요.
There is very little time left.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Saying 학생이 작아요 to mean 'there are few students' — 작다 describes physical size. Use 적다 for quantities.
- ✗Saying 방이 적어요 to mean 'the room is small' — 적다 refers to amount, not size. Use 작다 for physical dimensions.
- ✗Confusing the adverbs: 작게 means 'in a small scale/way' (speak quietly → 작게 말해요) while 적게 means 'in a small amount' (eat less → 적게 먹어요).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'a small salary' in Korean?
Use 적다: 월급이 적어요 (the salary is small/little). Salary refers to an amount, so 적다 is correct. Saying 월급이 작아요 would imply the bill physically fits in a small space.
Can 적다 modify a noun directly?
Yes — as an attributive modifier it becomes 적은 (jeokeon): 적은 양 (a small amount), 적은 수 (a small number). 작다 becomes 작은 (jakeun): 작은 방 (a small room).
Master Korean with AI Practice
Practice using 작다 and 적다 in real conversations with AI.
