Korean Dictionary
How to say "Small" in Korean
“Small” in Korean is 작은 (pronounced "Jageun").
작은
Jageun
Usage & Context
Jageun is the Korean word for small. Small sizes are used in Korean design to create delicacy and detail. They represent subtlety and refinement.
Example Sentence
작은 장식이 예뻐요.
The small decoration is pretty.
How to use 작은 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Small” is 작은, romanized as Jageun.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 작은.
Pronunciation Guide
'작은' (Jageun) sounds like 'jah-goon'. The 'ja' is like the 'ja' in 'jar'. The 'geun' part is pronounced like 'goon', but with a softer 'g' sound and the 'eu' vowel (similar to the 'u' in 'but' or 'cup').
More Example Sentences
Wondering if items will fit into a small container.
작은 가방에 다 들어갈까?
Will it all fit in the small bag?
Reflecting on a minor error with significant learning.
작은 실수였지만 큰 교훈을 얻었어요.
It was a small mistake, but I learned a big lesson.
Suggesting a visit to a cozy, small cafe.
작은 카페에서 커피 한 잔 할까요?
Shall we have a cup of coffee at a small cafe?
Cultural Context
Similar to '큰', '작은' (jageun) extends beyond physical size to describe modesty, insignificance, or even cuteness. A '작은 선물' (jageun seonmul) is a small gift, often given with sincerity rather than extravagance. In K-pop, fans might describe an idol's '작은 얼굴' (jageun eolgul - small face) as a desirable beauty standard, implying a delicate and youthful appearance.
Editorial note
We review entries like 작은 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
작은 소리
a small sound, whisper
작은 일에도 감사하다
to be grateful for small things
작은 방
small room
Related Expressions
작다
jakda
to be small (base form)
소형
sohyeong
small-sized (often for products/vehicles)
큰
keun
large
조그마한
jogeumahan
tiny, minuscule
More Colors and Shapes Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Small and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
