Processing keyword: ~정도 [jeongdo] (About, Approximately)

Korean Grammar Point: ~정도 [jeongdo] (About, Approximately)

1. Introduction

In everyday conversations, expressing approximate amounts or degrees is essential. The Korean grammar point ~정도 [jeongdo] is used to indicate that something is "about," "approximately," or "around" a certain quantity or extent. Mastering this grammar point will help you communicate more naturally and effectively in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~정도 means "about," "approximately," or "around" and is used to express an estimated amount, number, degree, or extent.

Structure

• Noun + 정도 Attach ~정도 directly after a noun that represents a quantity or degree.

Formation Diagram

[Noun (Quantity/Extent)] + 정도

Examples:

• 세 시간 정도
  se sigan jeongdo
  → About three hours
• 오천 원 정도
  ocheon won jeongdo
  → Approximately 5,000 won
• 다섯 명 정도
  daseot myeong jeongdo
  → Around five people

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~정도 with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Structure	Usage
~정도	Noun + 정도	Expresses approximate amount/degree
~쯤	Noun + 쯤	Similar to ~정도, more colloquial
약	약 + Noun	More formal, used in writing
~가량	Noun + 가량	Similar to ~정도, slightly formal

• ~쯤 is interchangeable with ~정도 but is attached directly without a space.
  • 세 시간쯤
    → About three hours
• 약 is placed before the noun and is often used in formal contexts.
  • 약 세 시간
    → Approximately three hours
• ~가량 is slightly more formal and may appear in written or formal speech.
  • 세 시간가량
    → Around three hours

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

• 회의는 두 시간 정도 걸릴 것입니다.
  Hoeineun du sigan jeongdo geollil geosimnida.
  "The meeting will take about two hours."

Informal Context

• 집까지 걸어서 30분 정도 걸려.
  Jipkkaji georeoseo samsip bun jeongdo geollyeo.
  "It takes about 30 minutes to walk home."

Written Language

• 그 영화는 두 시간 정도입니다.
  Geu yeonghwaneun du sigan jeongdoimnida.
  "The movie is about two hours long."

Spoken Language

• 몇 명 정도 올 것 같아?
  Myeot myeong jeongdo ol geot gata?
  "About how many people do you think will come?"

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, it's common to express quantities approximately, especially in casual conversations. Using ~정도 helps convey information without being overly precise, which aligns with the communication style in Korea.

Politeness and Formality

• ~정도 itself does not change with levels of politeness.
• Adjust formality by modifying verb endings and expressions around ~정도.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 이 정도면 충분해요.
  I jeongdomyeon chungbunhaeyo.
  "This much is enough."
• 그 정도는 안 돼요.
  Geu jeongdoneun an dwaeyo.
  "That won't do to that extent."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect:
  시간쯤 걸려요. (Missing noun before 쯤)
• Correct:
  두 시간 정도 걸려요.
  Du sigan jeongdo geollyeoyo.
  "It takes about two hours."
• Mistake: Using ~정도 with verbs directly.
  • Incorrect: 먹다 정도
  • Correct: 먹는 정도
    Meongneun jeongdo
    "The extent of eating"

Learning Strategies

• Remember: 정도 means "degree" or "extent." Think of it as specifying "to the degree of."
• Practice Tip: Try replacing ~정도 with "approximately" in English sentences to see if it fits.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~정도 is used after nouns to indicate approximation.
• It means "about," "approximately," or "around."
• Similar expressions include ~쯤, 약, and ~가량.
• Be cautious not to attach ~정도 directly to verbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "about ten people" in Korean using ~정도? Answer: 열 명 정도
   Yeol myeong jeongdo
2. Which is more formal, ~정도 or 약? Answer: 약 is more formal.
3. True or False: ~정도 can be used directly after verbs. Answer: False
4. Fill in the blank:
   서울까지 두 시간 ___ 걸립니다.
   Seoulkkaji du sigan ___ geollimnida. Answer: 정도

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By understanding and practicing ~정도, you'll be able to express approximate amounts naturally in Korean conversations. Remember to pay attention to the context and formality levels when choosing between similar expressions.

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