Processing keyword: ~키가 크다/작다 [kiga keuda/jakda] (To be tall/short)

Korean Grammar Point: ~키가 크다/작다 [kiga keuda/jakda] (To be tall/short)

1. Introduction

In Korean, describing someone's height is commonly expressed using the phrases "키가 크다" and "키가 작다", which translate to "to be tall" and "to be short," respectively. Understanding how to use these expressions is essential for daily conversations when talking about physical characteristics.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• 키: Height
• -가: Subject marker (used after a noun ending with a vowel)
• 크다: To be big
• 작다: To be small The phrases "키가 크다" and "키가 작다" literally mean "height is big" and "height is small," but are understood as "to be tall" and "to be short."

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Subject] + 키가 + 크다/작다

• Subject: The person whose height is being described.
• 키가: Height + subject marker.
• 크다/작다: Predicate meaning "to be big/small."

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

• 키가 크다/작다 vs. 키가 높다/낮다:
  • While 크다 and 작다 are used for height (tall/short), 높다 and 낮다 mean "high" and "low" and are not used to describe a person's height.
• 키가 크다 vs. 덩치가 크다:
  • 덩치가 크다 means "to have a big build" and refers to body size, not just height.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 그분은 키가 큽니다.
   • Geubuneun kiga keumnida.
   • "He/She is tall."
2. 제 동생은 키가 작습니다.
   • Je dongsaengeun kiga jakseumnida.
   • "My younger sibling is short."

Informal Speech

1. 너 키가 크다!
   • Neo kiga keuda!
   • "You're tall!"
2. 민수는 키가 작아.
   • Minsuneun kiga jak-a.
   • "Minsu is short."

Written Context

• 그녀는 모델처럼 키가 크다.
  • Geunyeoneun modelcheoreom kiga keuda.
  • "She is tall like a model."

Spoken Conversation

• A: 키가 몇이에요?
  • Kiga myeotieyo?
  • "How tall are you?"
• B: 저는 키가 180cm예요.
  • Jeoneun kiga baek palsip sentimtieyo.
  • "I'm 180cm tall."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, height is often a topic of conversation, especially in contexts like schools, workplaces, and when meeting new people. Describing someone's height using 키가 크다 or 키가 작다 is common and socially acceptable.

Levels of Politeness

• The verb endings change based on the level of politeness:
  • -습니다 (formal polite)
  • -아요/어요 (informal polite)
  • -아/어 (casual)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 키다리: A colloquial term meaning "tall person."
  • 예: 키다리 아저씨
    • "Tall uncle" or "someone who supports from afar."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using 높다 instead of 크다:
   • Incorrect: 그는 키가 높아요.
   • Correct: 그는 키가 커요.
   • 높다 is not used for height in people.
2. Omitting the subject marker 가:
   • Incorrect: 키 큰 사람
   • Correct: 키가 큰 사람
   • The subject marker connects the noun to the adjective.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for 크다: Think of "크다" sounding like "Korea's tall mountains."
• Practice with Opposites: Pair 크다 (big) with 작다 (small) to remember they are antonyms.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 키가 크다 means "to be tall."
• 키가 작다 means "to be short."
• Use the structure [Subject] + 키가 + 크다/작다.
• Remember to use the correct subject marker -가.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "She is short" in Korean using formal polite speech?
2. What is the mistake in the sentence: 저는 키가 높아요.
3. Translate to Korean: "They are tall."

Answers

1. 그녀는 키가 작습니다.
2. 높아요 should be 커요 because 높다 is not used for a person's height.
3. 그들은 키가 커요.

End of Lesson

Feel free to revisit any section if you need more clarification!