Meaning and Usage
"조금" means "a little" or "a bit" and is used to indicate a small quantity or degree. It is very common in everyday Korean and can modify nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
Common Collocations
- 조금만 (just a little): used to politely ask for a small amount or short time.
- 조금 더 (a little more): used when requesting or indicating an additional small amount.
- 조금씩 (little by little): used to express gradual or incremental changes.
Usage Notes
"조금" is often used in polite requests or suggestions to soften the tone. It can be combined with verbs like 기다리다 (to wait), 넣다 (to put), or 공부하다 (to study) to express small amounts or durations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "조금" with "좀" which is a shortened, more casual form. "조금" is slightly more formal and clear, while "좀" is often used in spoken, casual contexts. Use "조금" in writing or polite speech for clarity.