Meaning and Usage
The adjective '얇다' describes something that is thin in thickness or depth. It is commonly used for physical objects like paper, clothes, or books. When you say something is '얇다,' you imply it has less thickness compared to usual or expected.
Common Contexts
- Describing materials: paper, fabric, or layers.
- Talking about clothing, especially when it is not suitable for the weather.
- Referring to objects like books or slices of food that are thin.
Collocations and Patterns
- 얇은 종이 (thin paper): used when emphasizing fragility or lightness.
- 얇은 옷 (thin clothes): often used to express insufficient warmth.
- 얇은 책 (thin book): can imply a small volume but not necessarily less valuable.
Usage Notes
'얇다' is an adjective and is often used with the descriptive particle '은/는' or '은/는' to modify nouns. It contrasts with '두껍다' (to be thick). Learners sometimes confuse '얇다' with '가늘다' (to be slender or fine), but '얇다' focuses on thickness rather than width or diameter.
Politeness and Register
'얇다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change in formality. It is a basic descriptive adjective suitable for everyday conversation.