Level 2

좁다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The adjective '좁다' primarily describes physical narrowness or limited space. It is commonly used to talk about places like rooms, streets, or objects that have a small width or limited area.

Figurative Use

Beyond physical space, '좁다' can describe abstract concepts such as a narrow mind or limited perspective. This figurative use often appears in social contexts to criticize someone’s intolerance or lack of openness.

Common Collocations

  • 좁은 길 (narrow road): used when describing streets or paths that are physically narrow.
  • 마음이 좁다 (narrow-minded): a common expression to describe someone who is not open-minded.
  • 공간이 좁다 (space is narrow): used when talking about limited room or area.

Register and Politeness

'좁다' is a neutral adjective and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When combined with polite endings, it fits well in everyday conversation.

Learner Tips

A common confusion is mixing '좁다' with '작다' (small). Remember, '좁다' focuses on width or space being narrow, while '작다' refers to overall size being small. For example, a room can be '좁다' if it is narrow but not necessarily '작다' if it is long.

Example Sentences

이 골목은 너무 좁아서 차가 지나가기 힘들어요.

I golmok-eun neomu jopaseo cha-ga jinagagi himdeureoyo.

This alley is too narrow for cars to pass through easily.

그 방은 너무 좁아서 책상을 놓을 자리가 없어요.

Geu bang-eun neomu jopaseo chaeksang-eul noheul jariga eopseoyo.

That room is too narrow to place a desk.

마음이 좁으면 친구들과 사이가 멀어질 수 있어요.

Maeum-i jop-eumyeon chingudeul-gwa sai-ga meoreojil su isseoyo.

If you have a narrow mind, you can grow distant from your friends.