Level 2

큰소리

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '큰소리' literally means 'a loud voice' or 'loudly.' It is commonly used to describe speaking or making sounds at a high volume.

Common Contexts

  1. Describing someone speaking loudly or shouting.
  2. Referring to boasting or bragging, often with the phrase '큰소리 치다' which means 'to brag' or 'to boast.'
  3. Talking about loud laughter or other loud noises.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 큰소리 치다: to brag or boast, often used when someone is speaking confidently or arrogantly.
  • 큰소리 내다: to raise one's voice or speak loudly.
  • 큰소리로 말하다: to speak in a loud voice.

Register and Nuance

'큰소리' is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts depending on the sentence. When used in the phrase '큰소리 치다,' it often carries a slightly negative nuance implying arrogance or overconfidence.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '큰소리' with simply '소리' (sound/voice). Remember that '큰소리' specifically emphasizes loudness, so it is not interchangeable with '소리' when the volume is not a focus.

Example Sentences

그는 회의 중에 큰소리로 의견을 말했다.

Geuneun hoeui junge keunsoriro uigyeoneul malhaetda.

He expressed his opinion loudly during the meeting.

큰소리 치지 말고 조용히 해 주세요.

Keunsori chiji malgo joyonghi hae juseyo.

Please don’t brag or speak loudly; be quiet.

그는 항상 큰소리로 웃어서 사람들이 잘 알아듣는다.

Geuneun hangsang keunsoriro useoseo saramdeuri jal aradeutneunda.

He always laughs loudly, so people can hear him well.