Level 3

소녀

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Meaning and Usage

"소녀" specifically refers to a young girl, typically a child or early teenager. It is a formal and somewhat literary term compared to the more casual "여자아이" (girl).

Common Contexts

You will often see "소녀" used in stories, news, or formal descriptions to emphasize youth and innocence. It can also appear in compound words like "소녀시대" (Girls' Generation, a famous girl group).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 소녀 시절: girlhood, youth period
  • 소녀 감성: youthful sensitivity or emotions
  • 소녀 만화: girls' comics, manga aimed at young female readers

Register and Nuance

"소녀" carries a gentle and somewhat poetic tone. It is polite and neutral, suitable for formal writing or respectful speech. Avoid using it for adult women or in casual conversation where "여자아이" or "여자" might be more natural.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "소녀" with "소년" (boy). Remember "소녀" is female, "소년" is male. Also, do not use "소녀" to refer to adult women; it implies youth.

Example Sentences

그 소녀는 학교에서 가장 똑똑하다.

Geu sonyeoneun hakgyoeseo gajang ttokttokhada.

That girl is the smartest in school.

소녀는 꽃을 들고 공원에서 놀고 있었다.

Sonyeoneun kkot-eul deulgo gongwoneseo nolgo isseotda.

The girl was playing in the park holding flowers.

그 소녀는 자신의 꿈을 이루기 위해 열심히 노력하고 있다.

Geu sonyeoneun jasin-ui kkum-eul irugi wihae yeolsimhi noryeokhago itda.

That girl is working hard to achieve her dreams.