Level 3

소년

sonyeon

A boy

TOPIK 3

Meaning and Usage

"소년" specifically refers to a male child or young boy, typically in the age range from early childhood to adolescence. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and writing.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "소년" in contexts related to school, sports, hobbies, or family. It emphasizes the youth and gender of the child.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 소년들 (boys, plural) – used when talking about multiple boys.
  • 소년 시절 (boyhood) – refers to the period of being a boy.
  • 소년 경찰 (juvenile police) – a term used for police units dealing with youth.

Register and Politeness

"소년" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is more literary or formal than "남자아이" (boy child) but common in news, literature, and education.

Common Confusion

Learners sometimes confuse "소년" with "남자아이" or "소년기". "소년" is a noun meaning "boy," while "소년기" refers to the period of boyhood or adolescence. Use "소년" when referring to the person, and "소년기" when talking about the stage of life.

Example Sentences

그 소년은 학교에서 축구를 아주 잘해요.

Geu sonyeon-eun hakgyoeseo chukgureul aju jalhaeyo.

That boy is very good at soccer at school.

소년들은 공원에서 친구들과 놀고 있어요.

Sonyeondeul-eun gongwoneseo chingudeulgwa nolgo isseoyo.

The boys are playing with their friends in the park.

그 소년은 어려서부터 음악에 관심이 많았어요.

Geu sonyeon-eun eoryeoseobuteo eumak-e gwansimi manasseoyo.

That boy has been interested in music since he was young.