Level 3

적당히

jeokdanghi

Suitable,proper

TOPIK 3

Meaning and Usage

The adverb '적당히' means 'moderately' or 'appropriately' and is used to describe doing something to a suitable or reasonable degree. It often implies balance, avoiding extremes such as too much or too little.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear '적당히' in contexts related to eating, exercising, working, or any activity where moderation is important for health or effectiveness.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 적당히 먹다: to eat moderately, not too much or too little.
  • 적당히 쉬다: to rest appropriately, not overdoing or neglecting rest.
  • 적당히 하다: to do something to a suitable extent.

Register and Politeness

'적당히' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is common in everyday conversation and written language.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '적당히' with '적절히' which also means 'appropriately' but is more formal and often used in official or academic contexts. '적당히' is more about moderation and balance in daily life activities.

Example Sentences

음식을 너무 많이 먹지 말고 적당히 먹어야 해요.

Eumsigeul neomu mani meokji malgo jeokdanghi meogeoya haeyo.

You shouldn't eat too much food; you should eat moderately.

운동은 건강을 위해 적당히 하는 것이 좋아요.

Undongeun geongangeul wihae jeokdanghi haneun geosi joayo.

It is good to exercise moderately for your health.

적당히 쉬면서 일을 해야 오래 할 수 있어요.

Jeokdanghi swimyeonseo ireul haeya orae hal su isseoyo.

You need to rest moderately while working to be able to work for a long time.