한쪽

hanjjok

On one side

TOPIK 3

Meaning and Usage

The word '한쪽' literally means 'one side' or 'one part' and is commonly used to refer to one side of an object, body part, or space. It often emphasizes a single side distinct from the other side(s).

Common Contexts

You will frequently see '한쪽' used with body parts (like ears, eyes, hands), spatial references (like sides of a desk or room), or metaphorical uses (one side of an argument).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 한쪽 귀 (one ear): used when talking about hearing or ear-related conditions.
  • 한쪽 눈 (one eye): often used in expressions about vision or facial expressions.
  • 한쪽 손 (one hand): referring to actions done with one hand.
  • 한쪽에 놓다 (to place on one side): spatial placement.

Register and Nuance

'한쪽' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a concrete noun and does not carry honorifics.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '한쪽' with '한편' which can also mean 'one side' but is more abstract or used in narrative contexts. Remember, '한쪽' is more physical or spatial, while '한편' is often temporal or contrasting in discourse.

Example Sentences

책상 한쪽에 꽃병이 놓여 있다.

Chaeksang hanjjoge kkotbyeongi nohyeo itda.

There is a vase placed on one side of the desk.

그는 한쪽 귀가 잘 들리지 않는다.

Geuneun hanjjok gwiga jal deulliji anhneunda.

He has poor hearing in one ear.

한쪽 눈을 감고 사진을 찍었다.

Hanjjok nuneul gamgo sajineul jjigeotda.

I took a photo closing one eye.