Usage of '-짜리'
The suffix '-짜리' is attached to nouns, usually numbers or quantities, to indicate the value, worth, size, or duration of something. It often translates as "worth," "valued at," or "of the size/length of."
Common contexts
- Price or cost: 5만 원짜리 (worth 50,000 won)
- Duration or length: 10년짜리 (10 years long)
- Quantity or points: 3점짜리 (worth 3 points)
Register and nuance
'-짜리' is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Korean. It is often used to specify the value or extent of an object or concept clearly.
Common collocations
- 숫자 + 짜리: to express value or quantity (e.g., 1시간짜리 영화 - a one-hour movie)
- 기간 + 짜리: to express duration (e.g., 2주짜리 계약 - a two-week contract)
- 점수 + 짜리: to express points or scores (e.g., 5점짜리 문제 - a 5-point question)
Learner tip
Do not confuse '-짜리' with '-거리' which can also appear after numbers but means "distance" or "things to do." '-짜리' specifically relates to value, size, or duration. Also, '-짜리' is not used with verbs but only with nouns or numbers.