Usage of -쯤
The suffix '-쯤' is used to indicate an approximate amount, time, or quantity. It attaches directly to nouns, especially those denoting time, quantity, or order, to express 'about' or 'around'.
Common contexts
You will often see '-쯤' used with time expressions (e.g., 한 시간쯤, 저녁 7시쯤), quantities (e.g., 300쪽쯤), or numbers to soften exactness and sound more natural.
Politeness and register
'-쯤' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It helps speakers avoid sounding too precise when an estimate is sufficient.
Common collocations
- 시간쯤: about time
- 몇 시쯤: around what time
- 한두 개쯤: about one or two items
Learner tip
Do not confuse '-쯤' with '-쯤에'. While both indicate approximation, '-쯤에' specifically emphasizes the time point (e.g., 저녁 7시쯤에 만나요), whereas '-쯤' alone can modify nouns more generally. Also, avoid using '-쯤' with verbs directly; it only attaches to nouns.