Approximations in Korean || Using 쯤, 약, 정도, 대략

Q: Can I use 쯤 and 정도 together in one sentence?

Yes, native speakers sometimes use both for emphasis, like "한 시간쯤 정도 걸려요." However, it can sound a bit redundant, so it's better to use just one in most cases.

Q: Can I study Korean with LTL Language School?

Yes! You can study with us in Seoul , in our Hongdae location , or online if you prefer learn from home. Contact us here if you have any questions.

Home A2 Approximations in Korean with 쯤, 약, 정도, 대략

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HOW TO USE 쯤, 약, 정도 AND 대략

For learners of Korean, expressing approximations can be a crucial skill, especially when dealing with quantities, time, or general estimations.

The words 쯤 (jjeum), 약 (yak), 정도 (jeongdo), and 대략 (daeryeok) all convey similar meanings of “approximately,” “about,” or “around,” but they carry subtle nuances that differentiate their usage.

쯤: THE CASUAL APPROXIMATOR

Nuance: 쯤 (jjeum) carries a casual and slightly less precise tone. It’s often used in everyday conversations when the exact number isn’t critical. It suggests a rough estimate, implying a degree of uncertainty.
Usage: It’s typically attached as a particle directly after a noun.

^{3 si jjeum mannayo.}

3시 쯤 만나요.

_{Let’s meet around 3 o’clock.}

View More Examples:

사람이 10명 쯤 왔어요.	saram-i 10 myeong jjeum wasseoyo.	About 10 people came.
한 시간 쯤 걸릴 거예요.	han sigan jjeum geollil geoyeyo.	It will take about an hour.

약: THE MORE FORMAL APPROXIMATION

Nuance: 약 (yak) is more formal and objective than 쯤 (jjeum). It’s frequently used in situations requiring a more precise estimate, such as in statistics, reports, or formal conversations.
Usage: It’s placed before a noun.

^{yak 100 myeong-i chamseokhaesseumnida.}

약 100명이 참석했습니다.

_{Approximately 100 people attended.}

View More Examples:

약 5킬로미터 떨어져 있습니다.	yak 5 killeomiteo tteoreojyeo isseumnida.	It’s approximately 5 kilometers away.
약 30분 후에 도착할 거예요.	yak 30 bun hue dochakhal geoyeyo.	I’ll arrive in about 30 minutes.

정도: THE MEASURE OF EXTENT

Nuance: 정도 (jeongdo) can be used similarly to 쯤 (jjeum) but also emphasizes the degree or extent of something. It can express a range or level, making it versatile.
Usage: It’s attached as a particle after a noun.

^{10 myeong jeongdo wasseoyo.}

10명 정도 왔어요.

_{About 10 people came.}

View More Examples:

이 정도면 충분해요.	i jeongdomyeon chungbunhaeyo.	This level is sufficient.
3시간 정도 걸릴 것 같아요.	3 sigan jeongdo geollil geot gatayo.	It seems it will take around 3 hours.

대략 : THE GENERAL ESTIMATE

Nuance: 대략 (daeryeok) is the most general and encompassing of the four. It signifies a rough estimate or a general idea, often used when precise figures are unavailable or unnecessary. It’s similar to roughly or generally.
Usage: It can be used as an adverb, often placed at the beginning of a sentence or phrase.
Examples:

^{daeryeok 50 myeong jeongdo yesanghamnida.}

대략 50명 정도 예상합니다.

_{We expect roughly around 50 people.}

View More Examples:

대략적인 계획은 세웠어요.	daeryeokjeokin gyehoek-eun sewosseoyo.	I’ve made a rough plan.
대략 계산해 보니, 10만 원 정도 나왔어요.	daeryeok gyesanhae boni, 10 man won jeongdo nawatseoyo.	After a rough calculation, it came out to about 100,000 won.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between 쯤 and 정도?

Both are used to express approximation and are often interchangeable. However, 정도 tends to sound a bit more formal or neutral, while 쯤 can feel a bit more casual in tone.

When do I use 약 and when do I use 대략?

약 and 대략 both mean “about” or “approximately” and are placed before the number or noun.

약 is more common in spoken Korean, while 대략 is slightly more formal and often used in written or business contexts.

Can I use 쯤 and 정도 together in one sentence?

Yes, native speakers sometimes use both for emphasis, like “한 시간쯤 정도 걸려요.” However, it can sound a bit redundant, so it’s better to use just one in most cases.

Do I need to use counters with these approximation words?

Yes, when you’re referring to quantities, durations, or counts, you still need the appropriate counter even if you’re using 쯤, 정도, 약, or 대략. For example:

사과 세 개쯤, 사람 열 명 정도, 약 두 시간.

Are these approximation words used in both spoken and written Korean?

Yes! But there are slight preferences — 쯤 and 약 are common in spoken Korean, while 정도 and 대략 are more frequently seen in written or formal speech.

Can I study Korean with LTL Language School?

Yes!

You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.