In Korean, N + 적 is a common grammatical structure used primarily with nouns of Chinese origin, known as Sino-Korean nouns. This structure is akin to adding '-al', '-ive', or '-ic' to English words, thereby transforming nouns into adjectives.
Noun (Sino-Korean) | Transformed Adjective |
---|---|
낙관 (optimism) | 낙관적 (optimistic) |
사교 (society) | 사교적 (sociable) |
역사 (history) | 역사적 (historical) |
정기 (an interval) | 정기적 (regular) |
감동 (impression, emotion) | 감동적 (emotional) |
개인 (an individual) | 개인적 (personal) |
The 'N + 적' structure is a fundamental and versatile element in Korean grammar. By mastering its usage, learners can expand their vocabulary and enhance their descriptive capabilities in the language, making their conversations richer and more nuanced.