Dictionary — Entry No. 1209
큰
keun · adjective
큰
keun
[keuhn]
adjectivebeginner
Meaning
Adjective meaning ‘big,’ ‘large,’ or ‘great.’ Fundamental descriptor for size, scope, and magnitude in Korean. Essential for everyday conversation and media.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Appears frequently in K-pop titles and K-drama dialogue. BLACKPINK uses scale and grandeur metaphorically in their choreography descriptions. Stray Kids’ lyrics often reference ‘keun dreams’ (큰 꿈) in songs like ‘God’s Menu,’ emphasizing ambition central to K-pop narratives.
Example Sentences
그 배우는 keun 역할을 했어요.
Geu bae-u-neun keun yeokhwal-eul haesseo-yo.
That actor played a big role — emphasizes importance, not just physical size
keun 소리로 말해요.
Keun sori-ro mal-hae-yo.
Speak in a big/loud voice — ‘keun’ modifies intensity
keun 변화가 왔어요.
Keun byeonhwa-ga wass-eo-yo.
A big change came — metaphorical usage common in K-dramas
⚠️ Don’t use keun when…
English ‘big’ ≠ Korean ‘keun’ — size, importance, and intensity all map to ‘keun.’ Don’t confuse with ‘keuda’ (결다, to tie/fasten). ‘Keun’ always precedes the noun (adjective position).
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — Yoon Se-ri mentions ‘keun mun-je’ (큰 문제, big problem) when discussing her fall into North Korea.
- K-Pop: Stray Kids — ‘God’s Menu’ lyrics reference keun ambitions and bold style central to the group’s identity.
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.