씩(each, every) meaning and different usages!
Hello! Today, we’re going to learn about a Korean grammar point called “씩.”
“씩” means “each” or “per” and is used when something is done individually or divided one by one.
But 씩 is very versatile and can be confusing sometimes. Here, I’ll provide you with some useful and diverse usages of 씩!
Let’s grasp the concept of grammar
The Korean particle “씩” is used to express the idea of “each,” “every,” or “at a time.”
It is often attached to counters, quantities, or time expressions to emphasize the distribution or repetition of an action or item.
Let’s explore the various ways “씩” is used in Korean.
(1) When “씩” is used to express the idea of “each,” “every,” or “at a time.”
Examples:
한 사람씩 들어오세요.
Please come in one person at a time.
*Here, 씩 is used as a meaning of “at a time“.
30분씩 쉬어요
I take a break every 30 minutes.
* Here, we are using 씩 as a meaning of every.
만 원씩이에요. They’re 10,000 Won each.
만 원이에요. They’re 10,000 Won.
이 약은 3 개씩 먹어야 돼요.
You have to take 3 of these pills each time.
이 약은 3 개 먹어야 돼요.
You have to take 3 of these pills.
두개씩 드세요. Take 2 each time
두개 드세요. Take 2.
애들에게 사탕을 한 개씩 줘요.
I give one candy to each kid.
애들에게 사탕을 하나 줘요.
I give one candy to the kids.
* “한 개씩” can also be written as “하나씩.”
피자 세 조각씩!. Three slices of pizza each!
피자 세 조각. 3 slices of pizza.
(2) With Time Expressions: When used with time expressions, “씩” emphasizes the regularity or frequency of an action.
매달 책 한 권씩 읽어요
I read one book each month.
* Here, “매달” specifies the period of one month. Adding “한 권씩” means that the action (reading a book) occurs once per month. The particle “씩” emphasizes that this happens consistently and regularly, reinforcing the idea that one book is read each and every month without fail.
일주일에 세 번씩 운동해요
I exercise three times a week.
*Here, we are using 씩 to emphasize on three times, and it happens regularly.
하루에 두 시간씩 공부해요.
I study two hours each day.
* Adding “씩” emphasizes that the action is repeated every day.
(3) With Adverbs: “씩” can be attached to adverbs to enhance their meaning, often indicating gradual progress or occasional frequency.
조금씩 나아지고 있어요:
It’s getting better little by little.
* Here, we are using 씩 to express gradual progress.
가끔씩 친구를 만나요:
I meet my friends occasionally.
* Frankly, there’s not much difference between using 가끔 and 가끔씩. As a native Korean speaker, I feel they are nearly identical.
The same word “한번씩” can have a different meaning depends on the context, look at this:
한번씩 고향에 가요
I go to my hometown once in a while
* Here, we are using 씩 to indicate an action that occurs intermittently or occasionally. While “한번” on its own means “once,” adding “씩” emphasizes the repetition of the action over an unspecified period, suggesting that the trips to the hometown happen occasionally but regularly.
한 시간에 한 번씩 스트레칭하세요
Stretch once each hour.
*The particle “씩” emphasizes the regular repetition of the action, ensuring that stretching happens consistently once every hour. It’s because It is used with the time expression(한 시간).
Summary
To sum up, the particle “씩” in Korean emphasizes the distributive aspect, reinforcing the concept of “each” or “every” when used with counters, quantities, or adverbs. It clarifies how actions or items are distributed or repeated, highlighting regularity or specificity in sentences.
By understanding and correctly using “씩,” you can articulate the frequency, timing, and distribution of actions or items in Korean more accurately and effectively.
