N+짜리

Overview

The expression N+짜리 is a dependent noun (의존 명사) used to specify the value, price, or capacity of an item. It attaches to a preceding noun, which is typically a number or an amount, to describe what kind of item it is in terms of its worth or size.

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Usage

N+짜리 is primarily used in three main contexts:

1. Monetary Value/Price: To indicate the denomination of a coin or bill, or the price of an item.

   • 예: 만 원짜리 지폐 (a 10,000 won bill)
   • 예: 오백 원짜리 동전 (a 500 won coin)
   • 예: 이천 원짜리 커피 (a 2,000 won coffee)

2. Capacity/Volume/Size: To describe the size or capacity of a container or item.

   • 예: 500ml짜리 물병 (a 500ml water bottle)
   • 예: 세 칸짜리 옷장 (a three-compartment wardrobe)
   • 예: 큰 사이즈짜리 피자 (a large-sized pizza)

3. Quantity/Number of Units: To specify the number of units or components an item has.

   • 예: 두 개짜리 세트 (a two-piece set)
   • 예: 열 명짜리 모임 (a gathering of ten people)

It functions as an adjective modifying the following noun, specifying its characteristic based on the preceding number or amount.

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Conjugation Rules

N+짜리 is straightforward to use as it attaches directly to a noun that represents a number, amount, or value. There are no complex conjugation rules or changes based on the preceding noun's final consonant or vowel.

• [Number/Amount Noun] + 짜리
  • Examples:
    • 천 원 + 짜리 → 천 원짜리 (1,000 won worth)
    • 두 개 + 짜리 → 두 개짜리 (two-piece)
    • 500ml + 짜리 → 500ml짜리 (500ml capacity)

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Knowledge Plus

While N+짜리 often appears directly after the number/amount, it's important to note that it is grammatically a dependent noun. This means it functions like a noun but always requires a preceding modifier (in this case, the number/amount noun).

It is very common to see it used with question words like 몇 (how many/much) to ask about value or quantity:

• 몇 짜리 (How much is it worth? / How many pieces?)
  • 예: 이거 몇 짜리예요? (How much is this worth? / What denomination is this?)

This expression is highly practical for everyday conversations, especially when shopping, describing items, or discussing quantities.