감소하다
To become smaller in size, amount, or number. It is the direct opposite of '증가하다' and essential for describing downward trends.
Examples
3 of 5범죄율이 작년 대비 감소했습니다.
The crime rate has decreased compared to last year.
운동을 하면 체지방이 감소합니다.
If you exercise, body fat decreases.
수입이 줄어들어서 소비도 감소했어요.
Income decreased, so consumption also decreased.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Gam-so: 'Gam' (subtract/lessen). Like 'Gam-ja' (potato) getting smaller as you peel it.
Quick Quiz
흡연 인구가 예전에 비해 많이 ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 감소했다
Examples
범죄율이 작년 대비 감소했습니다.
formalThe crime rate has decreased compared to last year.
운동을 하면 체지방이 감소합니다.
academicIf you exercise, body fat decreases.
수입이 줄어들어서 소비도 감소했어요.
everydayIncome decreased, so consumption also decreased.
회사는 비용을 감소하기 위해 노력 중입니다.
businessThe company is working to reduce costs.
내 인기가 감소하는 것 같아.
informalI feel like my popularity is decreasing.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
감소 추세
decreasing trend
대폭 감소
significant decrease
감소 요인
decreasing factor
Often Confused With
Jul-eo-deul-da is native Korean; Gam-so-ha-da is Sino-Korean and more formal.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in Task 1 for line graphs and bar charts.
Common Mistakes
Ensure the subject matches a numerical or measurable value.
Memory Tip
Gam-so: 'Gam' (subtract/lessen). Like 'Gam-ja' (potato) getting smaller as you peel it.
Word Origin
From Hanja 減 (lessen) and 少 (few/small).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Often discussed in the context of South Korea's declining birth rate.
Quick Quiz
흡연 인구가 예전에 비해 많이 ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 감소했다
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
영향
B2The power or effect that something has on another person, thing, or situation. It is a core concept in academic writing when discussing cause and effect.
주장하다
B2To state strongly that something is true, especially when others might disagree. This is a fundamental verb for reporting opinions in academic essays.
증가하다
B2To become greater in size, amount, or degree. This is the most common verb used in IELTS Writing Task 1 to describe upward trends in graphs.
관점
B2A particular way of considering or evaluating something; a perspective. It is used to present different angles of an argument.
결과
B2A thing that is caused or produced by something else; an outcome. Crucial for discussing findings in research or the effects of social issues.
효과적이다
B2Successful in producing a desired or intended result. Used to evaluate solutions or methods in academic discussions.
강조하다
B2To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing. Used to highlight key points in an argument.
비교하다
B2To estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between two or more things. It is a core skill for evaluating different theories or datasets.
구조
B2The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex. Can refer to physical buildings, social systems, or the organization of an essay.
구성하다
B2To form, compose, or organize something by putting various parts or elements together. Used for describing structures of groups, books, or substances.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free