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
부연
B2The act of adding more details or explanations to clarify a point. It is often used to expand on a topic sentence in an essay.
열거
B2The act of listing things one by one. It is a common rhetorical device used in academic writing to present multiple points or examples.
확증
B2A clear and certain proof or evidence that confirms a fact or theory. It is a stronger term than just 'evidence'.
명명하다
B2To name or term someone or something, often in an official or academic capacity.
범주화하다
B2To organize or classify things into specific groups or categories based on shared characteristics. It is a fundamental process in research and data analysis.
상보적
B2Complementary; referring to two things that provide what the other lacks, thus making a complete or improved whole.
비대칭
B2Asymmetry; a state where two sides or parts are not the same in shape, size, or arrangement. In social science, it often refers to an imbalance of information or power.
근간
B2The core foundation, basis, or backbone of something, such as a thought, a system, or an organization.
단초
B2The very first clue, lead, or beginning point that allows a problem to be solved or an event to start.
개괄적
B2Providing a general overview or a broad summary of something, rather than focusing on specific details.
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