조용하다 vs 고요하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 조용하다
Listen to 고요하다
| 조용하다 | 고요하다 |
|---|---|
JO-yong-ha-da adjective | go-yo-ha-da adjective |
| to be quiet; free from noise | to be still; to be quiet and calm |
How they differ
고요하다 suggests not just the absence of noise, but a calm, motionless stillness. 조용하다 is the more general word for being quiet, while 고요하다 is often more poetic or atmospheric.
When to use each
When to use 조용하다: Use 조용하다 for everyday situations where something is simply quiet or low in noise.
When to use 고요하다: Use 고요하다 when you want to emphasize a serene, still, and peaceful quietness.
Side-by-side examples
- 도서관은 항상 조용하다.
(The library is always quiet.) - 호수는 밤이 되면 고요하다.
(The lake becomes still at night.)
Register & nuance: 고요하다 is more literary and descriptive, while 조용하다 is neutral and common in daily speech.