Korean word

그나마

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeunama

Meaning

  • adverbat least

Example

그나마 날씨가 안 추워서 다행이야.keu na ma nal ssi ga an chu wo seo ta haeng i ya

At least the weather isn't cold, so that's a relief.

Illustration for 그나마 (at least)

More examples

일은 힘들었지만 그나마 견딜 만했어.i reun him deu reot jji man keu na ma kyeon dil man hae sseo

The work was hard, but at least it was bearable.

Core concept

One imperfect option still feels preferable when the other choices are worse.

Common phrases

  • 그나마 견딜 만하다keu na ma kyeon dil man ha da

    at least bearable

  • 그나마 버텼다keu na ma peo tyeot tta

    at least managed to hold out

Similar words

그래도keuraedo: A planned action continues despite a setback or unfavorable condition.
적어도cheogeodo: A stated minimum sets a lower limit that the amount or number must meet.
조금이나마chogeuminama: A small amount or degree is present, even if it is barely noticeable.

Definition in Korean

완전한 만족을 나타내지 못하지만 다른 선택보다 낫다고 여길 때 쓰는 부사.wan jeon han man jo geul na ta nae ji mo ta ji man ta reun seon taek ppo da nat tta go yeo gil ttae sseu neun pu sa

Word origin

The word developed from 그 (geu, "that") and 나마 (nama, "even if only"), whose combination gives a concessive sense of accepting a limited benefit.

Usage tips

  • In sentences about weather, results, or choices, it signals reluctant relief and helps distinguish mild consolation from genuine satisfaction.

Other meanings

  • still betteradverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word