Korean word

끝내

Pronunciation

Romanizationkkeunnae

Meaning

  • adverbin the end

Example

그는 끝내 오지 않았어요.keu neun kkeun nae o ji a na sseo yo

He didn't come in the end.

Illustration for 끝내 (in the end)

More examples

오랜 노력 끝에 그는 끝내 합격했다.o raen no ryeok kkeu se keu neun kkeun nae hap kkyeo kaet tta

After a long effort, he finally passed.

Core concept

Events move toward one final result, with special focus on an outcome that may contrast with what people expected.

Common phrases

  • 끝내 오지 않다kkeun nae o ji an ta

    in the end, not come

  • 끝내 합격하다kkeun nae hap kkyeo ka da

    in the end, pass

  • 끝내 포기하다kkeun nae po gi ha da

    in the end, give up

Similar words

결국kyeolguk: The conclusion reached after all the events and decisions have run their course.
드디어teudieo: A long-awaited event finally takes place.
마침내machimnae: A desired result is achieved after a long period of effort.
어쨌든eojjaettteun: Regardless of earlier circumstances, attention turns to a conclusion or next action.

Definition in Korean

결과가 최종적으로 그렇게 되어 더 이상 달라지지 않음을 뜻하며, 특히 기대와 다른 결말을 나타내는 경우가 있는 부사.kyeol gwa ga choe jong jeo geu ro keu reo ke toe eo teo i sang tal la ji ji a neu meul tteu ta myeo teu ki ki dae wa ta reun kyeol ma reul na ta nae neun kyeong u ga in neun pu sa

Word origin

The word is connected with the Korean word for end, reflecting its focus on the final result of a process.

Usage tips

  • The word can sound emotionally marked when the result is disappointing, rather than serving only as a neutral time marker.

Other meanings

  • finallyadverb

Opposites

  • 애초에aechoefrom the outsetadverb
  • 처음부터cheoeumbuteofrom the beginningadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word