TOPIK · Level 299
15 words
Korean word
도리어
Pronunciation
Romanizationtorieo
Meaning
- adverbrather
Example
그의 충고는 도리어 문제를 더 복잡하게 만들었다.keu ui chung go neun to ri eo mun je reul teo pok jja pa ge man deu reot tta
His advice actually made the problem more complicated.
More examples
그의 말을 들었더니 도리어 혼란스러워졌다.keu ui ma reul teu reot tteo ni to ri eo hol lan seu reo wo jeot tta
Contrary to expectations, I became confused when I heard his words.
Core concept
The expected direction flips, so the result turns out opposite to what seemed likely.
Common phrases
도리어 도움이 되다to ri eo to u mi toe da
instead prove helpful
도리어 문제를 복잡하게 만들다to ri eo mun je reul pok jja pa ge man deul da
instead make the problem more complicated
도리어 화만 나다to ri eo hwa man na da
instead just get angry
Similar words
오히려ohiryeo: Highlights a surprising result after circumstances seemed likely to lead elsewhere.
반대로pandaero: Shows that the next action or outcome goes against an earlier statement or expectation.
되레toere: Emphasizes that the expected result has unexpectedly been reversed.
Definition in Korean
기대와 달리 일이 거꾸로 되거나 반대되는 결과가 나타날 때 쓰는 부사.ki dae wa tal li i ri keo kku ro toe geo na pan dae doe neun kyeol gwa ga na ta nal ttae sseu neun pu sa
Word origin
The modern adverb comes from an older Korean form, but its exact historical development is uncertain.
Usage tips
- In formal Korean writing, this word adds force when the actual result contrasts sharply with what the context led readers to expect.
Other meanings
- on the contraryadverb