Korean word

오히려

Pronunciation

Romanizationohiryeo

Meaning

  • adverbrather

Example

그가 도와주지 않아서 오히려 혼자서 더 빨리 끝냈다.keu ga to wa ju ji a na seo o hi ryeo hon ja seo teo ppal li kkeun naet tta

Since he didn't help, I actually finished faster on my own.

Illustration for 오히려 (rather)

More examples

그의 솔직한 말이 오히려 도움이 되었다.keu ui sol ji kan ma ri o hi ryeo to u mi toe eot tta

His honest words were actually helpful.

Core concept

What seems likely to cause one result leads to a different or opposite result instead.

Common phrases

  • 오히려 도움이 되다o hi ryeo to u mi toe da

    actually be helpful

  • 오히려 실망하다o hi ryeo sil mang ha da

    actually be disappointed

Similar words

도리어torieo: Highlights that the actual outcome is the reverse of what seemed likely.
차라리charari: Introduces a preferred alternative when the present choice is less satisfactory.

Definition in Korean

어떤 상황에서 예상과 반대로 일이 일어났음을 강조하여 말할 때 쓰이는 부사.eo tteon sang hwang e seo ye sang gwa pan dae ro i ri i reo na sseu meul kang jo ha yeo mal hal ttae sseu i neun pu sa

Word origin

Its origin and internal formation are not securely established, so its present adverbial use is the safest basis for learning it.

Usage tips

  • English rather can express preference, but this Korean adverb commonly emphasizes a surprising turn in events, especially after an unfavorable circumstance.

Other meanings

  • insteadadverb

Word lists with this word