Korean word

이왕

Pronunciation

Romanizationiwang

Meaning

  • adverbmight as well

Example

이왕 갈 거면 빨리 가자.i wang kal kkeo myeon ppal li ka ja

If we're going anyway, let's go quickly.

Illustration for 이왕 (might as well)

More examples

이왕 갈 거면 먼저 만나서 가자.i wang kal kkeo myeon meon jeo man na seo ka ja

If we're going anyway, let's meet up first and go together.

Core concept

Once a situation is already in place, choosing the next sensible action is the natural step.

Common phrases

  • 이왕 갈 거면i wang kal kkeo myeon

    if we're going anyway

  • 이왕 가는 김에i wang ka neun ki me

    since we're going anyway

  • 이왕 하는 김에i wang ha neun ki me

    since we're doing it anyway

Similar words

기왕kiwang: An opportunity or situation already available is a reason to make the most of it.
이미imi: An event happened earlier and its result still matters now.
어차피eochapi: The outcome will stay the same regardless of what action is taken.

Definition in Korean

이미 그렇거나 그렇게 된 상황을 전제로 삼아 행동이나 결정을 권할 때 쓰는 부사.i mi keu reo keo na keu reo ke toen sang hwang eul cheon je ro sa ma haeng dong i na kyeol jeong eul kwon hal ttae sseu neun pu sa

Word origin

The word comes from a Sino-Korean term meaning what has already gone or passed, linking its origin to the idea of acting after a situation is already established.

Usage tips

  • It often frames a suggestion as a natural consequence of a decision already made, which makes the suggestion sound practical rather than forceful.

Other meanings

  • while you have the chanceadverb
  • anywayadverb

Word lists with this word