Korean word

절대

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheoldae

Meaning

  • adverbabsolutely

Example

그는 절대 늦지 않을 거야.keu neun cheol dae neut jji a neul kkeo ya

He absolutely will not be late.

Illustration for 절대 (absolutely)

More examples

그 규칙은 절대 지켜야 해.keu kyu chi geun cheol dae chi kyeo ya hae

That rule absolutely must be followed.

Core concept

A complete absence of exceptions, limits, or possible alternatives.

Common phrases

  • 절대 안 돼cheol dae an twae

    absolutely not allowed

  • 절대 못 해cheol dae mot hae

    absolutely cannot

  • 절대 아니야cheol dae a ni ya

    absolutely not

Similar words

전혀cheonhyeo: Strongly denies that something exists, happens, or applies even a little.
아예aye: Rules an action or state out completely from the beginning.
도무지tomuji: Strongly expresses that something cannot happen or be understood at all.

Definition in Korean

어떠한 여지도 없이 어느 쪽도 허용되지 않거나 가능하지 않음을 강조하는 부사로, 금지나 단언 구문에서 자주 사용된다.eo tteo han yeo ji do eop ssi eo neu jjok tto heo yong doe ji an keo na ka neung ha ji a neu meul kang jo ha neun pu sa ro keum ji na ta neon ku mu ne seo cha ju sa yong doen da

Word origin

The word 절대 (jeoldae, "absolute") developed from a Chinese-based term describing something that allows no exceptions.

Usage tips

  • In a promise or warning, this adverb can sound much stronger than ordinary emphasis, so it fits clear serious statements.

Other meanings

  • neveradverb

Opposites

  • 상대적으로sangdaejeogeurorelativelyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word