Korean Conversation · Level 103
15 words
Korean word
차라리
Pronunciation
Romanizationcharari
Meaning
- adverbrather
Example
그렇게 힘들면 차라리 쉬어.keu reo ke him deul myeon cha ra ri swi eo
If it's that hard, you might as well rest.
More examples
시간이 없으면 차라리 내일 하자.si ga ni eop sseu myeon cha ra ri nae il ha ja
If we are short on time, let's do it tomorrow instead.
Core concept
Favoring one alternative over the present course when that alternative is clearly better.
Common phrases
차라리 포기하다cha ra ri po gi ha da
might as well give up
차라리 낫다cha ra ri nat tta
would be better
차라리 죽겠다cha ra ri chuk kket tta
would sooner die
Similar words
오히려ohiryeo: A surprising result appears instead of the result that circumstances seemed likely to bring.
Definition in Korean
지금 상태보다 다른 쪽이 더 나을 때 그 방향을 권하거나 택하는 뜻을 가진 부사로 차라리 그렇게 하지 마 같은 표현에서 쓰인다chi geum sang tae bo da ta reun jjo gi teo na eul ttae keu pang hyang eul kwon ha geo na tae ka neun tteu seul ka jin pu sa ro cha ra ri keu reo ke ha ji ma ka teun pyo hyeo ne seo sseu in da
Word origin
The word has no fully certain etymology and is commonly explained as an older form joined to an adverb-forming suffix.
Usage tips
- A firm delivery can make the suggestion sound almost like a command, so softer phrasing suits formal or careful conversation.
Other meanings
- might as welladverb