-아/어 버리다 attaches to verb stems to express that an action was completed entirely, often with a sense of finality. It can carry two nuances:
Regret or unfortunate completion - Something happened that you wish hadn't
Relief or satisfaction - Getting something done and over with
The nuance depends on context—the same structure can express frustration or relief.
I ended up eating all the cake.
I finished my homework quickly!
This is similar to Japanese 〜てしまう/ちゃう in both meaning and usage.
버리다 = completeness + often regret
- 다 먹어 버렸어요 (ate it all up [oops])
Casual: 버리다 → 버려
- 잊어버렸어 (forgot completely)
Can be positive (relief) or negative (regret)
I ended up eating all the cake.
I finished my homework quickly!
I accidentally told the secret.
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