Google Chrome

Structure

Standard

N + 조차

조차 emphasizes "even" in negative or surprising contexts - if even X is true, then surely everything else is.

Emphatic "even" - 이름조차 몰라요 (I dont even know the name)

Negative contexts - Usually with negative verbs

Extreme example - The most basic/obvious thing is also affected

See examples below for varied real-world usage.

Usually negative - 조차 typically appears with negative outcomes

- ✅ 물조차 없어요

- Rare: 물조차 있어요

More emphatic than 도

- 도 = also/too (neutral)

- 조차 = even (emphatic, often negative)

시간조차 없어요.

I dont even have time.

너무 긴장해서 이름조차 기억나지 않아요.

I was so nervous that I couldn't even remember my name.

그 친구는 인사조차 하지 않고 가 버렸어요.

That friend left without even saying hello.

아파서 물조차 마시기 힘들어요.

I'm so sick that it's hard to even drink water.

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