Level 2

전혀

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Usage of '전혀'

'전혀' is an adverb used primarily in negative sentences to emphasize the complete absence or total negation of something. It translates to 'entirely' or 'utterly' in English but is almost always paired with a negative verb form.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '전혀' in everyday conversation when someone wants to stress that they did not do something at all, did not understand something, or that something is completely different or unrelated.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 전혀 + negative verb: emphasizes total negation (e.g., 전혀 모르다 - to not know at all)
  • 전혀 + adjective + 다: to express a strong contrast or difference (e.g., 전혀 다르다 - to be completely different)
  • 전혀 걱정하지 마세요: a common phrase meaning 'Don't worry at all.'

Register and Politeness

'전혀' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The politeness level depends on the verb ending it accompanies.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes use '전혀' with positive sentences, which sounds unnatural. Remember, '전혀' is almost exclusively used with negative expressions to stress the absence or negation of something.

Example Sentences

나는 그 문제를 전혀 이해하지 못했다.

Naneun geu munjeleul jeonhyeo ihaehaji mothaetda.

I did not understand that problem at all.

그는 전혀 다른 사람 같다.

Geuneun jeonhyeo dareun saram gatda.

He seems like a completely different person.

전혀 걱정하지 마세요.

Jeonhyeo geokjeonghaji maseyo.

Don't worry at all.