Meaning and Usage
The adverb '간신히' means 'narrowly' or 'barely,' indicating that something was achieved or happened with great difficulty or just enough to succeed. It often conveys a sense of relief or urgency.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '간신히' in situations involving passing exams, catching transportation, or surviving difficult circumstances. It emphasizes that the outcome was not easy or guaranteed.
Collocations and Patterns
- 간신히 + verb (e.g., 간신히 합격하다): to barely do something successfully.
- 간신히 + time expression (e.g., 간신히 시간 맞추다): to barely make it on time.
Register and Nuance
'간신히' is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Korean. It is not formal or informal but fits well in everyday conversation.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '간신히' with '겨우,' which is similar but '간신히' often implies more effort or struggle. Use '간신히' when you want to stress the difficulty involved.