결코

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Usage and Meaning

'결코' is an adverb used to emphasize a strong negation, meaning 'never' or 'by no means.' It is often used with negative verbs or expressions to stress that something will absolutely not happen or is absolutely not true.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see '결코' in formal or written Korean, such as speeches, essays, or serious conversations, to express firm denial or determination.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 결코 + negative verb: to strongly deny or negate an action or state.
  • 결코 + 쉽지 않다: to emphasize that something is definitely not easy.

Important Notes

Do not use '결코' with positive verbs; it always pairs with negatives. A common learner mistake is to say '결코 한다' which is incorrect. Instead, use '결코 하지 않는다' or '결코 아니다.'

Using '결코' adds a strong emotional or moral emphasis, so it is more forceful than just '안' or '못.'

Example Sentences

나는 결코 그 일을 포기하지 않을 것이다.

Naneun gyeolko geu ireul pogihaji aneul geosida.

I will never give up that task.

그는 결코 거짓말을 하지 않는다.

Geuneun gyeolko geojismareul haji anhneunda.

He never tells lies.

결코 쉽지 않은 결정이었다.

Gyeolko swipji aneun gyeoljeongieotda.

It was a decision that was by no means easy.