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.'