Level 4

워낙

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Understanding '워낙'

'워낙' is an adverb used to express something that is inherent, natural, or to a great extent. It often emphasizes the original or extreme nature of a situation or characteristic.

Usage and Nuance

It can mean 'by nature,' 'originally,' or 'so much/extremely.' When used, it highlights that the condition or quality is not surprising because it is inherent or very strong.

Common Collocations

  • 워낙 + adjective/verb: emphasizes the degree (e.g., 워낙 친절하다 - naturally kind)
  • 워낙 + 많이/심하게 + verb: emphasizes extent (e.g., 워낙 많이 와서 - rained so much)
  • 워낙 유명하다: very famous

Register and Politeness

'워낙' is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Korean. It fits well in casual and formal contexts.

Learner Tips

Learners sometimes confuse '워낙' with '원래' (originally) or '아주' (very). '워낙' often implies a natural or inherent quality or an extreme degree, not just a simple degree modifier. Use it when you want to stress that something is naturally or extremely so.

Example Sentences

그 사람은 워낙 친절해서 모두가 좋아해요.

Geu sarameun wonak chinjeolhaeseo moduga joahaeyo.

That person is naturally so kind that everyone likes him.

워낙 비가 많이 와서 길이 다 잠겼어요.

Wonak biga mani waseo giri da jamgyeosseoyo.

It rained so much that all the roads were flooded.

그 영화는 워낙 유명해서 다들 봤을 거예요.

Geu yeonghwaneun wonak yumyeonghaeseo dadeul bwasseul geoyeyo.

That movie is so famous that everyone probably has seen it.