Level 5

억지로

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Meaning and Usage

"억지로" means doing something against one's will or by force. It often implies that the action is uncomfortable or unnatural for the person involved.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear "억지로" when someone is trying to do something they don't want to do, such as forcing a smile, keeping a promise unwillingly, or making someone do a task.

Collocations and Patterns

  • "억지로 웃다": to force a smile, often when one is unhappy or uncomfortable.
  • "억지로 하다": to do something unwillingly or under pressure.
  • "억지로 시키다": to force someone to do something.

Register and Nuance

"억지로" is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It often carries a slightly negative nuance, suggesting reluctance or discomfort.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "억지로" with "억지" alone, which can mean stubbornness or insistence. Remember, "억지로" specifically describes the manner of doing something forcibly or unwillingly.

Example Sentences

억지로 웃으려고 하지 마세요.

Eokjiro useureogo haji maseyo.

Don't try to force yourself to smile.

그는 억지로 약속을 지켰다.

Geuneun eokjiro yaksogeul jikyeotda.

He kept the promise forcibly.

억지로 일을 시키면 오히려 역효과가 날 수 있다.

Eokjiro ireul sikimyeon oriryeo yeokhyogwaga nal su itda.

If you force someone to work, it can have the opposite effect.