Level 6

가령

No base JSON record found for this token.

Usage and Nuance

The word '가령' is a formal adverb used primarily to introduce hypothetical situations or examples. It often appears in written or formal spoken Korean rather than casual conversation. When you use '가령', you imply a scenario that is not necessarily real but helps illustrate a point or explore possibilities.

Common Collocations

  • 가령 ~다면: used to introduce a hypothetical condition ('Supposing that...')
  • 가령 ~해도: used to express concession or supposition ('Even if...')
  • 가령 이런 경우: used to give an example of a particular case ('For example, in such a case')

Register and Politeness

'가령' is neutral in politeness but tends to appear in formal or academic contexts. It is less common in everyday casual speech, where words like '예를 들어' or '만약' might be preferred.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '가령' with '만약' or '예를 들어'. While all can introduce examples or hypotheticals, '가령' often carries a more formal tone and is used to hypothesize or admit a possibility rather than just giving an example. Avoid using '가령' in casual conversations to sound more natural.

Example Sentences

가령 네가 그 자리에 있었다면 어떻게 했을 거야?

Garyeong nega geu jarie isseotdamyeon eotteoke haess-eul geoya?

For example, if you had been there, what would you have done?

가령 비가 온다고 해도 우리는 계획대로 진행할 거예요.

Garyeong biga ondago haedo urineun gyehoegdaero jinhaenghal geoyeyo.

Supposing it rains, we will proceed according to plan.

가령 이런 상황에서는 침착하게 대처하는 것이 중요하다.

Garyeong ireon sanghwangeseoneun chimchakhage daecheohaneun geosi jungyohada.

For example, in a situation like this, it is important to respond calmly.