Level 6

그제서야

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Meaning and Usage

"그제서야" is an adverb used to express that something happens or is realized only after a delay or after some event has occurred. It emphasizes that the action or realization did not happen immediately but only at that particular moment.

Nuance

Using "그제서야" implies a sense of delay or lateness, often highlighting surprise, regret, or a change in understanding. It is commonly used in formal and informal contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 그제서야 알다: to realize only then
  • 그제서야 깨닫다: to come to understand only then
  • 그제서야 시작하다: to start only then

These collocations emphasize the timing of the action happening late or after some event.

Register and Politeness

"그제서야" is neutral in politeness and can be used in both spoken and written Korean, including news reports, narratives, and conversations.

Learner Tips

A common mistake is to confuse "그제서야" with "그제" (the day before yesterday). Remember that "그제서야" focuses on the timing of an action happening late, not a specific day.

Example Sentences

그제서야 문제의 심각성을 깨달았다.

Geujeseoya munjeui simgakseongeul kkaedalatta.

Only then did I realize the seriousness of the problem.

그제서야 친구가 내 말을 이해했다.

Geujeseoya chinguga nae mareul ihaehaetta.

Only then did my friend understand what I said.

그제서야 비가 그쳤다.

Geujeseoya biga geuchyeotda.

Only then did the rain stop.