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Easy Korean - Level 6, Unit 6: Anyway (어차피)

In this unit, we will learn a very common vocabulary word that Koreans use constantly in conversation: 어차피 (eo-cha-pi).

Meaning of 어차피

어차피 translates to "anyway," "in any case," or "after all." You use it when you are talking about a result that cannot be changed, regardless of what you do.

It often has the nuance of: "Even if we try doing it differently, the outcome will be the same, so let's just do it this way."

How to use 어차피

어차피 is an adverb, so you just place it before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence. It does not require any special grammar conjugation.

  • 어차피 늦었어요. (We are late anyway.) (Meaning: There's no need to run, we are already late).

  • 어차피 해야 돼요. (We have to do it anyway.) (Meaning: Whether you like it or not, it must be done).

어차피 vs. 아무튼/어쨌든

You might have learned 아무튼 (a-mu-teun) or 어쨌든 (eo-jjaet-deun), which also mean "anyway." However, they are used differently:

  • 아무튼 / 어쨌든: Used to change the subject or summarize a story. Example: "So the movie was long and boring... Anyway, let's go eat."
  • 어차피: Used when the final result is fixed and inevitable. Example: "Anyway, I'm not going to watch that movie." (My decision is fixed).

Example Sentences

  1. 어차피 내일 또 만날 거예요. (We will meet again tomorrow anyway.)
  2. 제가 어차피 갈 거니까 기다리지 마세요. (I'm going to go anyway, so don't wait for me.)
  3. A: 택시 탈까요? (Shall we take a taxi?) B: 아니요, 지금 길이 막혀서 어차피 오래 걸려요. (No, traffic is bad right now so it will take a long time anyway.)