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Unit 10: Might As Well (-(으)ㄹ 바에야)

When you are forced to make a choice, and you feel that "if I have to do [Choice A], I would rather do [Choice B]," you use -(으)ㄹ 바에야 in Easy Korean.

Structure

Verb Stem + -(으)ㄹ 바에야

  • 가다 -> 갈 바에야 (If I'm going to go [might as well...])
  • 죽다 -> 죽을 바에야 (If I have to die...)
  • 포기하다 -> 포기할 바에야 (If I'm going to give up anyway...)

Usage

Usually followed by "차라리" (rather) + the better option. It heavily emphasizes your dissatisfaction with the first option!

Examples

  • 이렇게 맛없는 밥을 먹을 바에야 차라리 굶겠어요. (If I have to eat this tasteless food, I would rather starve.)
  • 중간에 포기할 바에야 시작도 안 하는 게 낫습니다. (If you are going to give up in the middle, it's better to not even start.)
  • 혼자 여행할 바에야 차라리 집에 있을래요. (If I have to travel alone, I'd rather stay home.)