Skip to content

Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 29: Let alone... (-은/는 고사하고)

When you want to say that one thing is completely out of the question, so naturally, even a smaller/easier thing is impossible, you use -은/는 고사하고.

It translates to "Let alone [X]..." or "Not to mention [X]..."

Structure Breakdown

  • 고사(하고) = derived from Hanja meaning "to put aside" or "leave out of consideration." Literally: "Putting [X] aside..." Naturally: "Nevermind [X]..."

How to use it

It attaches directly to a Noun.

  • Vowel: Add -는 고사하고

    • 커피 -> 커피는 고사하고 (Let alone coffee...)
    • 해외여행 -> 해외여행은 고사하고 (Wait, 여행 has a consonant!) -> 해외여행은 고사하고

  • Consonant: Add -은 고사하고

    • 밥 -> 밥은 고사하고 (Let alone a meal...)
    • 칭찬 -> 칭찬은 고사하고 (Let alone praise...)

The Logic of the Sentence

Because you are saying "Let alone X, I couldn't even do Y", the second half of the sentence is almost ALWAYS negative (못하다, 없다, 안 하다) and usually uses the particle 도 (even) or 조차 (even).

  • [Big thing]은/는 고사하고 [Small thing]도 못 해요.

Example Sentences

  1. 밥은 고사하고 물도 못 마셨어요. (Let alone a meal, I couldn't even drink water.) (Meaning: Forget about eating, I couldn't even drink!)

  2. 해외여행은 고사하고 국내 여행도 갈 시간이 없어요. (Let alone an overseas trip, I don't even have time to travel domestically.)

  3. 칭찬은 고사하고 욕이나 안 먹으면 다행이에요. (Let alone praise, I'll be lucky if I just don't get cursed at.)

  4. 달리기는 고사하고 걷지도 못해요. (Let alone running, he can't even walk.)