Unit 19: Even (Negative Extreme) (-조차)

We know that -도 means "also/even." But in Easy Korean, when a situation is so extreme or bad that you cannot even do the most basic thing, you use the particle -조차.

Structure

Noun + -조차

It replaces subject/object particles. It must be followed by a negative ending (없다, 못하다, 않다). - 이름 (name) -> 이름조차 몰라요. (I don't even know his name. - Name is the absolute minimum you'd expect to know.)

Difference from -도

-도 is neutral ("Me too"). -조차 implies a negative extreme limitation ("I couldn't even do this basic thing!").

Examples

• 너무 아파서 일어날 힘조차 없어요. (I am so sick I don't even have the strength to stand up.)
• 바빠서 물 마실 시간조차 없었어요. (I was so busy I didn't even have time to drink water.)
• 가족조차 저를 믿지 않았어요. (Even my family didn't believe me.)