Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 20: Incomparably... (-기 짝이 없다)

For the final unit of this section, we learn an expression used to emphasize that a state or feeling is so extreme that it cannot be compared to anything else: -기 짝이 없다.

It translates to "It is incomparably..." or "There is nothing more [Adjective] than..."

Structure Breakdown

• -기 = noun form of a verb/adjective
• 짝 = pair / match
• 없다 = to not exist

Literally: "There is no match for this state." Naturally: "It is unparalleled / incomparably..."

How to Conjugate

Just attach -기 짝이 없다 directly to the stem of an adjective (it is almost never used with action verbs).

• 기쁘다 -> 기쁘기 짝이 없다 (Incomparably happy)
• 아름답다 -> 아름답기 짝이 없다 (Incomparably beautiful)
• 위험하다 -> 위험하기 짝이 없다 (Incomparably dangerous)

When is it used?

This is a somewhat formal or literary expression. In everyday conversation, people just use 너무 (too/very) or 진짜 (really). But when you want to strongly emphasize a feeling (either very positive or very negative) in writing or a formal setting, this is the perfect grammar point.

Example Sentences

1. 이런 큰 상을 받게 되어 영광스럽기 짝이 없습니다. (I am incomparably honored to receive such a great award.)

2. 그의 행동은 무례하기 짝이 없었어요. (His behavior was incomparably rude / beyond rude.)

3. 혼자서 밤길을 걷는 것은 위험하기 짝이 없는 일이에요. (Walking alone at night is an incomparably dangerous thing to do.)

4. 오랜만에 고향에 오니 반갑기 짝이 없네요. (Coming to my hometown after a long time, I am incomparably glad.)