Processing keyword: ~나마저 [namajeo] (Even)

Korean Grammar Point: ~나마저 [namajeo] (Even)

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1. Introduction

In Korean, the expression ~나마저 is used to emphasize that even the last remaining option or least expected subject is included in a situation, often highlighting a sense of frustration, disappointment, or inevitability. This grammar point combines ~나 (even) with 마저 (also, even), intensifying the inclusion of something unexpected.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~나마저 translates to "even" in English.
• It emphasizes that even the last option, person, or thing is included in an action or situation.
• Often conveys negative feelings such as disappointment or exasperation.

Structure

The structure of ~나마저 varies slightly depending on whether it is attached to a noun, verb, or adjective.

Formation:

1. Nouns:

   Noun + (이)나마저
   

   • Use 이나마저 after a noun ending with a consonant.
   • Use 나마저 after a noun ending with a vowel.
2. Verbs/Adjectives:

   Verb/Adjective Stem + 기나마저
   

   • Attach 기나마저 to the stem of the verb or adjective.

Formation Diagram

For Nouns:

[Consonant-ending Noun] + 이나마저
[모두] + 이나마저 → 모두이나마저
[Vowel-ending Noun] + 나마저
[친구] + 나마저 → 친구나마저

For Verbs/Adjectives:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 기나마저
[기다리다] → 기다리 + 기나마저 → 기다리기나마저

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~나마저 with ~조차

• ~나마저 and ~조차 both mean "even", but there are subtle differences.

Grammar Point	Usage	Nuance
~나마저	Emphasizes inclusion of the last option	Stronger sense of disappointment
~조차	Indicates inclusion of an extreme case	Can be neutral or negative

Example:

• 밥조차 못 먹었어요.
  • I couldn't even eat rice.
• 밥이나마저 못 먹었어요.
  • I couldn't even eat rice (the least I could have done).

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 친구나마저 나를 떠났어요.
   • Even my friend left me.
   • (The last person I expected to leave has left.)
2. 남은 돈이나마저 잃어버렸어요.
   • I even lost the remaining money.
   • (I lost the last of my money.)
3. 비가 오더니 우산이나마저 고장 났어요.
   • It started raining, and even my umbrella broke.
   • (Misfortune upon misfortune.)
4. 그 사람은 가족이나마저 속였어요.
   • He even deceived his family.
   • (He deceived the very people he shouldn't have.)
5. 희망이나마저 사라졌어요.
   • Even hope has disappeared.
   • (All hope is lost.)

Formal vs. Informal Usage

• Formal: Used in written language, news reports, literature.
• Informal: Less common in casual conversation; may sound heavy or dramatic.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasizes the importance of relationships and expectations in Korean culture.
• Highlights the gravity of a situation when even the last hope or person is affected.

Politeness Levels

• The use of ~나마저 itself doesn't change politeness level but can intensify the emotion.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 마지막 희망이나마저 날아갔다.
  • Even the last hope has flown away.
• 친구마저 등을 돌렸다.
  • Even friends have turned their backs.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment:
   • Incorrect: 친구이나마저
   • Correct: 친구나마저 Tip: Don't add 이 after vowel-ending nouns.
2. **Confusing ~나마저 with ~조차나
   • Incorrect: 밥*조차나 못 먹었어요.*
   • Correct: 밥조차 못 먹었어요. or 밥이나마저 못 먹었어요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember 나 (even) + 마저 (also) = ~나마저 (even the last one).
• Practice by creating sentences where something unexpected or least likely is included.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~나마저 is used to express that even the last or least expected option is included.
• It conveys strong emotions like disappointment or frustration.
• Structure depends on whether it follows a noun or verb/adjective.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~나마저 to the noun 사람 (person)?
   • a) 사람이마저
   • b) 사람이나마저
   • c) 사람나마저
2. Translate the following sentence:
   • 희망이나마저 없어졌어요.
   • a) Hope has increased.
   • b) Even hope has disappeared.
   • c) Only hope remains.

Answers:

1. b) 사람이나마저
2. b) Even hope has disappeared.

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By understanding and practicing ~나마저, you can express nuanced emotions and situations where even the last expected outcome occurs.

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