Korean Grammar Point
~마저 [majeo] (Even)

~마저 [majeo] (Even)

Short explanation:

Used to express the unexpected inclusion; 'even'.

Formation:

Noun + 마저

Examples:

시험이 너무 어려워서 우리 반에서 학생들중에 천재인 민수마저 틀렸어요.
Siheomi neomu eoryeowoseo uri baneseo haksaengdeurijunge cheonjaein Minsumajeo teullyeosseoyo.
The exam was so difficult that even Minsu, who is a genius among the students in our class, got it wrong.
집에 늦게 왔더니, 엄마마저 잠들어 있었어요.
Jibe neutge wassdeoni, eommamajeo jamdeureo isseosseoyo.
I came home late, and even my mom was asleep.
오늘은 날씨가 너무 추워서 동물원의 사자마저 숨어버렸어요.
Oneuleun nalssiga neomu chuweoseo dongmulweonui sajamajeo sumeobeoryeosseoyo.
Today, the weather was so cold that even the lion in the zoo hid away.
그녀는 너무 유명해서 이 작은 마을 사람들마저 그녀를 알고 있어요.
Geunyeoneun neomu yumyeonghaeseo i jageun ma-eul saramdeulmajeo geunyeoreul algo isseoyo.
She is so famous that even the people in this small village know her.

Long explanation:

'~마저 [majeo]' is a postposition used in Korean to express the inclusion of someone or something that is not normally expected to be included in a given situation or context. It carries a sense of surprise or disbelief, similar to 'even' in English. The use of this postposition emphasizes the exceptional or unexpected nature of what is being talked about.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~마저 [majeo] (Even)

Korean Grammar Point: ~마저 [majeo] (Even)

Grammar Point: ~마저 [majeo] (Even)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~마저 is used to express an extreme case that adds emphasis to a statement. It translates to "even" in English and indicates that not only the item mentioned previously, but also the new item is included in what is being discussed. This particle can convey a sense of frustration, surprise, or emphasis.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~마저 conveys that not only the items or subjects mentioned previously are involved, but it also includes an additional item, emphasizing the inclusiveness.

Structure

  • The structure involves attaching ~마저 after the noun or subject to which you want to add emphasis.

Formation Diagram

  • Noun + 마저 → (Emphasized statement)

Example

  • 친구마저 → (Even my friend)

Detailed Explanation

  1. Usage After Nouns:
    • ~마저 is attached directly to nouns.
    • It typically follows a subject that you want to emphasize as also being included in a negative or extreme situation.
  2. Possible Negative Nuances:
    • Usually conveys a hint of annoyance, disappointment, or surprise.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  • ~까지 [kkaji] (up to/even to): Indicates inclusion as well, but it’s more neutral compared to ~마저, which often carries a negative connotation.

  • ~조차 [jocha] (even): Similar in meaning but often emphasizes unexpectedness more explicitly, often used in a negative context.

Example Comparison

  • ~마저: "돈이 없어서 친구마저 빌려주지 못해." (I don’t have money, so I can’t even lend to my friend.)
  • ~까지: "돈이 없어서 친구까지 빌려주지 못해." (I don’t have money, so I can’t lend even to my friend.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

  1. 회의에 오지 못한 사람마저 다 발표를 했어요.
    • (Even the people who couldn’t attend the meeting made presentations.)

Informal Context

  1. 비도 오고, 친구마저 안 오니까 완전 망했어.
    • (It’s raining, and even my friend didn’t come, so it’s completely ruined.)

Written Context

  1. 그렇게 많은 고난을 겪어도 가족마저 포기하지 않았습니다.
    • (Even after enduring so many hardships, they didn’t give up on their family.)

Spoken Context

  1. 시험에 떨어졌는데, 교수님마저 내 편이 아니더라.
    • (I failed the exam, and even the professor wasn’t on my side.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • The use of ~마저 can reflect Korean cultural nuances regarding relationships and expectations. Having even close friends or family members involved in a negative context may evoke strong feelings of disappointment and is often expressed in conversational language.

Levels of Politeness

  • The formality of speech can affect how ~마저 is used. In formal settings, it might be smoother in its application with respect to respect and politeness levels in conversations.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 친구마저 잃다 (to even lose a friend): Indicates a situation where one has lost even the closest ties, generally used in a negative context.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Common Mistake: Students often confuse ~마저 with ~조차. Remember that ~마저 is more about the negative side or a more extreme scenario.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of ~마저 as "even my friend" — if you feel extreme or surprised, you can likely use ~마저 in your sentence.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~마저 (even) stresses the inclusion of something unexpected or negative alongside what has already been mentioned.
  • It's commonly used in spoken contexts to express strong emotions, especially disappointment or frustration.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~마저 express in a sentence?
  2. How is ~마저 different from ~까지?
  3. Provide an example of ~마저 in an informal context. By grasping this grammar point, learners can better articulate feelings of frustration or surprise, enhancing their conversational skills in Korean.
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