Processing keyword: ~치고는 [chigoneun] (For, considering)

Korean Grammar Point: ~치고는 [chigoneun] (For, considering)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point 치고는 is used to express an exception or deviation from what is generally expected of a certain group or category. It conveys the meaning of "for," "considering," or "given" in English. This expression highlights that someone or something exhibits a characteristic that is unusual or noteworthy, given a particular standard.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 치고는 is used to indicate that the subject possesses an attribute that is different from the norm or expectation associated with a particular group.
• It emphasizes an exception or surprising fact.
• Translates to "for," "considering," or "given."

Structure

Formation

[Noun] + 치고는

• Attach 치고는 directly to a noun without any additional particles.

Usage

• The noun before 치고는 sets a standard or category.
• The clause after 치고는 describes an action or characteristic that is unexpected for that standard.

Diagram

Noun	+ 치고는	Meaning
아이 (child)	아이치고는	For a child
외국인 (foreigner)	외국인치고는	Considering (he is) a foreigner
초보자 (beginner)	초보자치고는	Given (they are) a beginner

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3. Comparative Analysis

치고는 vs. 에 비해서

• 치고는 emphasizes an exception within a category, pointing out that something is unusual compared to what is generally expected.
• 에 비해서 means "compared to" and is used to make direct comparisons between two entities. Example:
• 학생치고는 성격이 어른스러워요.
  • For a student, (he/she) is mature.
• 다른 학생에 비해서 성격이 어른스러워요.
  • Compared to other students, (he/she) is mature.

치고 vs. 치고는

• 치고 can sometimes be used without 는, but 치고는 adds emphasis to the contrast.
• Both are acceptable, but 치고는 is more specific in highlighting the exception.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Context

• 그는 외국인치고는 발음이 정확합니다.

  • Considering he's a foreigner, his pronunciation is accurate.

• 가격치고는 품질이 아주 좋습니다.

  • The quality is very good for the price.

2. Informal Context

• 너 치고는 숙제를 잘했네!
  • You did your homework well, considering it's you!
• 그 어린이치고는 키가 큰 편이야.
  • That child is tall for their age.

3. Written Context

• 이 영화는 저예산치고는 완성도가 높다.
  • This movie has high production quality considering it's low-budget.
• 그는 경력치고는 맡은 일이 많다.
  • He has many responsibilities given his experience.

4. Spoken Context

• 오늘 날씨가 겨울치고는 따뜻하네.
  • It's warm today for winter.
• 이 신발은 싼 가격치고는 편해요.
  • These shoes are comfortable for their cheap price.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, modesty is valued, and pointing out exceptions politely is a common conversational trait.
• Using 치고는 allows speakers to acknowledge someone's efforts or qualities without overstating.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The level of politeness comes from the verb endings, not 치고는 itself.
• Choose appropriate speech levels (e.g., -요, -습니다) based on the context and the person you're speaking to.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 얼굴에 비해 손이 작다.
  • Literally: Hands are small compared to the face.
  • Commonly means someone has small hands for their body size. Note: While 얼굴에 비해 uses 에 비해, similar concepts can be expressed with 치고는 in idiomatic expressions.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using particles after the noun
   • Incorrect: 학생은치고는 정말 똑똑해요.
   • Correct: 학생치고는 정말 똑똑해요.
   • Avoid attaching particles like 은/는 after the noun when using 치고는.
2. Using with verbs directly
   • Incorrect: 먹다치고는 많이 먹었어요.
   • Correct: 먹는 사람치고는 많이 먹었어요.
   • Attach 치고는 to nouns, not verbs. If needed, convert verbs to noun forms.

Tips

• Remember: 치고는 always follows a noun. If you have a verb, nominalize it first (e.g., 공부하는 사람치고는).
• Mnemonic: Think of 치고는 as pointing out an exception—"For a [noun], it's [unexpected trait]."

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 치고는 is used to express that something is unusual or exceptional, considering a certain standard or category.
• Attach 치고는 directly to a noun without additional particles.
• It highlights an unexpected characteristic or outcome.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you use 치고는 in a sentence?

   • Answer: Attach 치고는 directly to a noun to indicate that something is an exception to the norm for that category.

2. Translate the sentence:

   • 그 아이는 나이치고는 키가 커요.
   • Answer: That child is tall for their age.

3. Is it correct to say "학생은치고는"?

   • Answer: No, you should omit the particle 은 and say "학생치고는."

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By understanding and practicing 치고는, you can accurately express exceptions and surprises in Korean, enriching your conversational skills.

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