-을 바에Korean expression · TOPIK 6

-eul ba-e

An expression used to indicate that the speaker will choose the following content, because the content of the preceding statement is less satisfactory.

형태Forms

-을 바에-ㄹ 바에

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to indicate that the speaker will choose the following content, because the content of the preceding statement is less satisfactory.

앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 내용이 뒤에 오는 말의 내용보다 마음에 차지 않기 때문에 뒤의 내용을 선택함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ.

'ㄹ'을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

이런 취급을 받을 바에 다른 곳으로 이직을 하겠다.

Rather than being treated like this, I'd rather switch to another job.

하루 종일 누워만 있을 바에 차라리 밖으로 나가자.

Rather than lying around all day, let's just go outside.

일을 하면서 불평만 늘어놓을 바에 차라리 하지를 마.

Rather than complaining while working, just don't do it.

대화In conversation

헤어진 애인에게 연락하고 싶은데 어떻게 할까?

I want to contact my ex, but what should I do?

하고 후회할 바에 그냥 연락하지 마.

Rather than doing it and regretting, just don't contact them.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-기 일쑤이다 -gi ilssu-ida An expression used to state that the incident mentioned in the preceding statement happens frequently. TOPIK 6 -기 짝이 없다 -gi jjagi eopda An expression used to stress that something is incomparably great or severe. TOPIK 6 -는 한이 있어도 -neun hani isseodo -는 한이 있더라도 An expression used to indicate the speaker's commitment to accomplish the following statement, although the speaker must overcome the extreme… TOPIK 6 -는다는 -neundaneun -ㄴ다는 · -는단 · -다는 An expression used to quote someone while modifying the following noun. TOPIK 6 -는다던가 -neundadeon-ga -다던가 · -라던가 (formal, moderately addressee-lowering) An expression used to ask the listener something to check the information. TOPIK 6 -어 치우다 -아 치우다 · -여 치우다 TOPIK 6

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -을 바에 mean in Korean?

-을 바에 is a expression introduced at 6급 (TOPIK 6). An expression used to indicate that the speaker will choose the following content, because the content of the preceding statement is less satisfactory.

When do you use -을 바에?

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ. The other shape is -ㄹ 바에 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -을 바에 and -ㄹ 바에?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -을 바에?

6급 — TOPIK 6, mastery. It is one of 56 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.