이나마Korean particle · TOPIK 4

inama

TOPIK 4 4급 Particles 조사

A postpositional particle used to accept something even though it is displeasing or is in an insufficient condition.

형태Forms

이나마나마

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

A postpositional particle used to accept something even though it is displeasing or is in an insufficient condition.

썩 마음에 들지 않거나 부족한 조건이지만 아쉬운 대로 인정함을 나타내는 조사.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after nouns and adverbials ending in a consonant.

받침 있는 명사나 부사어 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

그 배우는 단역이나마 열심히 제 역할을 다했다.

The actor did his best in his role, even if it was just a minor part.

이번 방학에는 짧은 시간이나마 아버지와 보낼 수 있었다.

This vacation, I could spend time with my father, even if it was short.

십부제는 교통의 혼잡을 부분적이나마 해결할 수 있다.

The odd-even license plate system can solve traffic congestion, at least partially.

대화In conversation

제가 조금이나마 도움이 된다면 돕고 싶습니다.

If I can be of even a little help, I'd like to help.

도움이 되고 말고요. 저희는 감사할 따름입니다.

Help? Of course. We are just grateful.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other particles you will meet alongside this one.

까지 kkaji A postpositional particle referring to the end of a certain range. TOPIK 4 마저 majeo A postpositional particle that indicates the addition of the last remaining thing to the current state or amount. TOPIK 4 으로서 euroseo 로서 A postpositional particle that indicates a status, position, or qualification. TOPIK 4 으로써 eurosseo 로써 A postpositional particle that indicates the material or ingredients of an object. TOPIK 4 이든 ideun 든 · 이든지 · 든지 A postpositional particle used when it does not matter which one is chosen. TOPIK 4 이라도 irado 라도 A postpositional particle used to indicate that it is not the best option but the most acceptable among many options. TOPIK 4

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does 이나마 mean in Korean?

이나마 is a particle introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). A postpositional particle used to accept something even though it is displeasing or is in an insufficient condition.

When do you use 이나마?

Attaches after nouns and adverbials ending in a consonant. The other shape is 나마 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between 이나마 and 나마?

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

What TOPIK level is 이나마?

4급 — TOPIK 4, upper intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.

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