감히
gamhi
The English phrase 'dare' is expressed in Korean as 감히 (gamhi).
감히 is an adverb used to express that someone has the audacity or nerve to do something. It is typically placed before the verb it modifies to express indignation or shock at someone's boldness.
Meaning: to defy or challenge (verb)
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'dare' as a verb, Korean uses the adverb 감히 to modify a verb to convey the same sense of defiance or audacity.
How does it change in a sentence?
감히 is an adverb used to express that someone is daringly or has the audacity to act.
How do you pronounce it?
gamhi
Did you know?
- English speakers often try to use 감히 to describe a 'dare' as in a game of Truth or Dare, but Koreans use 내기 for bets or 도전 for challenges instead.
- In Korean, using 감히 to describe your own actions is often a way to show extreme humility, effectively saying 'I do not deserve the status to even attempt this'.
- The Hanja character 敢 used in 감히 is also found in the word for 'courage' or 'bravery', making the two concepts linguistically linked through the idea of acting with intent.
Examples in context
- 어떻게 감히 그럴 수가!How dare you!Tatoeba #11105684 by intertime, translation #1612975 by Spamster
- 썅 어떤 병신이 한밤중에 감히 전화를 해?Fucking hell, what idiot dare phone me in the middle of the night?Tatoeba #6820114 by yesjustryan, translation #1241595 by tillyni
- 감히 내 허락 없이 문을 열다니!gamhi nae heoreok eopsi muneul yeoldani!How dare you open the door without my permission!
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are arguing after a mistake.
- 지훈 Ji-hun어떻게 감히 나를 속일 수 있어?eotteoke gamhi nareul sogil su isseo?How dare you deceive me?
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안해, 지훈아. 그럴 의도는 아니었어.mianhae, Jihuna. geureol uidoneun anieosseo.I'm sorry, Jihoon. I didn't intend to.
- 지훈 Ji-hun변명하지 마. 정말 실망했어.byeonmyeonghaji ma. jeongmal silmanghaesseo.Don't make excuses. I'm really disappointed.
- 서연 Seo-yeon한 번만 용서해 줘, 서연이가 잘못했어.han beonman yongseohae jwo, Seoyeoni-ga jalmothaesseo.Please forgive me once, Seoyeon was wrong.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 감히, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
