바라건대
barageondae
The English phrase 'hopefully' is translated into Korean as 바라건대 (barageondae).
바라건대 is used to express the sentiment that something is hoped for. It functions as a sentence adverbial, which means it is typically placed at the very beginning of a sentence to set the tone for the entire statement.
Meaning: it is hoped that (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the verb 바라다, meaning 'to hope' and the connective ending –건대, which functions similarly to 'if' or 'given that' in a concessive sense, literally translating to 'if (I/one) hope'.
Which one should you use?
While 바라건대 is the default form, you may also see 희망하건대, which can also translate to 'hopefully' or 'fingers crossed'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
바라건대 is quite formal and literary. It is often found in written texts, speeches or formal announcements rather than in casual daily conversation. The form 희망하건대 is also noted for its formal usage.
How do you pronounce it?
barageondae
Did you know?
- The root verb 바라다 is frequently used incorrectly as 바래다 by native speakers in casual speech, though the latter actually means 'to fade' in standard Korean.
- If you want to express 'hopefully' in a text message to a friend, you would likely replace this formal version with a verb ending like ~했으면 좋겠다, which literally means 'it would be good if…'.
- The connective ending –건대 is a rare grammatical relic that is now almost exclusively found in formal expressions of hope or perspective.
Examples in context
- 내일 날씨가 좋아지면 좋겠어.Hopefully, the weather will get better tomorrow.
- 바라건대, 네가 건강하게 지냈으면 해.barageondae, nega geonganghage jinaesseumyeon hae.Hopefully, you stay healthy.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are talking about a job application result.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 면접 결과 언제 나와요?Jihun ssi, myeonjeop gyeolgwa eonje nawayo?Jihun, when do the interview results come out?
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 주 금요일에 나온다고 하네요.ibeon ju geumyoil-e naondago haneyo.They said they come out this Friday.
- 민지 Min-ji바라건대 두 분 다 합격하셨으면 좋겠어요.barageondae du bun da hapgyeokhasseumyeon jokgesseoyo.Hopefully, I hope you both passed.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사해요, 민지 씨도 행운을 빌어요.gamsahaeyo, Minji ssi-do haenguneul bireoyo.Thank you, Minji, I wish you luck too.
