그냥 가
geunyang ga
The English phrase "just go" is translated into Korean as 그냥 가 (geunyang ga).
This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to leave or depart without further delay or discussion.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 가 is the informal imperative form of the verb meaning "to go".
Which one should you use?
The form 그냥 가 is casual and informal, while 그냥 가세요 is a polite version used for strangers or elders. The form 당장 가세요 can also be used to express the command "just go" in a formal manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be polite when speaking to seniors or strangers, use 그냥 가세요, which adds the suffix –세요 to the verb to make the command polite. 당장 가세요 is also a formal way to express this command.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding –세요 to the verb makes the command polite.
How do you pronounce it?
geunyang ga
Did you know?
- The word 가 is constructed using the very first consonant and first vowel in the entire Hangul alphabet order. It is essentially the starting point of the Korean writing system.
- Because Korean has strict social hierarchies, using 그냥 가 to someone older than you could be perceived as an insult or a sign of extreme anger.
- The verb 가 used in this phrase was recorded as early as 1447 in the Yongbi eocheon'ga, one of the earliest works written in the Korean alphabet.
Examples in context
- 전화로 예약하십시오.Please make a reservation over the phone.
- 지금 당장 회의실로 가세요.Please go to the meeting room right away.
- 시간이 없어서 그냥 가야 해.I don't have time, so I just need to go.
- 그냥 가세요. 저희가 다 처리하겠습니다.Just go ahead. We will take care of everything.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is angry and wants Jihoon to leave her house.
- 서연 Seo-yeon나 정말 화났으니까 그냥 가.na jeongmal hwanasseunikka geunyang ga.I'm really angry, so just go.
- 지훈 Ji-hun잠깐만 내 말 좀 들어봐.jamkkanman nae mal jom deureobwa.Wait, just listen to me for a second.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니, 아무 말도 하지 말고 가.ani, amu maldo haji malgo ga.No, don't say anything and leave.
- 지훈 Ji-hun알겠어, 나 갈게.algesseo, na galge.I understand, I'll go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가, 그냥, CC BY-SA 4.0.
