결코
gyeolko[kjʌ̹ɭkʰo̞]
The English phrase 'never' is translated into Korean as 결코 (gyeolko).
결코 is used to convey the meaning of 'never' with emphasis on the negation of a possibility.
Meaning: at no time (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 결코 is used for 'never' in a temporal or logical sense, 절대 is a more common, versatile word used for 'never' or 'absolutely not' in both positive and negative contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb 결코 is almost always used in conjunction with a negative verb form to express 'never'.
How do you pronounce it?
gyeolko
Did you know?
- The word 결코 is built from the Hanja character 결 (決), which means 'to decide'. Because of this, the phrase carries a nuance of 'never, by no means' as if a firm decision has been made to deny the possibility.
- Because 결코 is so emphatic, using it in a minor or trivial situation can make you sound overly dramatic or even mock-serious. It is the kind of word used for life-changing refusals rather than just saying 'never' to a small request.
- While 결코 means 'never', it is often perceived as being more literary or formal than the common spoken word 절대. You might find 결코 more often in a novel or a political speech than in a casual text message between friends.
Examples in context
- 너는 결코 통과하지 못해.You'll never pass.Tatoeba #10730735 by HappyMidnight, translation #2255387 by CK
- 나는 결코 너에게 말하지 않을 것이다.I'll never tell you.Tatoeba #5526113 by raining211, translation #3818218 by CK
- 우리가 따돌림의 원인을 철저히 조사하지 않는다면, 따돌림은 결코 사라지지 않을 것이다.If we don't thoroughly examine the cause of bullying, bullying will probably never go away.Tatoeba #11106667 by intertime, translation #2811793 by xylian
- 저는 그 일을 절대로 하지 않을 거예요.I will never do that.
- 그녀는 전혀 믿을 수 없어요.I can never trust her.
- 그렇게 하면 절대 안 돼.You should never do that.
- 나는 그게 절대 안 될 것 같아.I don't think that will ever happen.
- 그 영화는 절대로 보지 말아요.Never watch that movie.
- 저는 매운 음식을 결코 못 먹어요.I can never eat spicy food.
- 친구가 전혀 도와주지 않았어.My friend never helped me at all.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are talking about a difficult task.
- 민지 Min-ji그 일을 결코 포기하지 마세요.geu ireul gyeolko pogihaji maseyo.Never give up on that work.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 결코 포기하지 않을게요.ne, gyeolko pogihaji aneulgeyo.Yes, I will never give up.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨는 정말 대단해요.minjun ssi-neun jeongmal daedanhaeyo.Minjun, you are truly amazing.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 민지 씨.gomawoyo, minji ssi.Thank you, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 결코, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 결코, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
