오히려
ohiryeo[o̞ʝiɾjʌ̹]
The English phrase 'rather' is translated to Korean as 오히려 (ohiryeo).
오히려 is used to indicate that the actual situation is the opposite of what was expected or previously mentioned, often translated as 'rather' or 'on the contrary'.
Meaning: more precisely (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, 오히려 typically appears before the verb or adjective it modifies to emphasize the contrast.
How do you pronounce it?
ohiryeo
Did you know?
- The word 오히려 was documented as early as 1447 in the Seokbo sangjeol, a Buddhist text written to explain the life of the Buddha to the common people.
- While 오히려 expresses contrast, Koreans often use it in a sarcastic way to describe a situation that has backfired, implying that a 'solution' actually made things worse.
- When someone says something that is the complete opposite of the truth, you can respond with just 오히려요 to say 'Quite the opposite'.
Examples in context
- 차라리 집에서 쉬는 게 나을 것 같아요.I think it would rather be better to rest at home.
- 차라리 쇼핑하러 가자. 식당에 가는 것 보다 더 좋을 거 같아.Let's go shopping instead. I think it would be even better than going to a restaurant.
- 오히려 좋아Rather, it's better
- 그건 도와주는 게 아니라 오히려 방해가 돼요.geugeon dowajuneun ge anira ohiryeo banghaega dwaeyo.That is not helping, but rather it is hindering.
- 비가 와서 덥기는커녕 오히려 시원해졌어요.biga waseo deopgin-gyeonyeo ohiryeo siwonhaejyeosseoyo.Instead of being hot because of the rain, it rather became cool.
- 그 사람은 친절하기보다 오히려 까다로워요.geu sarameun chinjeolhagiboda ohiryeo kkadarowayo.Rather than being kind, that person is actually quite picky.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new office rule.
- 서연 Seo-yeon새 규칙이 업무에 도움이 될까요?sae gyuchigi eommu-e doumi doelkkayo?Will the new rule be helpful for work?
- 도현 Do-hyeon도움이 되기보다 오히려 더 복잡해질 것 같아요.doumi dogiboda ohiryeo deo bokjaphaejil geot gatayo.Rather than being helpful, I think it will become more complicated.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨 말대로 업무가 늘어날 것 같네요.Dohyeon ssi maldaero eommu-ga neureonal geot gatneyo.Like you said, Dohyeon, it seems like the workload will increase.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 오히려 시간이 더 많이 필요할 거예요.ne, ohiryeo sigani deo mani piryohal geoyeyo.Yes, rather, it will require more time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 오히려, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오히려, CC BY-SA 4.0.
