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Korean Grammar Patterns
-기가 무섭게
Meaning
as soon as / the moment
How to use it
Means the second action follows immediately, almost simultaneously, after the first — 'no sooner than.' Attaches to a verb stem as -기가 무섭게. The second clause typically describes a swift, often surprising follow-up. Not used for planned sequences.
Stronger immediacy than -자마자; emphasizes barely-finished.,Common with reactions outside one's control.
Examples
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 음식이 나오기가 무섭게 다들 달려들었다. eumsigi naogiga museopge dadeul dallyeodeureotda. | The moment the food came out, everyone dove in. |
| 수업이 끝나기가 무섭게 교실을 빠져나갔다. sueobi kkeunnagiga museopge gyosireul ppajyeonagatda. | As soon as class ended, they rushed out of the room. |
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