Hannip 한입
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Korean Grammar Patterns
-기에 망정이지
Meaning
luckily…, or else
How to use it
A fixed expression meaning 'it's a good thing that…, otherwise (something bad would have happened)'. The first clause states a fortunate fact, and the implied or stated second clause describes the disaster that was narrowly avoided. It is often followed by 망정이지 + a clause with -ㄹ 뻔했다 or a negative hypothetical. It conveys relief at a close call.
Often pairs with 하마터면 …-ㄹ 뻔했다 ('almost happened').,Set phrase: A-기에 망정이지 (안 그랬으면) B-ㄹ 뻔했다.
Examples
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 우산을 가져왔기에 망정이지 안 그랬으면 다 젖을 뻔했어요. usaneul gajyeowatgie mangjeongiji an geuraesseumyeon da jeojeul ppeonhaesseoyo. | Luckily I brought an umbrella; otherwise I would have gotten soaked. |
| 미리 예약했기에 망정이지 자리가 없을 뻔했어요. miri yeyakhaetgie mangjeongiji jariga eopseul ppeonhaesseoyo. | It's a good thing I booked in advance, or there might have been no seats. |
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