-기로서니 Grammar Lesson – “regardless of…”
-기로서니 – “regardless of,” “while”
To put it simply, this grammar structure, often used with 아무리, is used to express that, even though the speaker accepts or understands the situation in the first clause, it is insuffucient as reason or grounds for the second clause.
Usage
- VST/었/았/였+ 기로(서니)…
- N+(이)기로(서니)/N+였기로(서니)/이었기로(서니)
- Both AVST and DVST can be used, as well as nouns.
- You can use the shortened form -기로 with no change in meaning, but note that -기로 can also mean “decide to” and should not be confused with each other..
A Closer Look
This is a good expression to use for highlighting the high requirements of achieving a goal or to say that an action or behavior is unacceptable. This is achieved by contrasting what to the subject of the sentence would appear to be acceptable in the first clause to the, through that action, unachievable goal in the second clause. That might sound a bit confusing, but just think of it like you would in English. “No matter how much you…you still can’t…” or “I admit that it’s….but…”. That’s why 아무리 is so good to use for emphasis.
Also, this is one of those expressions that people actually rarely use, but it’s still good to know the meaning if you’re taking tests or want to fully understand the Korean language. For normal, everyday life, you can just use 아무리 -어/아/여도.
Examples
- 그렇기로서니 학교 안가는 게 안돼지. – I admit that, but you still have to go to school.
- 아무리 화가 나기로서니 심하게 욕을 하면 안됩니다. – Regardless of how angry you get, you shouldn’t swear.
- 바쁘기로서니 한번도 만날 시간이 없단 말이냐? – While you are busy, do you really don’t have any time to meet?
You can also end the sentence with a rhetorical question.
- 아무리 돈이 많기로서니 그렇게 해도 되니? – Just because you have a lot of money, you shouldn’t do it like that.
Final Words
If you’re having truble memorizing the meaning of this structure, just try and memorize it together with 아무리 if you are familiar with that word from before. If there’s something you don’t understand or if you’ve spotted an error, whatever it is – feel free to leave a comment below!
By Kimchi Cloud
