Korean grammar · Level 5
V-(으)ㄹ 바에(야) · V-(으)ㄹ 바에는
If it comes to that, I'd rather … — choosing the lesser evil
Taught in Level 5, Unit 3: Prices up, pay the same
you met -(으)ㄹ 바에야 in a tip in L4-U01, next to -느니. In money talk it is everywhere: 'if I'm going to waste it on drumsticks, I'd rather buy a meal'. Now it becomes a core pattern, because every budget is a choice between two options you don't love.
Example
택시를 오래 기다릴 바에야 그냥 걸어가는 게 낫겠어요.
If it means waiting ages for a taxi, I'd rather just walk.
The full explanation is in the unit · part of the Level 5 Pass, opening soon · Level 5, Unit 3
Practise it in context · Level 5, Unit 3
Prices up, pay the same
The rule with a table, Sori’s tips, practice that checks itself, a review room and a one-page cheat sheet.
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