Expression dictionary — full article
Emphasis & Limitation · In my opinion, From what I see, I believe that, It seems to me that.
V+건대 is a formal connective ending used to introduce the speaker's personal judgment, observation, or conclusion. It signifies that the following statement is the speaker's considered opinion or assessment, often based on their prior observation, experience, or analysis. This expression carries a somewhat literary or formal nuance, making it suitable for more structured discourse or written contexts.
Use V+건대 when you want to present your subjective interpretation, assessment, or belief about a situation, event, or fact. It implies that the speaker has reflected on the matter and is now offering their perspective as a reasoned conclusion. It's more formal than simply saying 'I think that...' (V+는 것 같다 / V+다고 생각하다) and can add a subtle sense of authority or conviction to the speaker's statement. It is commonly found in speeches, academic writing, or formal discussions where a speaker is presenting their viewpoint based on evidence or reasoning.
V+건대 attaches directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether the stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.
V+건대 is a relatively formal and somewhat archaic expression, less common in everyday casual conversation. It is related to the more colloquial -건데, which also introduces a premise or background information, but -건대 specifically emphasizes the speaker's judgment or conclusion drawn from that premise. The nuance often suggests that the speaker has carefully considered the situation before arriving at their stated opinion. It's a powerful way to frame a subjective statement as a well-thought-out perspective.