Core Pattern Rule: -(기)는커녕
This pattern expresses that the reality is far from what was expected or hoped for; in fact, the opposite or a much worse situation occurred. It's equivalent to saying "far from X..." or "let alone X..." in English.
Formation
Verbs & Adjectives: Attach -기는커녕 directly to the stem.
돕다 (to help) → 돕기는커녕
자다 (to sleep) → 자기는커녕
기쁘다 (to be happy) → 기쁘기는커녕
Nouns: Attach -은커녕 to nouns ending in a consonant and -는커녕 to nouns ending in a vowel.
밥 (rice/meal) → 밥은커녕
칭찬 (praise) → 칭찬은커녕
차 (car) → 차는커녕
Usage
The pattern sets up a strong contrast. The first clause with -기는커녕 states the expected or desired outcome, and the second clause reveals the disappointing or opposite reality.
Structure: [Expected Thing]-(기)는커녕, [Opposite/Worse Reality].
Example: 돈을 모으기는커녕 빚만 늘었어요. (Far from saving money, my debt only increased.)
돈을 모으기는커녕 빚만 늘었어. / 칭찬은커녕 욕만 먹었어요. / 밥은커녕 물도 못 마셨어.
Native Nuance: Emphasizing the Contrast
The power of -기는커녕 comes from the strong, often ironic, contrast it creates. The second clause doesn't just negate the first; it presents a situation that is significantly worse or completely opposite.
Opposite Outcomes
Look for pairs of opposite ideas.
Praise vs. Criticism: 칭찬은커녕 욕만 먹었어요. (Far from praise, I only got criticized.)
Thankfulness vs. Anger: 고마워하기는커녕 화를 냈어. (Far from being thankful, he got angry.)
Using -도 and -만
Particles in the second clause are key to emphasizing the negative result.
-도 (even): Used to show that not even a lesser, more basic thing was achieved.
차는커녕 자전거도 없어. (I don't even have a bike, let alone a car.)
만나기는커녕 통화도 못 했어. (We couldn't even talk on the phone, let alone meet.)