TTMIK nível 9 lição 28 (Brasil)
In this TTMIK lesson, we will be introducing how -(으)ㄹ 바에 works and where you can use it. Although this grammatical structure is fairly straightforward, the meaning of it is rather complex. It is essential to understand what 바 means. 바 is a dependent noun that is rarely used on its own, and when paired with other verbs, 바 can mean “method”, “content”, or “situation”. Used in -(으)ㄹ 바에, 바 means “situation” or “fact”. Structure Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 바에 = Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 바에야 = Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 바에는 When you link two actions with -(으)ㄹ 바에, you imply that the first action or option is much worse than the second action or option, or it is so disappointing that you would rather choose the second option. Ex) 식은 라면을 먹다 = to eat ramyeon noodles that have become cold 안 먹다 = to not eat —> 식은 라면을 먹을 바에는 그냥 안 먹을게요. = If I have to eat ramyeon noodles that have become cold, I would rather just not eat (at all). Since you are saying that the second option (the action which comes after the -(ㅇ)ㄹ 바에 part) is better, you can also add expressions related to comparisons such as the following: 1. 차라리 = would rather 2. 낫다 = to be better 3. 그냥 = just 4. -고 말다 = to just do something and be done with the matter Sample Sentences: 1. 그 사람이랑 여행을 갈 바에는 저는 차라리 그냥 집에 있겠어요. = If I have to go on a trip with him, I would rather just stay at home. 2. 너랑 결혼할 바에야 평생 혼자 사는 게 낫지. = If I have to marry you, it would be better living by myself forever. 3. 나중에 후회할 바에는 그냥 안 하는 게 낫겠어요. = If you’re going to regret it later, it would be better to just not do it. 4. 이렇게 고민할 바에야 차라리 다른 사람한테 시키고 말겠어요. = If this is going to be such a headache, I would rather just ask someone else to do it. 5. 잠깐 밖에 못 쓸 바에는 중고로 사는 게 좋죠. = If I’m only going to be able to use it for a short time, it would be nicer to just buy it second-handed. Exceptions Since 바 has the meaning of “situation”, -(ㅇ)ㄹ 바에 can also imply “if you’re going to do it anyway”. In this usage, it is usually preceded by 이왕 or 어차피. Sample Sentences 1. 어차피 살 바에는 좋은 걸로 사세요. = If you are going to buy one anyway, get a good one. 2. 이왕 고칠 바에는 처음부터 다시 하는 게 낫겠어요. = If you are going to modify it, it’ll be better to do it all over again.