Lesson 28
In this TTMIK lesson, we will be introducing how -(으)ㄹ 바에 works and when you can use it. Although this grammatical structure is fairly straightforward, the meaning of it is rather complex. To be able to use it, it is essential to understand what 바 means. 바 is a dependent noun that is rarely used on its own, but when paired with other verbs, 바 can mean “method”, “content”, or “situation”. Used in -(으)ㄹ 바에, 바 means “situation” or “fact”.
Conjugation
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 that the first option is so disappointing that you would rather choose the second.
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 gone cold, I would rather just not eat (at all).
Since you are saying that the second option (the action which comes after -(으)ㄹ 바에) is better than the first, 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
Ex)
식은 라면을 먹을 바에는 차라리 그냥 안 먹고 말겠어요. = If I have to eat ramyeon
noodles that have gone cold, I would rather just not eat (at all).
식은 라면을 먹을 바에는 그냥 안 먹는 게 낫겠어요. = If I have to eat ramyeon noodles that have gone cold, it would be better to just not eat (at all).
Sample Sentences
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.
* You are also implying that staying at home is not particularly enjoyable, but it is better than going with that person.
너랑 결혼할 바에야 평생 혼자 사는 게 낫지.
= If I have to marry you, it would be better to live by myself forever.
나중에 후회할 바에는 그냥 안 하는 게 낫겠어요.
= If you are going to regret it later, it would be better to just not do it.
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.
처음부터 다시 할 바에는 안 하는 게 낫겠어요.
= If we have to do it all over again, it would be better to not do it.
Exceptions
Since 바 has the meaning of “situation”, -(으)ㄹ 바에 can also imply “if you are going to do it anyway”. In this usage, it is usually preceded by 이왕 or 어차피. 이왕 is often translated as “already” or “now that”, and 어차피 is often translated as “anyway” or “after all”.
Sample Sentences
어차피 살 바에는 좋은 걸로 사세요.
= If you are going to buy one anyway, get a good one.
이왕 고칠 바에는 처음부터 다시 하는 게 낫겠어요.
= If you are going to modify it, it would be better to do it all over again.
어차피 잠깐밖에 못 쓸 바에는 중고로 사는 게 좋죠.
= If I will not be able to use it for long anyway, it is better to just buy it second hand.