거의 (geo-ui, geoui) · 대체로 (dae-che-ro, daechero) · 웬만큼 (wen-man-keum, wenmankeum)
거의 indicates something is almost complete or near total, 대체로 expresses a general overall tendency, and 웬만큼 conveys a sufficient or somewhat above-average degree.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates that a state or degree is almost complete or nearly reached.
When to use
almost finished task, nearly ended time, almost impossible situation
The nuance
Use 거의 when quantity, time, or degree is close to 90% or more; often used with negative sentences.
Expresses a general tendency or average state when looking at the whole picture.
When to use
generally correct opinion, generally good weather, generally successful result
The nuance
Use 대체로 to describe an overall trend or tendency, allowing for some exceptions.
Indicates a certain sufficient level, meeting expectations or being adequate.
When to use
student who studied adequately, food that is reasonably tasty, skill that is fairly good
The nuance
Use 웬만큼 to express meeting or exceeding an expected standard; it has a positive nuance.
거의 다 했어요.
geo-ui da haess-eo-yo., geo ui da haess eo yo.
Correctly expresses that the task is almost finished.
거의 항상 늦어요.
geo-ui hang-sang neuj-eo-yo., geo ui hang sang neuj eo yo.
‘거의 항상’ is a natural frequency expression using 거의.
대체로 나는 그 의견에 동의해요.
dae-che-ro na-neun geu ui-gyeon-e dong-ui-hae-yo., dae che ro na neun geu ui gyeon e dong ui hae yo.
Appropriate to express general agreement with an opinion.
대체로 비가 올 거예요.
dae-che-ro bi-ga ol geo-ye-yo., dae che ro bi ga ol geo ye yo.
Natural expression to indicate overall weather tendency.
웬만큼 준비했으니까 걱정하지 마세요.
wen-man-keum jun-bi-haess-eu-ni-kka geok-jeong-ha-ji ma-se-yo., wen man keum jun bi haess eu ni kka geok jeong ha ji ma se yo.
Positively expresses preparation meeting expected standards.
웬만큼 맛있었어요.
wen-man-keum mas-iss-eoss-eo-yo., wen man keum mas iss eoss eo yo.
Naturally conveys that the food was reasonably tasty.
거의 맛있었어요.
geo-ui mas-iss-eoss-eo-yo., geo ui mas iss eoss eo yo.
‘거의’ is inappropriate for positive degree like ‘almost tasty’; better to use ‘꽤’ or ‘좀’.
대체로 공부했어요.
dae-che-ro gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., dae che ro gong bu haess eo yo.
‘대체로’ is not suitable for specific quantity like study amount.
When can you use ‘거의’?
Which sentence is appropriate with ‘대체로’?
Which sentence should use ‘웬만큼’?
