조차 (jo-cha, jocha) · 마저 (ma-jeo, majeo) · 까지 (kka-ji, kkaji)
조차 (jocha), 마저 (majeo), and 까지 (kkaji) all express 'up to' or inclusion, but differ in nuance regarding emphasis on limits and scope of inclusion.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A particle used to emphasize even an unexpected or extreme case is included
When to use
extreme emphasis, negative context, unexpected inclusion
The nuance
Used mainly for negative, surprising, or extreme situations, typically in the form ‘~조차’. It strongly emphasizes inclusion of something unexpected or extreme.
A particle indicating inclusion of the last or even the most unexpected item in addition to what was mentioned before
When to use
last item included, negative addition, expression of regret
The nuance
Used to include the last or even the most unexpected item beyond what was previously mentioned, often in negative or regrettable contexts.
A particle indicating range, time, place, or degree, simply marking 'up to' something
When to use
range indication, time/place limit, neutral inclusion
The nuance
Indicates range or limit, used in both positive and negative contexts, with a straightforward inclusion meaning rather than emphasis.
그는 밥을 먹지 못했다. 심지어 물조차 마시지 않았다.
geu-neun bap-eul meok-ji mos-haess-da. sim-ji-eo mul-jo-cha ma-si-ji an-ass-da., geu neun bap eul meok ji mos haess da. sim ji eo mul jo cha ma si ji an ass da.
‘조차’ emphasizes an unexpected extreme case.
그는 밥을 먹지 못했다. 심지어 물마저 마시지 않았다.
geu-neun bap-eul meok-ji mos-haess-da. sim-ji-eo mul-ma-jeo ma-si-ji an-ass-da., geu neun bap eul meok ji mos haess da. sim ji eo mul ma jeo ma si ji an ass da.
‘마저’ adds to previously mentioned items, so it doesn’t fit well with ‘심지어’ (even).
그는 밥을 먹지 못했다. 물까지 마시지 않았다.
geu-neun bap-eul meok-ji mos-haess-da. mul-kka-ji ma-si-ji an-ass-da., geu neun bap eul meok ji mos haess da. mul kka ji ma si ji an ass da.
‘까지’ simply marks inclusion and is natural in negative sentences.
아이들이 모두 떠났다. 심지어 강아지조차 남았다.
a-i-deul-i mo-du tteo-nass-da. sim-ji-eo gang-a-ji-jo-cha nam-ass-da., a i deul i mo du tteo nass da. sim ji eo gang a ji jo cha nam ass da.
‘조차’ is mainly for negative/extreme contexts and sounds odd with ‘심지어’ in positive contexts.
아이들이 모두 떠났다. 강아지마저 떠났다.
a-i-deul-i mo-du tteo-nass-da. gang-a-ji-ma-jeo tteo-nass-da., a i deul i mo du tteo nass da. gang a ji ma jeo tteo nass da.
‘마저’ suits negative contexts including the last item.
회의는 오후 5시까지 진행된다.
hoe-ui-neun o-hu 5si-kka-ji jin-haeng-doen-da., hoe ui neun o hu 5si kka ji jin haeng doen da.
‘까지’ is the basic particle to indicate time range.
회의는 오후 5시 마저 진행된다.
hoe-ui-neun o-hu 5si ma-jeo jin-haeng-doen-da., hoe ui neun o hu 5si ma jeo jin haeng doen da.
‘마저’ is not used for time range indication.
시험이 내일까지다. 공부조차 못 했다.
si-heom-i nae-il-kka-ji-da. gong-bu-jo-cha mos haess-da., si heom i nae il kka ji da. gong bu jo cha mos haess da.
‘조차’ fits for emphasizing an unexpected situation.
Which particle is correct to emphasize an extreme case with ‘심지어’ (even)?
Which particle includes the last item mentioned?
Which particle indicates range of time or place?
