항상 (hang-sang, hangsang) · 가끔 (ga-kkeum, gakkeum)
항상 (hangsang) means 'always' for very frequent events, while 가끔 (gakkeum) means 'sometimes' for rare events.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Always; indicates something that happens very frequently or all the time
When to use
habit expression, daily routine, frequency emphasis in negatives
The nuance
항상 is used for habits, repeated actions, or unchanging states. It fits naturally with negative sentences too.
Sometimes; indicates something that happens occasionally or rarely
When to use
rare actions, irregular events, expressing rarity in affirmatives
The nuance
가끔 is used for actions or events that do not happen often. It is suitable for expressing rare frequency in affirmative sentences.
나는 항상 아침에 운동해.
na-neun hang-sang a-chim-e un-dong-hae., na neun hang sang a chim e un dong hae.
항상 suits habitual actions.
나는 가끔 아침에 운동해.
na-neun ga-kkeum a-chim-e un-dong-hae., na neun ga kkeum a chim e un dong hae.
가끔 fits actions that happen rarely.
나는 항상 일주일에 한 번 영화를 본다.
na-neun hang-sang il-ju-il-e han beon yeong-hwa-reul bon-da., na neun hang sang il ju il e han beon yeong hwa reul bon da.
Once a week is rare frequency; 가끔 should be used instead of 항상.
나는 가끔 매일 아침 커피를 마신다.
na-neun ga-kkeum mae-il a-chim keo-pi-reul ma-sin-da., na neun ga kkeum mae il a chim keo pi reul ma sin da.
Every morning is very frequent; 항상 should be used instead of 가끔.
그는 항상 늦게 온다.
geu-neun hang-sang neuj-ge on-da., geu neun hang sang neuj ge on da.
항상 fits repeated and unchanging behaviors.
그는 가끔 늦게 온다.
geu-neun ga-kkeum neuj-ge on-da., geu neun ga kkeum neuj ge on da.
가끔 fits rare frequency actions.
나는 항상 가끔 영화를 본다.
na-neun hang-sang ga-kkeum yeong-hwa-reul bon-da., na neun hang sang ga kkeum yeong hwa reul bon da.
Using 항상 and 가끔 together is contradictory.
나는 가끔 친구를 만난다.
na-neun ga-kkeum chin-gu-reul man-nan-da., na neun ga kkeum chin gu reul man nan da.
가끔 fits infrequent meetings.
Which sentence correctly uses '항상'?
Which sentence should use '가끔'?
What happens if you use '항상' and '가끔' together?
What does it mean?
