치고 (chi-go, chigo)
치고 (chigo) is often used to express comparison or exceptions. Learn its natural usage in everyday Korean.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
Expression indicating comparison or exception
When to use
Making comparisons, Pointing out exceptions, Giving evaluations
The nuance
치고 is mainly used in the pattern '누구/무엇 치고 ~하지 않다/않는 편이다' to indicate that a particular subject does not conform to a general expectation or tendency. It implies 'compared to' or 'for'. For example, '학생 치고 공부를 안 하는 편이다' means 'For a student, he/she tends not to study much.'
학생 치고 공부를 안 하는 편이다.
hak-saeng chi-go gong-bu-reul an ha-neun pyeon-i-da., hak saeng chi go gong bu reul an ha neun pyeon i da.
'치고' correctly implies 'among students' here.
한국 사람 치고 김치를 모르는 사람 없다.
han-guk sa-ram chi-go gim-chi-reul mo-reu-neun sa-ram eop-da., han guk sa ram chi go gim chi reul mo reu neun sa ram eop da.
'치고' naturally means 'among Koreans' here.
어른 치고 게임을 좋아하지 않는 사람은 없다.
eo-reun chi-go ge-im-eul joh-a-ha-ji an-neun sa-ram-eun eop-da., eo reun chi go ge im eul joh a ha ji an neun sa ram eun eop da.
'치고' correctly indicates 'among adults'.
그 사람 치고 약속을 어긴 적이 없다.
geu sa-ram chi-go yak-sok-eul eo-gin jeok-i eop-da., geu sa ram chi go yak sok eul eo gin jeok i eop da.
'치고' here means 'for that person' appropriately.
학생 치고 공부를 잘 하지 않는 편이다.
hak-saeng chi-go gong-bu-reul jal ha-ji an-neun pyeon-i-da., hak saeng chi go gong bu reul jal ha ji an neun pyeon i da.
The negative and positive expressions contradict, making it unnatural.
한국 사람 치고 김치를 모르는 사람이 많다.
han-guk sa-ram chi-go gim-chi-reul mo-reu-neun sa-ram-i man-da., han guk sa ram chi go gim chi reul mo reu neun sa ram i man da.
'치고' implies exception/comparison, so 'many' is unnatural here.
What meaning does 치고 mainly express?
Which sentence is correct?
What pattern does 치고 usually appear in?
