마저 (ma-jeo, majeo)
마저 (majeo) emphasizes including the very last or even unexpected things in Korean.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
A particle indicating inclusion of the very last or even unexpected things
When to use
Emphasizing negative situations, Including unexpected things, Emphatic expression
The nuance
마저 attaches to nouns to emphasize inclusion of the very last item or something unexpected. It is often used in negative or surprising contexts and is stronger than '~조차' (even).
밥마저 먹지 않았다.
bap-ma-jeo meok-ji an-ass-da., bap ma jeo meok ji an ass da.
'마저' attached to '밥' emphasizes even the rice was not eaten.
그는 친구마저 배신했다.
geu-neun chin-gu-ma-jeo bae-sin-haess-da., geu neun chin gu ma jeo bae sin haess da.
'마저' attached to '친구' stresses even betraying a friend.
나마저 그 일을 몰랐다.
na-ma-jeo geu il-eul mol-rass-da., na ma jeo geu il eul mol rass da.
'마저' attached to '나' shows surprise that even I didn’t know.
책마저 읽었다.
chaek-ma-jeo ik-eoss-da., chaek ma jeo ik eoss da.
'마저' can be used in positive sentences to indicate inclusion of the last item.
밥도마저 먹었다.
bap-do-ma-jeo meok-eoss-da., bap do ma jeo meok eoss da.
'도' and '마저' do not attach together.
마저 친구를 배신했다.
ma-jeo chin-gu-reul bae-sin-haess-da., ma jeo chin gu reul bae sin haess da.
'마저' must follow the noun it modifies.
친구마저도 배신했다.
chin-gu-ma-jeo-do bae-sin-haess-da., chin gu ma jeo do bae sin haess da.
'마저' and '도' are not used together.
Which sentence correctly uses '마저'?
What is the best meaning of '마저'?
In '나마저 몰랐다', what does '마저' mean?
