📖 Words B1

괜히

gwaenhi

for no reason / pointlessly / in vain

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What it means

괜히 means "for no good reason," "pointlessly," or "unnecessarily." Used when you did something that turned out to be a waste of time or effort, or when you're doing something without clear purpose.

Nuance & when to use

괜히 갔어요 = I went for nothing / it was a wasted trip. 괜히 화가 났어요 = I got angry for no reason. 괜히 걱정했어요 = I worried for nothing. Very common in self-reflection or mild regret. 그냥 괜히 = just because, for no particular reason.

⚠ Common mistake

괜히 ≠ 왜 (why). 괜히 describes an action done without good reason. 왜 asks the reason.

Example sentences

괜히 걱정했어요. Gwaenhi geokjeonghasseoyo. I worried for nothing.
괜히 말했나봐요. Gwaenhi malhaennabwayo. Maybe I shouldn't have said that.
괜히 기분이 좋아요. Gwaenhi gibuni joayo. I feel good for no reason.

See also

그냥 이유 없이 쓸데없이
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

취향 chwihyang taste / preference / personal style 귀찮아요 gwichanhayo It's bothersome / I can't be bothered 슬픔 seulpeum sadness / sorrow
← 경험 귀찮아요 →

FAQ

When is this used?

괜히 갔어요 = I went for nothing / it was a wasted trip. 괜히 화가 났어요 = I got angry for no reason. 괜히 걱정했어요 = I worried for nothing. Very common in self-reflection or mild regret. 그냥 괜히 = just because, for no particular reason.

What's a common mistake?

괜히 ≠ 왜 (why). 괜히 describes an action done without good reason. 왜 asks the reason.

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