V + -기가 무섭게 (No sooner than, the very instant)
Meaning: No sooner ... than / the very moment ... (an emphatic form of -자마자 stressing instantaneous succession).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Verb stem (V) + -기가 무섭게
Detailed Usage
Attaches to action verbs to emphasize that the second action follows the completion of the first instantaneously without a moment's delay.
Example Sentences
- 1
남편은 집에 들어오기가 무섭게 아이부터 찾아요.
Nampyeoneun jibe deureoogiga museopge aibuteo chajayo.
The moment my husband steps into the house, he looks for the child first.
- 2
초인종 벨이 울리기가 무섭게 나가서 택배를 받아 왔어요.
Choinjong beri ulligiga museopge nagaseo taekbaereul bada wasseoyo.
No sooner had the doorbell rung than I went out and received the parcel.
- 3
그는 아침에 일어나기가 무섭게 텔레비전 뉴스부터 본다.
Geuneun achime ireonagiga museopge tellebijeon nyuseubuteo bonda.
The instant he wakes up in the morning, he watches the TV news first.
Important Notes
Interchangeable with '-기가 바쁘게' and stronger than '-자마자'. Used only with action verbs.
