V + -(으)ㄹ 바에야 (Rather than doing..., it would be better to...)
Meaning: 1) Rather than doing (an undesirable A), I'd rather do B. 2) Since we're doing A anyway, let's do it well.
Conjugation & Pattern
- Verb with batchim + -을 바에야 (-을 바에는)
- Verb without batchim or ending in ㄹ + -ㄹ 바에야 (-ㄹ 바에는)
- Meaning 1 pairs with 차라리/아예 | Meaning 2 pairs with 이왕/어차피
Detailed Usage
Meaning 1: Rejects the undesirable option in the first clause in favor of a better alternative in the second (with 차라리). Meaning 2: With 이왕/어차피, means 'since we are doing it anyway, we might as well do it properly'.
Example Sentences
- 1
사랑하지도 않는 사람과 결혼할 바에야 차라리 평생 혼자 살 겁니다.
Saranghajido anneun saramgwa gyeolhonhal baeya charari pyeongsaeng honja sal geomnida.
Rather than marrying someone I don't even love, I'd rather live alone for the rest of my life.
- 2
늦게 들어왔다고 혼날 바에야 차라리 더 놀다 갈래.
Neutge deureowatdago honnal baeya charari deo nolda gallae.
Rather than getting scolded for coming home late anyway, I'd rather stay out and play longer.
- 3
이왕 할 바에야 즐겁게 하는 게 어때?
Iwang hal baeya jeulgeopge haneun ge eottae?
Since you're going to do it anyway, why not do it cheerfully?
Important Notes
Attaches only to action verbs.
