Let alone: -커녕

This grammar pattern usually works in tandem with a negative ending or a word that implies a negative result. It links two nouns or two actions. The structure typically looks like this: [Noun A]은/는커녕 [Noun B]도 [Negative Verb].

The magic of 커녕 is in the contrast. You are essentially dismissing Noun A as a possibility. It’s so far out of reach that it’s not even worth discussing. Then, you move to Noun B, which is something much smaller or easier. When you say even Noun B didn't happen, it emphasizes just how bad the situation is.

For example, if you say, 커피는커녕 물도 못 마셨어요, you aren't just saying you didn't drink coffee. You are saying, "Forget coffee (which is a treat/standard drink); I couldn't even get plain water!" It’s that "even" (indicated by 도) in the second half that really drives the point home. If you forget the second part, the sentence feels like a cliffhanger—your Korean friends will be waiting for the "bad news" to drop.

1. 1Using this grammar is fairly straightforward once you know if you're dealing with a noun or a verb. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, but you won't after following these steps:
2. 2For Nouns: Simply attach 커녕 or 은/는커녕 to the noun.
3. 3밥 (Meal/Rice) + 은커녕 = 밥은커녕
4. 4칭찬 (Praise) + 은커녕 = 칭찬은커녕
5. 5Note: Adding 은/는 before 커녕 is very common and adds a bit of extra emphasis on the contrast.
6. 6For Verbs and Adjectives: You can't attach it directly to the stem. You first need to turn the verb into a noun form using -기는.
7. 7쉬다 (To rest) -> 쉬기는 + 커녕 = 쉬기는커녕
8. 8돕다 (To help) -> 돕기는 + 커녕 = 돕기는커녕
9. 9This -기는 acts like a bridge, allowing the action to function as a noun that 커녕 can grab onto.
10. 10The Second Part: Always follow up with a second noun and the particle 도 (also/even), followed by a negative verb like 못 하다, 안 하다, 없다, or a negative-meaning noun like 욕 (insult) or 적자 (deficit).

You’ll find yourself reaching for 커녕 in many real-world scenarios. Here are a few times it really shines:

• When things go opposite to what you expected: You asked for a raise (월급 인상), but instead, your boss cut your hours? 월급 인상은커녕...
• In physical inability: You’re so sick you can’t even walk, let alone run a marathon? 마라톤은커녕 걷지도 못해요.
• When service is terrible: You went to a fancy cafe for a latte, but they didn't even have chairs? 라떼는커녕 앉을 자리도 없었어요.
• During job interviews: You hoped for a job offer, but they didn't even call you back? 합격은커녕 연락도 안 왔어요.

It’s a great way to express that "I'm having a rough time" vibe without sounding like a textbook. It’s conversational, slightly dramatic, and very relatable.

While 커녕 is powerful, it has some strict boundaries. Think of it like a grammar traffic light—you can't just go whenever you want.

• Don't use it for positive progress: If you want to say "I can speak Korean, let alone English," and you mean you are good at both, 커녕 is the wrong choice. Use -ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 instead. 커녕 is almost exclusively for negative or disappointing situations.
• Don't use it without a negative follow-up: Saying 밥은커녕 빵을 먹었어요 (Let alone rice, I ate bread) sounds very strange to a Korean ear. It needs to be 밥은커녕 빵도 못 먹었어요 (Let alone rice, I couldn't even eat bread).
• Watch the level: This is a B2 grammar point. Using it for very simple things like "I don't like apples, let alone bananas" might feel a bit heavy-handed unless there's a specific reason for the drama.

One of the most frequent hiccups is forgetting the nominalizer -기는 when using verbs. You can't say 가커녕. It sounds like you're trying to speak a secret code that no one understands. Always remember: 가기는커녕.

Another trap is the order of items. Always put the "bigger" or "more expected" thing first.

• ✗ 물은커녕 밥도 못 먹었어요 (Let alone water, I couldn't even eat rice.) -> This implies rice is easier to get than water.
• ✓ 밥은커녕 물도 못 마셨어요 (Let alone a meal, I couldn't even drink water.) -> This makes sense because water is the bare minimum.

Lastly, avoid using it in formal written reports where objective facts are needed without emotional weight. It carries a bit of a subjective "complaining" or "emphasizing" tone that might be too strong for a sterile business report.

You might be thinking, "Wait, isn't this just like -지 말고?" Not quite.

-지 말고 is used for choices or commands: "Don't do A, do B instead." (가지 말고 여기서 기다려요 - Don't go, wait here).

커녕, however, is about the total failure of expectations. You aren't choosing not to do something; it’s simply not happening.

Another one is -기는 하지만. This means "I do A, but..." (공부하기는 하지만 성적이 안 좋아요 - I do study, but my grades aren't good). 커녕 is much more extreme. It’s not that you study but fail; it’s that you didn't even open the book!