Literary Addition: -기조차 하다 (Even)

This pattern is a combination of three parts. First, we have the verb or adjective stem. Second, we add -기 to turn that action into a noun. Third, we attach 조차, which means "even." Finally, we wrap it up with 하다. It’s like building a Lego tower of emphasis. Usually, you’ll see this used in negative contexts. It describes things you can't do, don't want to do, or find incredibly hard. It’s the difference between saying "I can't walk" and "I can't even stand up." The second one feels much heavier, right? That is the power of -기조차. It highlights the most basic action that should be easy but isn't.

1. 1Building this is actually quite simple. You don't need to worry about complex batchim rules here!
2. 2Take any verb or adjective stem (like 먹다 or 멀다).
3. 3Drop the 다 at the end.
4. 4Add -기 to the stem (making it 먹기 or 멀기).
5. 5Attach 조차 directly after it.
6. 6Finish with 하다 (or its variations like 해요, 했습니다, 해요).
7. 7Example: 숨쉬다 (to breathe) -> 숨쉬기 + 조차 + 해요 = 숨쉬기조차 해요 (I even [struggle to] breathe).

Use this when you want to sound a bit more formal or dramatic. It’s perfect for describing extreme physical states. Imagine you just finished a marathon. Your legs are like jelly. You could say, "I can't even walk." That's a perfect spot for 걷기조차 힘들어요. It’s also great for deep emotions. If a breakup was particularly nasty, you might say, "I don't even want to hear his name." That’s 이름을 듣기조차 싫어요. You’ll also find this in books, news reports, or heartfelt letters. It gives your speech a "literary" vibe that sounds very sophisticated. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a grammar party!

Don't use this for happy, everyday additions. If you like apples and you *also* like oranges, don't use -기조차. That would sound like liking oranges is a tragic or extreme burden! Use -기도 하다 for neutral or positive additions. Also, avoid using it for simple, logical steps. For example, if you are teaching someone to boil water, you wouldn't say "Even pour the water." It just doesn't fit. Save this for when you want to express that a limit has been reached. If the situation isn't "extreme" or "unexpected," stick to simpler particles like -도.

One big mistake is forgetting the -기. You cannot attach 조차 directly to a verb stem. 먹조차 해요 will make native speakers tilt their heads in confusion. It must be 먹기조차 해요. Another slip-up is using it for positive surprises. If your friend gave you a gift and a hug, using 조차 makes the hug sound like an insult! Yes, even native speakers might accidentally use it weirdly in casual chat, but try to keep it for those "heavy" moments. Lastly, don't double up on particles. You don't need 도 and 조차 together. They are rivals fighting for the same spot!

How does this differ from -기도 하다? Well, -기도 하다 is like a friendly neighbor. It just means "also." It’s neutral. -기조차 하다 is like the dramatic cousin who only shows up when things are intense. While -기도 하다 says "I do this too," -기조차 하다 says "I can't even do this basic thing." There is also 마저. While 조차 usually deals with negative expectations, 마저 often implies the very last thing remaining. Think of 조차 as "even the basics" and 마저 as "including the final bit." If you're at a job interview and you're so nervous you forget your own age, that's a 조차 moment.