-기는(요)

not at all (modest denial)

TOPIK 4

Modestly denies a compliment or claim: 'not at all ~'.

Examples

  • 잘하기는요. 아직 많이 부족해요.

    Not at all good — I still have a long way to go.

  • 도움이 되기는요. 제가 더 배워야 해요.

    Helpful? Not at all — I still have a lot to learn myself.

  • 바쁘기는요. 시간 많아요.

    Busy? Not at all — I have plenty of time.

  • 맛있게 만들기는요. 그냥 간단한 요리예요.

    Making it taste good? Not at all — it's just a simple dish.

  • 힘들기는요. 별로 어렵지 않았어요.

    Hard? Not at all — it wasn't very difficult.

Related grammar · TOPIK 4