V+(으)나마

Table of content

Reluctant acceptance Usage (이)나 vs (이)라도 vs (으)나마

Reluctant acceptance

at least, although, even though

Expresses the speaker's reluctant acceptance of a situation as-is, even though it is not entirely satisfactory.

Example

너나마 와 주어서 다행이다.

I'm glad at least you came.
반찬 없는 밥이나마 많이 자시게.

Even though it's a meal without side dishes, please eat your fill.
먼발치로나마 보게 되어 기뻤다.

I was happy to see it, even if only from a distance.
변변치는 못하나마 많이 잡수십시오.

It’s nothing special, but please help yourself.
늦었으나마 인사드립니다.

Although it's late, I'd like to extend my greetings.

Usage

The form (이)나마 is used with nouns, and (으)나마 is used with verbs.

-(이)나 vs -(이)라도 vs V+(으)나마

(이)나 (Not the best choice)

When the best option is not available, any other options are basically the same, any of them is fine.

(이)라도 (Sufficient choice)

When choosing the next best option, the second best.

(으)나마 (Reluctant acceptance)

Emphasizes regret over a concession slightly more than (이)라도, however they are in many cases interchangeable with little change in meaning. (이)나마/(으)나마 is not necessarily a second-best choice but rather just the choice that is available.

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