How To Say Without Exception In Korean: 치고
The N + 치고 structure is used in Korean to emphasize that a characteristic or trait of a certain noun is true across the board, without exception.
One key feature of this structure is that it often comes hand-in-hand with a double negative, adding emphasis to the universality of the statement.
Let’s dive into some examples:
영국사람치고 차를 싫어하는 사람은 없어요.
Among the British, there are no people who hate tea.
Among the British, there are no people who hate tea.
This translates to: “There isn’t a Brit who doesn’t love tea.”
한국인치고 김치를 싫어하는 사람은 없어요.
There isn't a Korean that doesn't love kimchi.
There isn't a Korean that doesn't love kimchi.
게임을 좋아하는 사람치고 나쁜사람은 없어요!
Among those who love video games, there are no bad people.
Among those who love video games, there are no bad people.
This can be interpreted as: “All people who love video games are great!”
한국인치고 싸이를 모르는 사람은 없어요.
There isn't a Korean who hasn't heard of Psy.
There isn't a Korean who hasn't heard of Psy.
K-팝 가수치고 성형 수술을 안 받은 가수 본 적이 있어요?
Among K-pop singers, have you ever seen singers without surgery?
Among K-pop singers, have you ever seen singers without surgery?
A more natural translation might be: “Have you ever seen a K-Pop singer who hasn’t had plastic surgery?”
By understanding the N + 치고 structure, you can effortlessly express concepts that touch on universality and general truths in the Korean language.
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