What does 없는 건가 mean?
없는 건가 means "A way of asking whether one assumes there is none." in Korean.
How it works here
Adding -는 건가 to ‘없다’ (to not exist) makes this a question about whether the speaker’s assumption is correct. The question mark gives it a checking or speculative tone.
Key expression
건가?
An expression used to ask while guessing about a fact or state.
Attach the attributive ‘-는’ to a verb or adjective and form ‘건가’ for this colloquial expression. ‘건가요?’ is more polite, while ‘...건가?’ can sound like talking to oneself. It has more of a guessing nuance than a simple question.
When it's used
Used when the speaker is unsure about a state or fact and asks while making a tentative guess.
The line
알코올이 없는 건가?
Does it not contain alcohol?
The speaker asks about the ingredients of a drink or food.
Scene from “우리가 쟤네보다 낫다ㅋ” · Channel: 9트쫑 Watch on YouTube
More examples
이 약은 공복에 먹는 건가?
Are you supposed to take this medicine on an empty stomach?
이 표시는 출입 금지라는 뜻인 건가요?
Does this sign mean that entry is prohibited?
Quick check
When would you use this expression?
없는 건가
알코올이 없는 건가?
Does it not contain alcohol?
- Holding a drink with an unreadable label and cautiously guessing whether it contains alcohol.
- Stating something already known with certainty.
- Asking for the exact number of the price.
Show the answer
Holding a drink with an unreadable label and cautiously guessing whether it contains alcohol.
An expression used to ask while guessing about a fact or state. Attach the attributive ‘-는’ to a verb or adjective and form ‘건가’ for this colloquial expression. ‘건가요?’ is more polite, while ‘...건가?’ can sound like talking to oneself. It has more of a guessing nuance than a simple question.
Other words in this line
- 알코올
- Alcohol
- 없다
- To not exist; to not have
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