-(으)ㄴ/는 이상
Used to establish a premise or condition that makes a conclusion or obligation inevitable or logical. The first clause is accepted as fact; the second clause follows as the natural consequence.
Summary
Equivalent
Now that / Given that / As long as / Since
Also: -(으)ㄴ/는 만큼 (As much as / Given that — slightly softer) · -(으)ㄴ/는 바에야 (Since we've come this far — more resigned tone)
Example
Now that a promise has been made, it must be kept.
약속을 한 이상 꼭 지켜야 해요.
Grammar rules
- Carries the nuance of 'given that this is the situation, the following naturally applies'.
- Often used for obligations, decisions, or logical conclusions.
Patterns
Verbs / Adj (Given That / Now That)
Present/Past · Verb Stem + 는 이상 / (으)ㄴ 이상
Example sentences
Now that a promise has been made, it must be kept.
약속을 한 이상 꼭 지켜야 해요.
Given that we've already started, let's see it through to the end.
이미 시작한 이상 끝까지 해 봅시다.
As long as you live in Korea, you should try to understand Korean culture.
한국에서 사는 이상 한국 문화를 이해하려고 노력해야 해요.
Conversation
A: Can't I give up on this work?
이 일을 포기하면 안 될까요?
B: Now that you've already signed the contract, you must see it through to the end.
이미 계약한 이상 끝까지 책임을 다해야 해요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Express the logical consequence of an established premise.
Started studying.
Living together.