그나마?

[orbiter]

What does "그나마" mean and how is it used?

I've read the example sentences in the dictionary but it still doesn't make sense...

그나마 다행이네요, 하지만 아직 아무것도 확정된 건 없는 것 같아요.

일이 이 정도로 그쳤으니 그나마 다행이다.

이것이 두개중에 그나마 나은것이다.

Does it mean something like "despite..."?

[trutherous]

...waiting for an answer... waiting... waiting...

My thoughts on the matter (while we are waiting) to me 그나마 kind of means 'to that extent' -or- 'to a some degree' -or- ' to the point of' -and/or- 'even to the point of'

[manyakumi]

이/그/저 + 나마
or
Noun + (이)나마

I don't know how to explain this in English though...

at least, even
= (이)라도

그들은 물이나마 마실 수 있어 살 수 있었다.
They survived since they could drink water at least.

이나마(그나마) 없는 것 보다는 낫다.
This(It) is at least better than nothing.


Similar expression:

이/그/저/noun + 마저
= without leaving any …까지도 even; also; to the extent of; so far as; besides

그마저 없으면 어떻게 살아갈까?
How are we supposed to live even without it?


~나마 + positive situation
~마저 + negative situation


I wonder if this could be helpful...
Sean.

[trutherous]

very helpful! "at least" seems to fit well! --thanks

[timandyou]

WOW~~~ what an interesting question from Orbiter and what a good explanation from Manyakumi!!!
I have nothing to say about... I do think Manyakumi explains this very good!
줄리아님~~ 설명 좀 덧붙여 주세요~~~~
cheers,
Tim

[trutherous]

ㅡㅡ

[orbiter]

Thank you for all your replies!