비로소

Korean

Etymology

First attested in the Seokbo sangjeol (釋譜詳節 / 석보상절), 1447, as Middle Korean 비르〮서〮 (Yale: pìlúsé), likely from 비릇〮 (pìlús-, “to begin”) +‎ 어〮 (-é, “infinitive suffix”).

Also attested in the Mongsanhwasang beobeo yangnok eonhae (蒙山和尙法語略錄諺解 / 몽산화상법어약록언해), 1459~1467, as Middle Korean 비르〮소〮 (Yale: pìlúswó). Also attested in the Bullyu dugongbu si eonhae (分類杜工部詩諺解 / 분류두공부시언해), 1481, as Middle Korean 비르〮수〮 (Yale: pìlúswú). These forms are likely from 비릇〮 (pìlús-, “to begin”) +‎ 오/우 (-wo/wu, “adverbializer”); compare 자주 (jaju), 너무 (neomu), 바투 (batu), et cetera.

From Old Korean 始叱 (*PILUs).

Pronunciation

(SK Standard/Seoul) IPA^(key): [piɾo̞sʰo̞]
Phonetic hangul: [비로소]

Romanizations
Revised Romanization^?	biroso
Revised Romanization (translit.)^?	biloso
McCune–Reischauer^?	piroso
Yale Romanization^?	piloso

Adverb

비로소 • (biroso)

For the first time; only after.

Related terms

비롯 (birot)
비롯해 (birothae)
비롯하다 (birothada)