Processing keyword: ~남다 [namda] (To remain, be left over)

Korean Grammar Point: ~남다 [namda] (To remain, be left over)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean verb 남다 (namda), which translates to "to remain" or "to be left over" in English. This verb is commonly used to express situations where something is leftover, persists, or continues to exist after a certain point in time or after an action has occurred.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

남다 is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It describes the state of something remaining or being left after other elements have been removed, used up, or have passed.

Structure and Formation

Basic Structure

• Noun + 이/가 남다 Used when indicating that a noun (subject) remains.

  예: 시간이 남다 (Time remains.)
  

• Verb Stem + 고 남다 Used to express that after completing an action, something remains.

  예: 먹고 남다 (After eating, [something] remains.)
  

Conjugation

Tense	Verb Form	Explanation
Present	남아요	Standard polite form
Past	남았어요	Standard polite past
Future	남을 거예요	Standard polite future
Plain	남는다	Plain declarative form
Imperative	남으세요	Polite command form
Gerund	남아서	"Because it remains..."

Formation Diagram

[Subject/Noun] + 이/가 + 남다
예: 음식이 남다 (The food remains.)
[Verb Stem] + 고 + 남다
예: 일을 끝나고 남다 (After finishing work, [something] remains.)

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3. Comparative Analysis

남다 vs. 남기다

It's important to distinguish between 남다 and 남기다.

• 남다 (namda): Intransitive verb – Used when something remains on its own.

  예: 빵이 남았어요. (Bread was leftover.)
  

• 남기다 (namgida): Transitive verb – Used when someone leaves something behind.

  예: 빵을 남겼어요. (I left some bread.)
  

남다 vs. 유지하다

• 남다: Indicates that something remains after other parts have been removed or have disappeared.
• 유지하다 (yujihada): Means "to maintain" or "to keep" in its current state.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

• 회의 시간이 10분 남았습니다. There are 10 minutes remaining for the meeting.
• 시험이 끝났는데 질문이 남아 있습니다. The exam is over, but questions remain.

Informal Conversations

• 아직 돈이 좀 남았어. I still have some money left.
• 쿠키가 많이 남았어. 먹을래? There are a lot of cookies left. Do you want some?

Written Communication

• 프로젝트 예산이 남아서 추가 작업을 할 수 있습니다. We can do additional work because the project budget remains.
• 남은 시간 동안 뭐 할 거예요? What will you do during the remaining time?

Spoken Communication

• 영화 끝나고 시간이 남으면 커피 마실까? Shall we grab coffee if we have time left after the movie?
• 남은 음식은 내일 먹자. Let's eat the leftover food tomorrow.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

In Korean culture, respecting social hierarchy and showing appropriate levels of politeness are crucial.

• When speaking to someone older or of higher status, use polite endings:
  • 남습니다, 남았어요, 남을 거예요
• With friends or peers, casual forms are acceptable:
  • 남아, 남았어, 남을 거야

Idiomatic Expressions

마음에 남다

• Definition: Something remains in one's heart; to leave a lasting impression.

  예: 그 노래가 마음에 남아요. (That song stays in my heart.)
  

찌꺼기가 남다

• Definition: Residue or remnants remain (often used metaphorically for lingering feelings).

  예: 아직도 미련이 찌꺼기처럼 남아 있어요. (Regret still lingers like residue.)
  

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Particle

• Incorrect: 시간이 을 남았어요.
• Correct: 시간이 이 남았어요. Tip: Use the subject particle 이/가 with 남다 because the subject is what remains.

Mistake 2: Confusing 남다 and 남기다

• Incorrect: 음식을 많이 남았어요. (Incorrect if you mean you deliberately left food uneaten.)
• Correct: 음식을 많이 남겼어요. Tip: Remember that 남다 means something remains on its own, while 남기다 implies an action of leaving something behind.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Conjugation

• Incorrect: 시간이 남아있어요. (Technically not wrong, but redundant as 남다 already implies existence.)
• Correct: 시간이 남아요. Tip: 남다 already conveys existence; adding 있어요 is unnecessary.

Learning Strategies

• Visual Mnemonic: Imagine an object remaining on a table after others have been taken away. The object is 남다—it remains by itself.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 남다 means "to remain" or "to be left over" and is used to express that something is left after an event or action.
• It is an intransitive verb and is often used with the subject particles 이/가.
• Differentiate between 남다 (intransitive) and 남기다 (transitive).
• Be mindful of politeness levels when using 남다 in different social contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 음식이 많이 _____. (The food remains a lot.)
2. True or False: 남기다 is used when something remains on its own.
3. Translate to Korean: "Do you have time left?"

Answers:

1. 남았어요.
2. False. (남기다 is used when someone leaves something intentionally.)
3. 시간이 남았어요?

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By mastering 남다, you'll enhance your ability to describe remaining quantities, time, and more in Korean conversations. Practice constructing sentences using 남다 to become more comfortable with its usage!

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