Processing keyword: ~내내 [naenae] (Throughout, the whole time)

Korean Grammar Point: ~내내 [naenae] (Throughout, the whole time)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the suffix ~내내 is used to express the idea of "throughout" or "the whole time." When attached to nouns, it emphasizes that an action or state continues without interruption over a certain period or within a specific place.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~내내 signifies:

• Throughout
• All through
• The whole time It highlights the continuity of an action or state over the entire duration of a specified time or within a particular space.

Structure

The basic structure is straightforward:

[Noun] + 내내

Component	Description
Noun	Time or place noun
내내	Suffix meaning "throughout"

Formation Diagram

graph LR
A[Noun (Time/Place)] --> B[내내]

Usage Notes

• Direct Attachment: Attach ~내내 directly to the noun without any particles.
• Emphasis on Continuity: Use it to stress that something persists without interruption.
• Common Nouns Used:
  • Time Nouns: 하루 (one day), 일주일 (one week), 한 달 (one month), 겨울 (winter), 수업 (class)
  • Place Nouns: 집 (home), 회사 (company), 교실 (classroom)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. 동안 (~동안)

• Meaning: During, for a duration
• Structure: [Noun] + 동안
• Usage:
  • 동안 indicates the duration of an action but doesn't necessarily imply continuous action.
  • ~내내 emphasizes that the action occurs continuously without any breaks.
• Example:
  • 두 시간 동안 공부했어요.
    • I studied for two hours.
  • 수업 내내 공부했어요.
    • I studied throughout the class (without stopping).

2. 계속 (~계속)

• Meaning: Continuously, continuing
• Structure: Used as an adverb before verbs.
• Usage:
  • Indicates an action repeats or continues.
  • ~내내 modifies the noun to show the time/place over which the action continues.
• Example:
  • 계속 비가 와요.
    • It keeps raining.
  • 밤새 내내 비가 왔어요.
    • It rained throughout the night.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 회의 내내 그는 질문을 하나도 하지 않았습니다.
   • He didn't ask a single question throughout the meeting.
2. 겨울 내내 날씨가 매우 추웠습니다.
   • The weather was very cold throughout the winter.

Informal Speech

1. 영화 내내 울었어.
   • I cried throughout the movie.
2. 그는 수업 내내 잠만 잤어.
   • He slept the whole class.

Written Context

1. 그들은 여행 내내 서로 이야기를 나눴다.
   • They talked to each other throughout the trip.
2. 그 책은 읽는 내내 재미있었다.
   • The book was interesting the whole time I was reading it.

Spoken Context

1. 집 내내 음악이 크게 들렸어.
   • Loud music was heard throughout the house.
2. 공연 내내 관객들이 박수를 쳤어요.
   • The audience clapped throughout the performance.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, expressing continuous effort or experience is common.
• Using ~내내 can emphasize dedication, endurance, or the significance of an event.

Levels of Politeness

• ~내내 itself doesn't change according to politeness levels.
• Adjust the verb endings to match the desired politeness:
  • Formal Polite: -습니다, -어요
  • Informal: -아/어, plain form

Idiomatic Expressions

• 하루 종일 내내
  • All day long, emphasizing without any breaks.
• 밤새 내내
  • All through the night
• 시간 내내
  • The whole time

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Placement
   • Incorrect: 수업에서 내내 졸았어요.
   • Correct: 수업 내내 졸았어요.
   • Explanation: ~내내 attaches directly to the noun without particles like 에서.
2. Using Particles with ~내내
   • Incorrect: 주말을 내내 집에 있었어요.
   • Correct: 주말 내내 집에 있었어요.
   • Explanation: Do not use particles like 을 between the noun and 내내.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for 내내
  • Think of 내내 as "nay-nay," sounding like "nay" (no) repeated, meaning no interruptions.
• Visual Cue
  • Envision a timeline without gaps to represent continuous action.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~내내 means throughout or the whole time.
• Attach ~내내 directly to time or place nouns without additional particles.
• It emphasizes continuous, uninterrupted actions or states over a period or within a space.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: To say "all month long," you would say 한 달 ___.
   • Answer: 한 달 내내
2. Correct the Sentence: 그는 운동장에서 내내 뛰었어요.
   • Correction: 그는 운동장 내내 뛰었어요.
   • Explanation: ~내내 should be directly attached to the noun without particles.
3. Translate to Korean: "I was busy throughout the week."
   • Answer: 일주일 내내 바빴어요.

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Congratulations! You have learned how to use ~내내 to express continuous actions or states in Korean. Remember to attach it directly to nouns and adjust your verb endings to match the appropriate level of politeness.

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