Processing keyword: ~는 법이다 [neun beopida] (Usually, always)

Korean Grammar Point: ~는 법이다 [neun beopida] (Usually, always)

~는 법이다 [neun beopida] (It's natural that..., It's bound to...)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing general truths or stating that something is natural or inevitable often involves specific grammatical structures. One such structure is ~는 법이다. Understanding this grammar point will enhance your ability to convey inevitability or natural outcomes in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~는 법이다 is used to express that something is a natural occurrence, an expected outcome, or an inevitable fact. It can be translated as:

• "It is natural that..."
• "It is bound to..."
• "It is the way of things that..." This structure often highlights general truths, common phenomena, or moral lessons.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Meaning

• 법 (beop): Law, method, way
• ~는: Verb ending that modifies nouns (present tense) So, ~는 법이다 literally means "It is the way/law that..." implying that the action is natural or expected.

Structure

1. Verb Stem + ~는 법이다

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~는 법이다 with ~기 마련이다

Both ~는 법이다 and ~기 마련이다 express the inevitability of an action or situation.

• ~기 마련이다: Emphasizes that something is bound to happen as a general rule.
• ~는 법이다: Conveys that something is natural or expected in the grand scheme. Example Difference
• 사람은 실수하기 마련이다. (People are bound to make mistakes.)
• 사람은 실수를 하는 법이다. (It's natural for people to make mistakes.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 사람은 누구나 늙는 법입니다.
   • It's natural that everyone ages.
2. 노력하면 성공하는 법이에요.
   • If you make an effort, you are bound to succeed.
3. 친구 사이에는 이해심이 필요한 법이야.
   • Between friends, understanding is naturally needed.
4. 겨울이 지나면 봄이 오는 법이다.
   • After winter passes, spring is bound to come.
5. 급하게 먹으면 체하는 법이에요.
   • If you eat in a hurry, you are bound to have indigestion.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

• Formal: ~는 법입니다.
  • 예: 좋은 일은 나중에 오는 법입니다.
• Informal: ~는 법이야.
  • 예: 사람이란 다 실수하는 법이야.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, proverbs and sayings are commonly used to convey wisdom and life lessons. The structure ~는 법이다 is often utilized in such expressions to state universal truths or moral principles.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The politeness level is determined by the verb ending attached to 법이다.
  • Formal Polite: 법입니다
  • Informal Polite: 법이에요
  • Informal Casual: 법이야

Idiomatic Expressions

• 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱는 법이다.
  • If the words you say are kind, the words you receive are bound to be kind.
  • Emphasizes the importance of treating others well to receive the same in return.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using ~는 법이다 with adjectives incorrectly.
  • Incorrect: 날씨가 추운는 법이다.
  • Correct: 날씨는 추운 법이다.
    • When using adjectives, drop ~는 and use the adjective directly before 법이다.

Learning Strategies

• Remember: Think of 법 as "law" or "way," so ~는 법이다 implies "It's the way that..."
• Tip: Use this structure when stating general truths or when something is expected under certain conditions.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~는 법이다 expresses that something is natural, expected, or inevitable.
• Formed by attaching ~는 법이다 to the verb stem.
• Commonly used in proverbs, general truths, and moral lessons.
• Similar to ~기 마련이다 but may carry different nuances.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~는 법이다 express in a sentence?
   • Answer: That something is natural, expected, or inevitable.
2. How do you form a sentence using ~는 법이다?
   • Answer: Attach ~는 법이다 to the verb stem.
3. Create your own sentence using ~는 법이다.
   • Answer Example: 시간이 지나면 상처는 치유되는 법이에요. (As time passes, wounds are naturally healed.)

By mastering ~는 법이다, you enhance your ability to express natural outcomes and general truths, adding depth to your Korean language skills.