Processing keyword: ~는 법이다 [neun beopida] (Usually, always)
Korean Grammar Point: ~는 법이다 [neun beopida] (Usually, always)
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
- Verb Stem + ~는 법이다
Formation Diagram
| Verb Infinitive | Remove Ending | Add ~는 법이다 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 가는 법이다 | It's natural to go |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹는 법이다 | It's natural to eat |
| 실수하다 (to make a mistake) | 실수하 | 실수하는 법이다 | It's natural to make mistakes |
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
- 사람은 누구나 늙는 법입니다.
- It's natural that everyone ages.
- 노력하면 성공하는 법이에요.
- If you make an effort, you are bound to succeed.
- 친구 사이에는 이해심이 필요한 법이야.
- Between friends, understanding is naturally needed.
- 겨울이 지나면 봄이 오는 법이다.
- After winter passes, spring is bound to come.
- 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
- What does ~는 법이다 express in a sentence?
- Answer: That something is natural, expected, or inevitable.
- How do you form a sentence using ~는 법이다?
- Answer: Attach ~는 법이다 to the verb stem.
- 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.