Processing keyword: ~는다는 것 [neundaneun geot] (The fact that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~는다는 것 [neundaneun geot] (The fact that)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing factual statements or emphasizing the content of a statement often requires specific grammatical structures. One such structure is ~는다는 것 (neundaneun geot), which translates to "the fact that" in English. This grammar point is essential for conveying information, reporting statements, or highlighting facts in conversations and writing.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~는다는 것 is used to nominalize a verb clause, turning it into a noun phrase that expresses "the fact that [someone does/said] something." It emphasizes the content of the action or statement as a fact or piece of information.

Structure and Formation

Formation Diagram

For Action Verbs:

[Verb Stem] + ㄴ/는다는 것

1. Verb stems ending with a vowel or the consonant ㄹ:
   • Attach ㄴ다는 것 to the verb stem.
2. Verb stems ending with a consonant:
   • Attach 는다는 것 to the verb stem. For Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):

[Descriptive Verb Stem] + 다는 것

Conjugation Table

Examples of Formation

1. Action Verb with Consonant Ending:
   • 읽다 (to read) → 읽 + 는다는 것 → 읽는다는 것
   • The fact that [someone] reads
2. Action Verb with Vowel Ending:
   • 보다 (to see) → 보 + ㄴ다는 것 → 본다는 것
   • The fact that [someone] sees
3. Descriptive Verb:
   • 아니다 (to not be) → 아니 + 다는 것 → 아니다는 것
   • The fact that [something] is not

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~는다고

• ~는다고 is used to quote statements or thoughts directly (indirect quotation).
  • Example: 그는 내일 온다고 했어요. (He said he will come tomorrow.)
• ~는다는 것 nominalizes the verb clause to function as a noun phrase emphasizing the fact.
  • Example: 그가 내일 온다는 것은 확실해요. (The fact that he is coming tomorrow is certain.)

Difference from ~는 것

• ~는 것 simply nominalizes a verb to mean "doing" or "the act of."
  • Example: 걷는 것 (Walking or the act of walking)
• ~는다는 것 adds emphasis on the content of the statement as a fact.
  • Example: 걷는다는 것은 건강에 좋아요. (The fact that you walk is good for your health.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Written

1. 환경이 중요하다는 것은 모두가 알고 있습니다.
   • Everyone knows the fact that the environment is important.
2. 그 회사가 새로운 제품을 출시한다는 것이 뉴스에 나왔습니다.
   • The fact that the company is launching a new product was on the news.

Informal Spoken

3. 너도 그 영화 본다는 거야?
   • Are you also (saying) that you're going to watch that movie?
4. 친구가 이사 간다는 게 정말이야?
   • Is it true that our friend is moving?

Formal Spoken

5. 회의가 연기된다는 것을 아셨어요?
   • Did you know the fact that the meeting is postponed?
6. 학생들이 봉사 활동에 참여한다는 것이 인상적입니다.
   • It's impressive that the students participate in volunteer activities.

Informal Written

7. 그가 그렇게 말했다는 건 믿을 수 없어.
   • I can't believe that he said that.
8. 시험이 연기된다는 게 사실이야?
   • Is it true that the exam is postponed?

Contextual Usage

• Expressing Surprise or Disbelief:
  • 그녀가 회사를 그만둔다는 것은 충격적이야.
    • It's shocking that she's quitting the company.
• Highlighting Importance:
  • 운동이 건강에 좋다는 것은 누구나 알아.
    • Everyone knows the fact that exercise is good for health.
• Reporting Information:
  • 신문에서 새로운 법이 시행된다는 것을 읽었어.
    • I read in the newspaper that a new law is being implemented.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding and using ~는다는 것 reflects a learner's ability to convey complex ideas and factual statements, which is important in Korean communication, especially in formal contexts.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Adjusting the ending of the sentence after ~는다는 것 helps match the appropriate level of politeness:

• Formal Polite Ending: ...다는 것입니다.
  • Example: 그것이 사실이라는 것입니다. (It is the fact that it is true.)
• Informal Polite Ending: ...다는 거예요.
  • Example: 그는 온다는 거예요. (He says he's coming.)
• Casual Ending: ...다는 거야.
  • Example: 내가 그걸 모른다는 거야. (Are you saying that I don't know that?)

Idiomatic Expressions

• ...다는 것은 말할 것도 없다: "It goes without saying that..."
  • 노력 없이 성공한다는 것은 말할 것도 없어.
    • It goes without saying that success without effort is impossible.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Attachment with Verb Stems:
   • Incorrect: 먹다 → 먹 + ㄴ다는 것 → 먹ㄴ다는 것
   • Correct: 먹다 → 먹 + 는다는 것 → 먹는다는 것
2. **Confusing ~는다는 것 with ~는 것:
   • ~는 것 is for general nominalization, not specifically emphasizing the fact.
   • Example:
     • 걷는 것 좋아해요. (I like walking.)
     • 걷는다는 것은 건강에 좋아요. (The fact that you walk is good for your health.)

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Verb Stem Endings:
  • If the verb stem ends with a vowel or ㄹ, use ㄴ다는 것.
  • If it ends with a consonant, use 는다는 것.
• Practice with Common Verbs:
  • Make sentences using frequently used verbs to become comfortable with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~는다는 것 is used to express "the fact that..." with action verbs.
• It emphasizes the content of a statement as a fact or important information.
• Proper conjugation depends on the verb stem ending.
• Adjust sentence endings to match the appropriate level of politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you form ~는다는 것 with the verb 사다 (to buy)?
   • Answer: 사 + ㄴ다는 것 → 산다는 것
2. Question: Translate to English: 그가 한국어를 배운다는 것은 정말 놀라워요.
   • Answer: The fact that he is learning Korean is really amazing.
3. Question: True or False? ~는다는 것 can be used with descriptive verbs without any changes.
   • Answer: False (With descriptive verbs, you use ~다는 것 instead.)

By mastering ~는다는 것, you enhance your ability to discuss facts and convey information effectively in Korean. Practice using this grammar point in various contexts to become more fluent and natural in your expressions.