Processing keyword: ~는 데 [neun de] (But)

Korean Grammar Point: ~는 데 [neun de] (But)

1. Introduction

The grammatical ending ~는데 (는데) is one of the most commonly used conjunctions in Korean. It is a versatile tool that connects clauses to provide contrast, background information, or to soften statements and requests. Understanding how to use ~는데 will greatly enhance your ability to form complex sentences and engage in natural conversations in Korean.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~는데 is used to:

1. Express Contrast or Opposition
   Similar to "but" or "however" in English.

   • It's raining, but I want to go out.

2. Provide Background Information or Context
   Setting up a situation before introducing a main point.

   • I was at home, and then I got a call.

3. Soften Statements or Requests
   Making sentences sound less direct and more polite.

   • I need help, so could you assist me?

4. Indicate Surprises or Unexpected Results
   When the outcome is contrary to what was expected.

   • I studied hard, but I didn't pass the exam.

Structure and Formation

Formation Diagram

The ending varies depending on whether it follows a verb, adjective, or noun.

1. After Action Verbs:

   Verb Stem + 는데
   

2. After Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):
   • If the stem ends with a vowel or 'ㄹ':

     Adjective Stem + ㄴ데
     

   • If the stem ends with a consonant (except 'ㄹ'):

     Adjective Stem + 은데
     

3. After Nouns:

   Noun + 인데
   

Examples

• Action Verb:
  가다 (to go) → 가는데
• Descriptive Verb (vowel ending):
  크다 (big) → 큰데
• Descriptive Verb (consonant ending):
  작다 (small) → 작은데
• Noun:
  학생 (student) → 학생인데

Detailed Explanation

1. Using with Action Verbs Attach ~는데 directly to the verb stem.
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹는데
     • 배가 고픈데 같이 먹을래요?
       I'm hungry, so shall we eat together?
2. Using with Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives)
   • Stem ending with a vowel or 'ㄹ': Add ~ㄴ데
     • 재미있다 (to be interesting) → 재미있는데
       • 이 영화 재미있는데 같이 볼까요?
         This movie is interesting, shall we watch it together?
   • Stem ending with a consonant: Add ~은데
     • 춥다 (to be cold) → 추운데
       • 밖이 추운데 나가지 맙시다.
         It's cold outside, so let's not go out.
3. Using with Nouns Attach ~인데 directly to the noun.
   • 학생 (student) → 학생인데
     • 저는 학생인데 질문이 있어요.
       I am a student, and I have a question.

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~는데, ~지만, and ~(으)니까

Grammar Point	Attachment	Meaning	Usage Example
~는데	Verbs, Adjectives, Nouns	But, So, And	시간이 없는데 빨리 갑시다. I don't have time, so let's go quickly.
~지만	Verbs, Adjectives	But	비가 오지만 갑니다. It's raining, but I'm going.
~(으)니까	Verbs, Adjectives	Because, Since	피곤하니까 쉬세요. Because you're tired, please rest.

• ~는데 is more versatile and can convey contrast, reason, or background.
• ~지만 strictly indicates contrast ("but").
• ~(으)니까 is used to express a reason or cause ("because").

---

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 시간이 없는데 어떻게 해야 할까요?

   • I don't have time, so what should I do?

2. 회의가 있는데 참석하시겠습니까?

   • There's a meeting, will you attend?

Informal Speech

1. 나 지금 바쁜데 이따 전화할게.
   • I'm busy now, but I'll call you later.
2. 집에 가는데 같이 갈래?
   • I'm going home, do you want to go together?

Written Form

1. 그는 노력했는데 실패했다.
   • He tried, but he failed.
2. 가격은 비싼데 품질은 좋다.
   • The price is high, but the quality is good.

Spoken Conversation

A: 이 옷 어때요?
B: 예쁜데 좀 비싸요.
A: How is this clothing?
B: It's pretty, but a bit expensive.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~는데 can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• To make it polite, add 요 at the end of the sentence.
  • 시간이 없는데요.
    • I don't have time.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 그런데 (But, By the way)
  • A common conjunction derived from 그러다 + 는데.
  • Used to introduce a new topic or to contrast with the previous statement.
    • 오늘 비가 와요. 그런데 우산이 없어요.
      • It's raining today. By the way, I don't have an umbrella.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing up Endings After Verbs and Adjectives
  • Incorrect: 피곤는데 쉬세요.
  • Correct: 피곤한데 쉬세요.
    • Attach ~은데/ㄴ데 after adjectives.
• **Using ~는데 Directly After Nouns Without 이다
  • Incorrect: 학생는데 질문이 있어요.
  • Correct: 학생인데 질문이 있어요.
    • Attach ~인데 after nouns.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Attachment Rules:
  • Action Verbs: Verb Stem + 는데
  • Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):
    • Stem ending with vowel/'ㄹ': Stem + ㄴ데
    • Stem ending with consonant: Stem + 은데
  • Nouns: Noun + 인데
• Practice Creating Sentences:
  • Make your own sentences using different verbs, adjectives, and nouns to reinforce the patterns.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~는데 is a versatile connector that can mean "but," "so," or "and" depending on context.
• The form of ~는데 changes based on whether it follows a verb, adjective, or noun.
• Proper use of ~는데 can make your Korean sound more natural and fluent.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you attach ~는데 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   Answer: 읽는데
2. Question: Attach the appropriate ending to the adjective 덥다 (hot).
   Answer: 더운데
3. Question: Translate to Korean: "I'm a student, but I don't have time."
   Answer: 저는 학생인데 시간이 없어요.

---

Feel free to revisit this lesson to strengthen your understanding of ~는데. Practice by listening to native speakers and incorporating this grammar point into your own sentences.

---

© Hanabira.org