Processing keyword: ~는지 모르다 [neunji moreuda] (Don't know if)

Korean Grammar Point: ~는지 모르다 [neunji moreuda] (Don't know if)

~는지 모르다 [neunji moreuda] (Don't Know If)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll learn how to express uncertainty or not knowing whether something is true in Korean using the grammar pattern ~는지 모르다 [neunji moreuda], which translates to "don't know if/whether" in English. Understanding this grammar point will help you express doubts, ask indirect questions, and convey uncertainty in everyday conversations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~는지 모르다 is used to indicate that the speaker does not know whether or if a certain action or state is true. It's equivalent to saying "I don't know if..." or "I'm not sure whether..." in English.

Structure

The structure of ~는지 모르다 varies depending on the type of verb or adjective used.

Formation Diagram

Detailed Breakdown

1. Action Verbs (Present Tense):
   • Verb Stem + 는지 모르다 Example:
     가다 (to go) → 가 + 는지 모르다 → 가는지 모르다
2. Action Verbs (Past Tense):
   • Verb Stem + 았/었/였 + 는지 모르다 Example:
     먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 었 + 는지 모르다 → 먹었는지 모르다
3. Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):
   • Verb Stem + 은지/ㄴ지 모르다
     • If the stem ends with a consonant, use -은지.
     • If it ends with a vowel, use -ㄴ지. Examples:
       크다 (to be big) → 크 + ㄴ지 모르다 → 큰지 모르다
       작다 (to be small) → 작 + 은지 모르다 → 작은지 모르다
4. Nouns with '이다':
   • Noun + 인지 모르다 Example:
     학생이다 (to be a student) → 학생 + 인지 모르다 → 학생인지 모르다

Visual Aid: Table Summary

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with ~는지 알다 (know if)

• ~는지 알다 means "know if/whether".
• ~는지 모르다 means "don't know if/whether". Both patterns are used to express knowledge or lack thereof about a particular fact or circumstance. Examples:
• ~는지 알다:
  그녀가 어디에 사는지 압니다.
  I know where she lives.
• ~는지 모르다:
  그녀가 어디에 사는지 몰라요.
  I don't know where she lives.

Comparing with ~을까 봐 (worried that)

• ~을까 봐 expresses concern or fear about a possibility ("I'm worried that..." or "I'm afraid that...").
• Not interchangeable with ~는지 모르다, but both can express uncertainty.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 회의가 언제 시작하는지 모릅니다.
   I don't know when the meeting starts.
2. 그분이 누구인지 모릅니다.
   I don't know who that person is.

Informal Speech

1. 영화가 재미있는지 몰라.
   I don't know if the movie is interesting.
2. 오늘 비가 올지 몰라요.
   I don't know if it will rain today.

Written Context

1. 그가 어디에 있는지 아무도 모른다.
   No one knows where he is.
2. 왜 그녀가 화가 났는지 모르겠어요.
   I don't know why she is angry.

Spoken Context

1. 내일 시간이 있을지 몰라.
   I don't know if I'll have time tomorrow.
2. 이게 맞는지 모르겠어.
   I don't know if this is correct.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

The verb 모르다 changes form depending on the level of politeness:

• Formal Polite: 모릅니다
• Informal Polite: 몰라요
• Casual: 몰라 Choosing the appropriate form depends on the social context and the relationship between the speakers.

Indirect Questions

Using ~는지 모르다 often introduces an indirect question, which is a polite way to inquire about information in Korean culture.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Ending
   • Incorrect: 제가 어디에 가는 모르겠어요.
   • Correct: 제가 어디에 가는지 모르겠어요.
   • Tip: Don't forget to include -는지 before 모르다.
2. Mixing Tenses
   • Forgetting to adjust the verb tense before -는지 모르다.
   • Example Mistake: 어제 뭐 하는지 몰라요. (Should be 했는지 for past tense.)
3. Omitting '인지' with Nouns
   • Incorrect: 그는 학생 모릅니다.
   • Correct: 그는 학생인지 모릅니다.

Tips

• Remember the Verb Type: Ensure you're attaching the correct ending based on whether it's an action verb, descriptive verb, or noun.
• Pay Attention to Tense: Adjust the verb tense appropriately before adding -는지 모르다.
• Use Polite Forms Appropriately: Use 모릅니다, 몰라요, or 몰라 based on the level of formality needed.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~는지 모르다 is used to express not knowing if or whether something is true.
• The construction varies depending on whether it's an action verb, descriptive verb, or noun.
• Adjust verb endings correctly to convey the right tense and formality.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate: "I don't know if he is coming." Answer: 그가 오는지 몰라요.
2. Fill in the blank: 시간이 _______ 몰라요. (I don't know if there's time.) Answer: 시간이 있는지 몰라요.
3. Correct the mistake: 날씨가 좋는지 몰라요. Answer: 날씨가 좋은지 몰라요.

Feel free to revisit this lesson to reinforce your understanding of ~는지 모르다. Practice by creating your own sentences using this grammar pattern!