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

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

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

1. Introduction

The grammar structure ~는지 모르다 is used to express uncertainty about a situation, implying that the speaker does not know if something is true or not. It is often used for reporting doubts or asking for information indirectly.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure consists of three main components:

1. Verb stem: This is the base form of the verb without any endings.
2. 는지: This is a grammatical marker that combines the verb stem and ‘지’ to indicate that the speaker is uncertain about something.
3. 모르다: This means "to not know."

Structure

• For action verbs, the verb stem will take the form of ~는지:
  • Example: 가다 (gada - to go) → 가는지 (ganeunji)
• For descriptive verbs (adjectives), the verb stem will take the form of ~은지:
  • Example: 예쁘다 (yeppeuda - to be pretty) → 예쁜지 (yeppunji)

Formation Diagram

Action Verb → [Verb Stem] + 는지 + 모르다
               가다 → 가는지 + 모르다
               (to go)   → (don’t know if going)
Descriptive Verb → [Adjective Stem] + 은지 + 모르다
                     예쁘다 → 예쁜지 + 모르다
                      (to be pretty) → (don’t know if pretty)

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar structure: ~는지 알다 (to know if)
  • Example: 그가 오는지 알아요? (Do you know if he is coming?)
• Key difference:
  • ~는지 모르다 (don’t know if) expresses uncertainty,
  • ~는지 알다 (know if) expresses certainty.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Context

1. 그가 회의에 참석하는지 모르겠어요.
   (Geuga hoeui-e chamseokhaneunji moleugesseoyo.)
   "I don’t know if he is attending the meeting."

Informal Context

2. 너가 지금 집에 있는지 모르겠어.
   (Neoga jigeum jibe inneunji moreugesseo.)
   "I don’t know if you are at home right now."

Written Context

3. 이 실험이 성공할지 모르는지 고민하고 있다.
   (I silheom-i seonggonghalji moreunji gominhago itda.)
   "I am wondering if this experiment will succeed."

Spoken Context

4. 그거 맛있는지 모르겠는데, 한번 먹어볼까?
   (Geugeo masinneunji moreugessneunde, hanbeon meogeobolkka?)
   "I don’t know if that’s tasty, but shall we try it?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing uncertainty can be a way to show humility or politeness. Using ~는지 모르다 softens statements and avoids being overly assertive.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 모르겠어요: Common phrase to express uncertainty.
  • Example: 그 사람의 진짜 나이가 모르겠어요.
    ("I don’t know the real age of that person.")

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the wrong form: Beginners often use ~는지 with descriptive verbs instead of ~은지.
  • Correct: 예쁜지 (not 예는지)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember “moreuda” means “to not know” which can help connect the usage of this grammar point with expressions of doubt.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

1. The structure ~는지 모르다 indicates uncertainty or lack of knowledge about a situation.
2. It is formed differently for action verbs (는지) and descriptive verbs (은지).
3. This structure can be used in various contexts, combining politeness and indirect expression.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the structure for the action verb "가다" (to go)?
   • Answer: 가는지 모르다
2. What is the primary meaning of ~는지 모르다?
   • Answer: "Don't know if"
3. Give an example of using this grammar point in a formal context.
   • Example: [Your own example or reference to example 1] Feel free to ask any questions or for further clarification on this grammar point!