Processing keyword: ~는지 알다 [neunji alda] (Know if)

Korean Grammar Point: ~는지 알다 [neunji alda] (Know if)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing whether you know or don't know a piece of information is essential for everyday communication. The grammar pattern ~는지 알다 is commonly used to convey the meaning of "knowing if" or "knowing whether" something is the case.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure ~는지 알다 is used to indicate that the speaker knows or doesn't know certain information. It translates to "know if" or "know whether" in English.

Structure

The pattern combines a verb or adjective with ~는지 (or ~(으)ㄴ지, 인지 for adjectives and nouns) followed by 알다 (to know) or 모르다 (to not know).

Formation Diagram

Type	Stem	Connector	Ending
Action Verb	가다 (to go)	가	는지
Descriptive Verb	크다 (big)	큰	지
Noun + 이다	학생이다 (be a student)	학생인	지
			알다/모르다

Conjugation Rules

1. Action Verbs: Attach ~는지 to the verb stem.
   • 받다 (to receive) → 받는지
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹는지
2. Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives): Attach ~(으)ㄴ지 to the stem.
   • 작다 (small) → 작은지
   • 예쁘다 (pretty) → 예쁘ㄴ지
3. Nouns + 이다: Attach ~인지 directly to the noun.
   • 친구 (friend) → 친구인지

Usage

• Used to express knowledge or lack of knowledge about something.
• Often paired with question words:
  • 누구 (who), 언제 (when), 어디 (where), 뭐 (what), 어떻게 (how), 왜 (why).

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3. Comparative Analysis

~는지 알다 vs. ~(으)ㄹ지 알다

• ~는지 알다: Refers to present situations or general facts.
  • 예: 그가 어디에 사는지 알아요? (Do you know where he lives?)
• ~(으)ㄹ지 알다: Refers to future possibilities or uncertainties.
  • 예: 내일 비가 올지 알아요? (Do you know if it will rain tomorrow?)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 회의가 언제 시작하는지 아십니까?
   • Do you know when the meeting starts?
2. 그분이 누구인지 압니까?
   • Do you know who that person is?

Informal Situations

1. 오늘 수업이 있는지 알아?
   • Do you know if there's a class today?
2. 영화가 몇 시에 시작하는지 알아?
   • Do you know what time the movie starts?

Written Context

1. 이 단어의 의미가 무엇인지 모릅니다.
   • I don't know what this word means.
2. 문제가 어디에서 발생하는지 조사해야 합니다.
   • We need to investigate where the problem originates.

Spoken Context

1. 너 그 소식 들었는지 알아?
   • Do you know if he heard the news?
2. 요즘 그녀가 어떻게 지내는지 알아요?
   • Do you know how she's doing these days?

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: The verbs 알다 and 모르다 are often conjugated to match the appropriate level of politeness.
  • Formal Polite: 압니다 / 모릅니다
  • Informal Polite: 알아요 / 몰라요
  • Casual: 알아 / 몰라

Idiomatic Expressions

• 아는 것이 힘이다: Knowledge is power.
• 모르는 게 약이다: Ignorance is bliss.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Mixing up Connectors:
   • Incorrect: 먹다 → 먹은지 알다
   • Correct: 먹다 → 먹는지 알다
2. Using the Wrong Form for Adjectives:
   • Incorrect: 예쁘다 → 예쁜지 알다
   • Correct: 예쁘다 → 예쁘ㄴ지 알다

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ~는지 is like adding "if" after a verb.
  • Think of 먹는지 알다 as "know if (someone) eats".
• Practice with Question Words:
  • Create sentences using question words to get familiar with the structure.
    • 어디에 가는지 알아요? (Do you know where he's going?)

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~는지 알다 is used to express knowledge about a fact or situation.
• The connector ~는지 varies depending on whether it's an action verb, descriptive verb, or noun.
• Often used with question words for more precise information.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: Attach ~___지 to action verbs when using ~는지 알다.
   • Answer: 는 (받는지, 가는지)
2. Translate: "Do you know why he is late?"
   • Answer: 그가 왜 늦었는지 알아요?
3. True or False: ~는지 알다 can be used for future events without modifications.
   • Answer: False (Use ~(으)ㄹ지 알다 for future events)

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By understanding and practicing ~는지 알다, you'll enhance your ability to ask and answer questions about information you or others may or may not know, which is a vital skill in Korean communication.

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