Processing keyword: ~다고 [dago] (Saying that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~다고 [dago] (Saying that)

1. Introduction

In Korean, indirect speech is commonly used to report what someone said without quoting them directly. The grammar ending ~다고 is used to express indirect statements, equivalent to "saying that" or "it is said that" in English. Mastering ~다고 is essential for effective communication in Korean, especially when relaying information.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The ending ~다고 is attached to the verb stem to convey that someone said something or to report a statement indirectly.

Structure

Verb Stem + ~다고

• Declarative sentences (Statements):
  • Action Verbs: Verb stem + -ㄴ다고/는다고
  • Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives): Verb stem + -다고
• Nouns: Noun + (이)라고

Formation Diagram

Sentence Type	Verb Type	Ending	Example
Declarative	Action Verb	-ㄴ다고/는다고	간다고
Declarative	Descriptive Verb	-다고	예쁘다고
Declarative	Noun	(이)라고	학생이라고

Detailed Explanation

1. Action Verbs:
   • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add -ㄴ다고.
     • 예: 가다 → 간다고
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add -는다고.
     • 예: 먹다 → 먹는다고
2. Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):
   • Simply add -다고 to the verb stem.
     • 예: 크다 → 크다고
3. Nouns:
   • If the noun ends with a consonant, add -이라고.
     • 예: 학생 → 학생이라고
   • If the noun ends with a vowel, add -라고.
     • 예: 친구 → 친구라고

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~라고 하다: Used similarly but often with direct quotes or to command/declare.
• ~냐고 하다: Used for indirect questions ("asking if").
• ~자고 하다: Used to report suggestions ("suggesting that"). Difference:
  While ~다고 하다 is used for statements, ~라고 하다 can be used for direct quotes or imperatives, and other endings like ~냐고 and ~자고 are used for questions and suggestions, respectively.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. Action Verb:
   • 선생님이 내일 학교에 오신다고 하셨어요.
     The teacher said that she will come to school tomorrow.
2. Descriptive Verb:
   • 그는 이 호텔이 아름답다고 말했습니다.
     He said that this hotel is beautiful.
3. Noun:
   • 그녀는 자신이 의사라고 했어요.
     She said that she is a doctor.

Informal Situations

1. Action Verb:
   • 친구가 오늘 영화 보러 간다고 했어.
     A friend said he's going to watch a movie today.
2. Descriptive Verb:
   • 너는 이거 맛있다고 했잖아!
     You said this is tasty!
3. Noun:
   • 그 사람이 가수라고 했어.
     They said that person is a singer.

Written Context

• 연구 결과에 따르면 이 약이 효과적이라고 합니다.
  According to research results, they say this medicine is effective.

Spoken Context

• 엄마가 빨리 집에 오라고 하셨어.
  Mom said to come home quickly.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, indirect speech is a polite way to convey messages, especially when discussing someone else's words. It shows respect and humility, aligning with the cultural emphasis on harmony and respect in communication.

Levels of Politeness

• Using ~다고 해요 is more polite than directly quoting someone.
• Adding -요 at the end can make the sentence more polite.
  • 예: 간다고 해요.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 바보라고 했어요.
  They called me a fool.
• 시간이 없다고 전해주세요.
  Please convey that I don't have time.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Ending with Descriptive Verbs:
   • Mistake: 크는다고 했어요.
   • Correction: 크다고 했어요.
   • Descriptive verbs do not take -는다고.
2. Forgetting the '이' in Nouns Ending with Consonants:
   • Mistake: 학생라고 했어요.
   • Correction: 학생이라고 했어요.
   • When a noun ends with a consonant, use -이라고.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Action Verbs:
  If it moves (action), it needs a 'ㄴ' or '는' before '다고'.
• Practice Conjugation:
  Create flashcards with different verbs and practice adding ~다고 accordingly.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다고 is used to express indirect statements.
• The ending changes based on whether the verb is an action verb, descriptive verb, or noun.
• Pay attention to verb stems and whether they end with vowels or consonants.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~다고 to an action verb ending with a vowel?
2. Convert the descriptive verb 작다 (to be small) using ~다고.
3. How do you report someone saying "I am a student" using ~다고? Answers:
4. Add -ㄴ다고 to the verb stem.
5. 작다고 (He/She said that it is small.)
6. "학생이라고 했어요." (They said that they are a student.)

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By understanding and practicing ~다고, you'll be able to convey indirect statements effectively in Korean, enhancing both your speaking and comprehension skills.

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