Processing keyword: ~다는 [daneun] (The fact that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~다는 [daneun] (The fact that)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammar construction ~다는 (daneun) is used to nominalize a statement, allowing it to function as a noun clause within a sentence. It translates to "the fact that..." in English and is crucial for expressing thoughts, rumors, or information about a particular statement.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~다는 is attached to verb stems to convey:

• The fact that...
• What is said to be...
• The idea/opinion that... It transforms a clause into a noun phrase, enabling it to serve as the subject or object within a larger sentence.

Structure

Formation

Attach ~다는 directly to the stem of action verbs and descriptive verbs.

• Action Verb: Verb Stem + ~다는
• Descriptive Verb: Adjective Stem + ~다는
• Noun + 이다: Noun + ~(이)라는

Examples:

Verb Type	Stem	Attachment	Result	Meaning
Action Verb	가다 (to go)	~다는	간다는	"the fact that (someone) goes"
Descriptive Verb	예쁘다 (to be pretty)	~다는	예쁘다는	"the fact that (something) is pretty"
Noun + 이다	학생이다 (to be a student)	~(이)라는	학생이라는	"the fact that (someone) is a student"

Formation Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 다는 + [Noun]
[Noun] + 이다 → [Noun] + (이)라는 + [Noun]

Visual Aid: Formation Example

Structure	Example	Translation
Action Verb + 다는 + 소문	먹다 + 다는 + 소문 → 먹는다는 소문	"The rumor that (someone) eats"
Descriptive Verb + 다는 + 이야기	크다 + 다는 + 이야기 → 크다는 이야기	"The talk that (something) is big"
Noun + (이)라는 + 사실	의사 + 이라는 + 사실 → 의사라는 사실	"The fact that (someone) is a doctor"

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~다는 with Similar Grammar Points

~다고 하는

• Both ~다는 and ~다고 하는 are used for indirect speech.
• ~다고 하는 is the longer form and can be shortened to ~다는 for brevity.
• Difference: ~다는 emphasizes the content/fact, whereas ~다고 하는 may emphasize the act of saying. Example:
• ~다는: 그가 온다는 소식을 들었어.
  • I heard the news that he is coming.
• ~다고 하는: 그가 온다고 하는 소식을 들었어.
  • I heard the news saying that he is coming.

~다는 것

• ~다는 것 further nominalizes the clause by adding 것 (thing).
• It emphasizes the concept or idea. Example:
• 그가 성공했다는 것은 놀라운 일이야.
  • The fact that he succeeded is amazing.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Written

1. 환경 보호가 중요하다는 사실을 인식해야 합니다.
   • We must recognize the fact that environmental protection is important.
2. 그의 연구가 혁신적이라는 평가를 받았다.
   • His research received the assessment that it is innovative.

Informal Spoken

1. 너도 그녀가 이사간다는 소식 들었어?
   • Did you also hear the news that she's moving?
2. 사람들이 그 식당이 맛있다는 말을 많이 해.
   • People often say that the restaurant is delicious.

Formal Spoken

1. 이번 프로젝트가 취소되었다는 통보를 받았습니다.
   • We have received notification that this project has been canceled.
2. 참가자 수가 예상보다 적다는 보고가 있습니다.
   • There is a report that the number of participants is fewer than expected.

Casual Conversation

1. 영화가 재미없다는 의견이 있어.
   • There are opinions that the movie isn't interesting.
2. 그는 내일 온다는 계획이야.
   • He plans to come tomorrow.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Using ~다는 allows speakers to discuss information or rumors delicately, which aligns with Korean cultural tendencies to avoid direct statements that may cause conflict.
• It is a way to attribute information to a source, thereby showing respect and humility.

Levels of Politeness

• The politeness level is determined by the overall sentence endings and context, not by ~다는 itself.
• Appropriate honorifics and sentence endings should be used based on the relationship between the speakers.

Idiomatic Expressions

• ...다는 생각이 들다
  • To have the thought that...
  • Example: 이 일이 어렵다는 생각이 들어.
    • I have the thought that this work is difficult.
• ...다는 느낌이 있다
  • To have the feeling that...
  • Example: 그는 거짓말을 한다는 느낌이 있어.
    • I have the feeling that he's lying.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Attaching ~다는 to the conjugated form of the verb instead of the stem.
     • Incorrect: 간다다는 소문
     • Correct: 간다는 소문
2. Using Tense Markers Incorrectly
   • Including past or future tense markers before ~다는.
     • Incorrect: 갔다는 소식 (This form is acceptable, but note that tense is typically expressed later.)
     • Correct: 간다는 소식 (The tense is often understood from context.)

Tips

• Remember the Base Form: Attach ~다는 directly to the verb stem without adding any tense.
  • Verb Stem (가다) + ~다는 → 간다는
• Context Provides Tense: The timing is usually inferred from context or indicated elsewhere in the sentence.
• Use with Nouns: For nouns, use ~(이)라는.
  • Noun (학생) + 이라는 → 학생이라는

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다는 is used to nominalize statements, turning them into noun clauses meaning "the fact that...".
• It connects directly to the verb or adjective stem without tense markers.
• It allows speakers to discuss statements, thoughts, rumors, or opinions within a larger sentence.
• Proper usage requires attention to verb types and correct attachment.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you attach ~다는 to the descriptive verb 예쁘다 (to be pretty)?
   • Answer: 예쁘다는
2. Question: Translate the sentence using ~다는:
   • 사람들이 그 장소가 아름답다는 이야기를 했어요.
     • Answer: People said the fact that that place is beautiful.
3. Question: What is the correct form of ~다는 when attached to a noun like 가수이다 (to be a singer)?
   • Answer: 가수라는

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By mastering ~다는, you enhance your ability to express complex thoughts and discuss facts or statements in Korean. Practice by creating your own sentences to become more comfortable with this grammar point.

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