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

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

1. Introduction

In Korean, the structure ~다는 것 is used to express "the fact that..." by turning a clause into a noun phrase. This nominalization allows speakers to discuss actions or states as concrete facts, emphasizing the information conveyed.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~다는 것 is used to nominalize a clause, enabling it to function as a noun within a sentence.
• It translates to "the fact that..." in English.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 다는 것

How to Form

1. For Action Verbs (Present Tense):
   • Verb Stem + -는다는 것
     • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹는다는 것 (the fact that [someone] eats)
     • 가다 (to go) → 간다는 것 (the fact that [someone] goes)
2. For Descriptive Verbs/Adjectives (Present Tense):
   • Adjective Stem + -다는 것
     • 빠르다 (to be fast) → 빠르다는 것 (the fact that [something] is fast)
     • 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘다는 것 (the fact that [someone] is pretty)
3. For Past Tense:
   • Verb/Adjective Past Stem + -았/었/였다는 것
     • 먹었다 → 먹었다는 것 (the fact that [someone] ate)
     • 예뻤다 → 예뻤다는 것 (the fact that [someone] was pretty)
4. For Future Tense:
   • Verb/Adjective Future Stem + -(으)ㄹ 거라는 것
     • 갈 것이다 → 갈 거라는 것 (the fact that [someone] will go)
     • 예쁠 것이다 → 예쁠 거라는 것 (the fact that [someone] will be pretty)

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

Tense	Verb/Adjective	Stem	Ending	Result
Present	먹다 (to eat)	먹	는다는 것	먹는다는 것
Present	예쁘다 (to be pretty)	예쁘	다는 것	예쁘다는 것
Past	먹었다 (ate)	먹었	다는 것	먹었다는 것
Future	갈 것이다 (will go)	갈 거	라는 것	갈 거라는 것

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~는 것

• ~는 것 also nominalizes verbs but generally refers to the action itself (akin to "-ing" in English).

  • Example:
    • 책 읽는 것 좋아해요.
      • I like reading books.

• ~다는 것 emphasizes the fact that something happens or is the case.

  • Example:
    • 그가 책을 읽는다는 것을 몰랐어요.
      • I didn't know the fact that he reads books.

Comparison with ~다고

• ~다고 is used to quote or report speech, thoughts, or statements.
  • Example:
    • 그녀가 온다고 했어요.
      • She said that she is coming.
• ~다는 것 turns that reported speech into a noun phrase, focusing on the fact itself.
  • Example:
    • 그녀가 온다는 것을 들었어요.
      • I heard the fact that she is coming.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Written:
   • 환경이 중요하다는 것은 모두가 알고 있습니다.
     • Translation: Everyone knows the fact that the environment is important.
2. Informal Spoken:
   • 너도 거기 간다는 거 맞아?
     • Translation: Is it true that you're going there too?
3. Polite Spoken:
   • 선생님이 내일 오신다는 것을 들었습니다.
     • Translation: I heard the fact that the teacher is coming tomorrow.
4. Casual Written:
   • 그 영화가 재미있다는 게 사실이야?
     • Translation: Is it true that that movie is interesting?
5. Formal Speech:
   • 여러분이 노력했다는 것은 잊지 않겠습니다.
     • Translation: I will not forget the fact that you all made an effort.

Example Breakdown

• 환경이 중요하다는 것은 모두가 알고 있습니다.
  • 환경이: Environment + Subject marker
  • 중요하다는 것은: The fact that [it] is important
  • 모두가: Everyone + Subject marker
  • 알고 있습니다: Knows (formal)

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasizing facts or information is common in Korean communication.
• Using ~다는 것 highlights the importance or certainty of information shared.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The formality is adjusted through sentence endings, not the ~다는 것 structure.
  • Formal: ~~다는 것을 알고 있습니다.
  • Informal: ~~다는 거 알아.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 다는 말이야: Used to emphasize or clarify a point.
  • Example:
    • 내일 간다는 말이야?
      • Do you mean (the fact) that you're going tomorrow?

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting the '는' in the Present Tense
   • Incorrect: 그는 온다 것 몰랐어요.
   • Correct: 그는 온다는 것 몰랐어요.
     • I didn't know the fact that he is coming.
2. Mixing Up Tenses
   • Incorrect: 그가 먹는다는 것을 어제 들었어요.
   • Correct: 그가 먹었다는 것을 어제 들었어요.
     • (Assuming the eating happened in the past)
3. Using the Wrong Ending for Adjectives
   • Incorrect: 날씨가 춥다는 것을 몰랐어요.
   • Correct: 날씨가 춥다는 것 몰랐어요.
     • Since adjectives already end with 다, just add 는 것.

Learning Strategies

• Tip: Remember that ~다는 것 emphasizes the fact of the clause.

• Practice: Convert direct statements into nominalized facts.

  • Statement: 비가 온다. (It's raining.)
  • Nominalized: 비가 온다는 것 (The fact that it's raining)

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다는 것 is used to nominalize clauses, meaning "the fact that..."
• It emphasizes the information as a single, notable fact.
• Proper conjugation is crucial for clarity and correctness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you nominalize the verb 알다 (to know) using ~다는 것?
   • Answer: 안다는 것
2. Translate to English:
   • 친구가 결혼한다는 것을 들었어요.
     • Answer: I heard the fact that my friend is getting married.
3. Identify and correct the error:
   • 그가 축구를 한다는 것을 재미있어요.
     • Correction: 그가 축구를 한다는 것이 재미있어요.
       • (Using '것이' as the subject of the sentence)

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By understanding and practicing ~다는 것, you can more effectively express and emphasize facts in Korean, enhancing both your written and spoken communication.

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