Processing keyword: ~다니 [dani] (Expressing disbelief)

Korean Grammar Point: ~다니 [dani] (Expressing disbelief)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the suffix ~다니 is used to express surprise, disbelief, or amazement upon learning new information or witnessing an unexpected situation. This grammatical structure allows the speaker to convey emotions akin to "I can't believe that..." or "How could it be that..." in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The ~다니 ending is attached to verbs and adjectives to express the speaker's astonishment or disbelief about a fact or situation. It emphasizes the unexpectedness or incredulity of the information received.

Structure

Formation

1. For Verbs and Adjectives:
   • Verb/Adjective Stem + 다니
2. For Nouns with '이다':
   • Noun + (이)라니
     • Use 이라니 after consonant-ending nouns.
     • Use 라니 after vowel-ending nouns.

Formation Diagram

Word Type	Word	Stem	Suffix	Result
Action Verb	가다 (to go)	가	다니	가다니
Descriptive Verb	크다 (to be big)	크	다니	크다니
Noun (consonant)	집 (house)	집	이라니	집이라니
Noun (vowel)	친구 (friend)	친구	라니	친구라니

Usage Notes

• Used to express surprise, disbelief, or amazement.
• Often followed by exclamatory endings or further comments expressing the speaker's feelings.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Structure	Usage
~다니	Verb/Adj + 다니	Expressing disbelief or surprise about a fact
~다니요	Verb/Adj + 다니요	Polite version, often used in questions
~더니	Verb/Adj + 더니	Indicating cause or contrast in experiences
~네	Verb/Adj + 네	Expressing surprise or impression

• ~다니 vs. ~더니: While both can be used with verbs and adjectives, ~다니 expresses disbelief about a current fact, whereas ~더니 is used to contrast past experiences with the present.
• ~다니 vs. ~네: ~네 is used to express a realization or impression, whereas ~다니 emphasizes disbelief.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Speech
   • 그렇게 빨리 끝냈다니 믿을 수 없어!
     • I can't believe you finished it so quickly!
   • 그녀가 이사를 갔다니 정말이야?
     • She moved away? Is that true?
2. Formal Speech
   • 그분이 직접 오셨다니 놀랍습니다.
     • I'm surprised that he came in person.
   • 가격이 이렇게 올랐다니 충격적이군요.
     • It's shocking that the price has increased like this.
3. Written Context
   • 그가 우승했다니 예상 밖의 결과였다.
     • That he won was an unexpected result.
4. Spoken Casual Conversation
   • 너가 그런 말을 했다니 믿기 어렵다.
     • It's hard to believe that you said that.
5. With Nouns
   • 이게 무료라니 정말이야?
     • This is free? Really?
   • 그 사람이 범인이라니 말도 안 돼!
     • That person is the culprit? That's ridiculous!

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• ~다니 is relatively neutral in politeness but can be adjusted by adding polite endings:
  • ~다니요 is a more polite form, suitable for formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 세상에 이런 일이 있다니!
  • I can't believe such a thing is happening in the world!
  • Used to express extreme surprise or disbelief about an unusual event.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing ~다니 with ~더니
   • Incorrect: 비가 온다니 우산을 가져가야겠어. (Using ~다니 to indicate cause and effect.)
   • Correct: 비가 오더니 길이 미끄럽다. (~더니 is appropriate for contrasting past and present.)
2. Misplacing the Suffix
   • Incorrect: 갔다니 공부하자.
   • Correct: 갔다니까 공부하자. (Using ~니까 to indicate reason; ~다니 is for expressing disbelief.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~다니 as "Da-nee?!" as in "Really?!", expressing surprise.
• Practice: Create sentences about surprising facts you learn daily to get comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다니 is used to express surprise or disbelief about a fact or situation.
• Attach ~다니 directly to the verb or adjective stem.
• For nouns with '이다', use (이)라니.
• It conveys emotions similar to "I can't believe that..." in English.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~다니 to the adjective 예쁘다 (to be pretty)?
   • Answer: 예쁘다니
2. Translate the following sentence: "He got married already? I can't believe it!"
   • Answer: 그가 벌써 결혼했다니 믿을 수 없어!
3. Which form of ~다니 would you use after the noun 친구 (friend)?
   • Answer: 친구라니

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By understanding and practicing ~다니, you can more naturally express your surprise and disbelief in Korean conversations. Remember to pay attention to the context and the formality level of your speech to communicate effectively!

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