Processing keyword: ~다며 [damyeo] (Saying that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~다며 [damyeo] (Saying that)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing information heard from others or seeking confirmation about something is common in daily conversations. The grammar point ~다며 [damyeo] is used to convey that the speaker is repeating information they've heard, often with a nuance of surprise, curiosity, or seeking validation. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~다며, its formation, and how to use it naturally in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~다며 is a contraction of ~다면서, used after verb and adjective stems or nouns to indicate that the speaker is referencing something they've heard from someone else. It can be translated as:

• "I heard that..."
• "Is it true that...?"
• "They say that..." It is commonly used when:
• Confirming or questioning information.
• Expressing surprise or disbelief.
• Seeking more details about the information heard.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Formation

The conjugation of ~다며 depends on the type of word it attaches to:

1. Action Verbs (Present Tense):
   • Verb stem + ㄴ다며 (after a vowel)
   • Verb stem + 는다며 (after a consonant)
2. Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):
   • Verb stem + 다며
3. Nouns with '이다' (To be):
   • Noun + (이)라며
4. Past Tense Verbs:
   • Verb stem + 았/었다며

Formation Table

Type	Ending	Example Stem	Conjugation	Translation
Action Verb (vowel)	ㄴ다며	가다 (to go)	간다며	Saying that (someone) goes
Action Verb (consonant)	는다며	먹다 (to eat)	먹는다며	Saying that (someone) eats
Descriptive Verb	다며	예쁘다 (pretty)	예쁘다며	Saying that (something) is pretty
Noun + 이다	(이)라며	학생 (student)	학생이라며	Saying that (someone) is a student
Past Tense	았/었다며	마셨다 (drank)	마셨다며	Saying that (someone) drank

Visual Aid

Conjugation Diagram

[Action Verb Stem] + ㄴ/는다며
[Descriptive Verb Stem] + 다며
[Noun] + (이)라며
[Past Verb Stem] + 았/었다며

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ~다고 하다: Used to report what someone said. Focuses on the act of reporting.
  • 그가 온다고 해요. (He says he's coming.)
• ~다면서: The same as ~다며, but slightly more formal or emphasized.
  • 네가 학생이라면서? (I heard you're a student.) Difference: ~다며 is often used when the speaker seeks confirmation or expresses surprise, whereas ~다고 하다 is a straightforward report of information.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Confirming Information

1. 네가 결혼한다며?
   • I heard you're getting married?
2. 오늘 회의가 취소됐다며?
   • Is it true that today's meeting was canceled?
3. 새로운 프로젝트를 시작한다며?
   • They say you're starting a new project?

Expressing Surprise

4. 그 배우가 은퇴한다며?
   • I heard that actor is retiring?!
5. 시험에 합격했다며? 축하해!
   • I heard you passed the exam? Congratulations!

Seeking Details

6. 신제품이 출시됐다며 어떤 거야?
   • I heard a new product was released; what is it?
7. 네가 요즘 요가 배운다며 어떻게 돼가?
   • You mentioned you're learning yoga these days; how's it going?

Using with Nouns

8. 저 사람이 너희 선생님이라며?
   • I heard that person is your teacher?
9. 그곳이 유명한 식당이라며 함께 가볼래?
   • They say that place is a famous restaurant; want to go together?

Past Tense Usage

10. 어제 콘서트에 갔다며 어땠어?
    • I heard you went to the concert yesterday; how was it?
11. 지난주에 이사했다며 힘들었겠네.
    • I heard you moved last week; it must have been tough.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirect Communication: Koreans often communicate indirectly to be polite or avoid confrontation. Using ~다며 allows the speaker to confirm information without directly accusing someone of withholding it.
• Showing Interest: It's a way to express interest in the listener's life, fostering closer relationships.
• Hierarchy and Politeness: Being mindful of speech levels is crucial in Korean culture.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Casual Speech: ~다며 is suitable among friends, peers, or in informal settings.
• Formal Situations: In formal contexts, it's appropriate to use more polite forms such as ~다고 들었습니다 (I heard that...).

Idiomatic Expressions

• 귀가 얇다며?
  • They say you're easily influenced? (Literally, "I heard your ears are thin?")
• 발이 넓다며?
  • I heard you have a wide network? (Literally, "I heard your feet are wide?")

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Conjugation
   • Incorrect: 먹다며? (with action verb)
   • Correct: 먹는다며? Action verbs require ~ㄴ/는다며 in the present tense.
2. Confusing with the Conditional ~다면
   • ~다며 (hearsay) vs. ~다면 (if)
   • Be careful not to confuse these similar-sounding endings.
3. Overusing in Formal Contexts
   • Using ~다며 in formal situations can be impolite.
   • Use ~다고 하던데요 or ~다고 들었습니다 for higher formality.

Learning Strategies

• Practice Conjugation
  • Create sentences using different verb types to get comfortable with conjugation rules.
• Listen and Repeat
  • Listen to native speakers (e.g., dramas, conversations) to understand the natural usage.
• Mnemonic Device
  • "Hear and Confirm with 다며": Remember that ~다며 is used when you've heard something and want to confirm it.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다며 is used to convey information heard from others, often to confirm or express surprise.
• Conjugation varies based on verb types (action, descriptive, noun).
• Best used in casual or informal contexts among peers.
• Be cautious of verb conjugation rules to avoid misunderstandings.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Conjugate the action verb 읽다 (to read) using ~다며. Answer: 읽는다며
2. Translate into Korean: "I heard you're learning Korean?" Answer: 너 한국어 배운다며?
3. Is it appropriate to use ~다며 with someone older in a formal setting? Answer: No, it's better to use a more formal expression like ~다고 들었습니다.
4. What is the difference between ~다며 and ~다면? Answer: ~다며 is used for hearsay or confirming information heard, while ~다면 is a conditional meaning "if."

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By incorporating ~다며 into your Korean conversations, you'll be able to naturally confirm information and express curiosity, making your interactions more engaging and authentic.

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