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.
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:
- Action Verbs (Present Tense):
- Verb stem + ㄴ다며 (after a vowel)
- Verb stem + 는다며 (after a consonant)
- Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):
- Verb stem + 다며
- Nouns with '이다' (To be):
- Noun + (이)라며
- 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
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.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Confirming Information
- 네가 결혼한다며?
- I heard you're getting married?
- 오늘 회의가 취소됐다며?
- Is it true that today's meeting was canceled?
- 새로운 프로젝트를 시작한다며?
- They say you're starting a new project?
Expressing Surprise
- 그 배우가 은퇴한다며?
- I heard that actor is retiring?!
- 시험에 합격했다며? 축하해!
- I heard you passed the exam? Congratulations!
Seeking Details
- 신제품이 출시됐다며 어떤 거야?
- I heard a new product was released; what is it?
- 네가 요즘 요가 배운다며 어떻게 돼가?
- You mentioned you're learning yoga these days; how's it going?
Using with Nouns
- 저 사람이 너희 선생님이라며?
- I heard that person is your teacher?
- 그곳이 유명한 식당이라며 함께 가볼래?
- They say that place is a famous restaurant; want to go together?
Past Tense Usage
- 어제 콘서트에 갔다며 어땠어?
- I heard you went to the concert yesterday; how was it?
- 지난주에 이사했다며 힘들었겠네.
- I heard you moved last week; it must have been tough.
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?")
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- Incorrect: 먹다며? (with action verb)
- Correct: 먹는다며? Action verbs require ~ㄴ/는다며 in the present tense.
- Confusing with the Conditional ~다면
- ~다며 (hearsay) vs. ~다면 (if)
- Be careful not to confuse these similar-sounding endings.
- 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.
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
- Conjugate the action verb 읽다 (to read) using ~다며. Answer: 읽는다며
- Translate into Korean: "I heard you're learning Korean?" Answer: 너 한국어 배운다며?
- 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.
- 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."
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.