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

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

~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:

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

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

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.

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

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.

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."

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.