Processing keyword: ~다면서요 [damyeonseyo] (Said that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~다면서요 [damyeonseyo] (Said that)

1. Introduction

In the Korean language, expressing and confirming information you've heard from others is a common aspect of daily conversations. The grammar pattern ~다면서요 [damyeonseyo] is used to confirm something you've heard, showing both your interest and seeking validation. It's an essential tool for engaging in dialogues and ensuring information accuracy.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~다면서요 is used when you want to confirm information that you've heard from someone else. It translates roughly to:

• "Is it true that...?"
• "I heard that..., is that correct?"
• "They say that..., is that so?" This expression shows that you're politely inquiring about the validity of information, often expressing curiosity or surprise.

Structure and Formation

The structure of ~다면서요 changes slightly depending on the type of word it attaches to (verbs, adjectives, or nouns) and the tense.

Formation:

1. For Action Verbs (Present Tense):

   Verb Stem + -ㄴ다면서요 (If verb stem ends in a vowel)
   Verb Stem + -는다면서요 (If verb stem ends in a consonant)
   

2. For Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):

   Adjective Stem + -다면서요
   

3. For Past Tense Verbs:

   Verb Stem + -았/었다면서요
   

4. For Nouns + 이다:

   Noun + -(이)라면서요
   

Formation Diagram:

[Verb/Adjective/Noun] + 다면서요

• Action Verb Example: 간다면서요 (I heard you are going)
• Descriptive Verb Example: 예쁘다면서요 (I heard it's pretty)
• Past Tense Example: 끝났다면서요 (I heard it ended)
• Noun Example: 학생이라면서요 (I heard you're a student)

Visual Aids

Conjugation Table:

Word Type	Stem	Ending	Example	Translation
Action Verb (vowel)	가	-ㄴ다면서요	간다면서요?	I heard you are going?
Action Verb (consonant)	먹	-는다면서요	먹는다면서요?	I heard you are eating?
Descriptive Verb	크	-다면서요	크다면서요?	I heard it's big?
Past Tense Verb	갔	-다면서요	갔다면서요?	I heard you went?
Noun + 이다 (with 받침)	학생	-이라면서요	학생이라면서요?	I heard you're a student?
Noun + 이다 (no 받침)	친구	-라면서요	친구라면서요?	I heard you're a friend?

---

3. Comparative Analysis

When learning ~다면서요, it's helpful to compare it with similar grammar patterns to understand its unique nuances.

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~다고요?
   • Usage: Used to ask someone to repeat what they said, expressing surprise or disbelief.
   • Example: 뭐라고요? 다시 말씀해 주세요. (What did you say? Please say it again.)
2. ~다니요?
   • Usage: Expresses surprise or disbelief about the information heard.
   • Example: 그 사람이 왔다니요? (He came?)
3. ~다더니
   • Usage: Indicates that what you heard before has a result or continues into the next clause.
   • Example: 비가 온다더니 지금 내리고 있네요. (They said it would rain, and now it is.) Key Differences:

• ~다면서요 is specifically for confirming information.
• ~다고요? and ~다니요? express surprise and ask for clarification.
• ~다더니 connects a previously heard statement to the current situation.

---

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Below are various sentences using ~다면서요 in different contexts:

1. Formal Situations:
   • 직장을 옮기신다면서요?
     • I heard you're changing jobs?
   • 새로운 프로젝트를 시작한다면서요?
     • I heard you're starting a new project?
2. Informal Situations:
   • 요즘 운동한다면서?
     • I heard you're exercising these days?
   • 그 영화 봤다면서?
     • I heard you watched that movie?
3. Descriptive Verbs:
   • 그 곳은 날씨가 좋다면서요?
     • I heard the weather is good there?
   • 음식이 맛있다면서요?
     • I heard the food is delicious?
4. Past Tense Verbs:
   • 시험에 합격했다면서요?
     • I heard you passed the exam?
   • 어제 파티에 갔다면서요?
     • I heard you went to the party yesterday?
5. Nouns:
   • 민수 씨가 선생님이라면서요?
     • I heard Minsoo is a teacher?
   • 저 곳이 명소라면서요?
     • I heard that place is a famous spot?

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, direct confrontation or questioning can sometimes be considered impolite or too forward. Using ~다면서요 adds a level of indirectness and politeness, making it appropriate in various social situations.

• Politeness Level: The ending -어요 in -다면서요 keeps the form polite yet conversational.
• Avoiding Confrontation: It softens the question, showing you're not accusing but genuinely seeking confirmation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 행복하다면서요? I heard you're happy?
  • Often used to confirm someone's well-being or recent positive changes in life.
• 그 책이 좋다면서요? I heard that book is good?
  • Commonly used when discussing recommendations.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Ending:
   • Incorrect: 가는면서요?
   • Correct: 간다면서요?
   • Tip: Remember to add -ㄴ다면서요 after action verbs in present tense.
2. Mixing Tenses Incorrectly:
   • Incorrect: 먹었다면서요? (If referring to someone currently eating)
   • Correct: 먹는다면서요?
   • Tip: Ensure the tense matches the context of what you heard.
3. Confusing with ~라면서요 for Nouns:
   • Incorrect: 학생다면서요?
   • Correct: 학생이라면서요?
   • Tip: Use -이라면서요 after nouns ending with a consonant and -라면서요 after vowels.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Common Verbs and Nouns: Create sentences using verbs and nouns you frequently use.
• Flashcards: Make flashcards with different verb types and practice conjugating them with ~다면서요.
• Listen and Repeat: Watch Korean dramas or shows and listen for ~다면서요 to hear it in natural contexts.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다면서요 is a grammar pattern used to confirm information you've heard.
• Adjust the ending based on whether it's an action verb, descriptive verb, or noun.
• It adds politeness and softness to your questions, fitting for various social settings.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: I heard you're learning Korean? Answer: 한국어를 배운다면서요?
2. True or False: ~다면서요 can be used with nouns by adding -다면서요 directly after the noun. Answer: False. For nouns, use -(이)라면서요.
3. Correct the Sentence: 그 사람이 의사다면서요? Answer: 그 사람이 의사라면서요?

---

By understanding and practicing ~다면서요, you'll enhance your ability to engage in more nuanced and polite conversations in Korean. Keep practicing, and soon it will become a natural part of your speech!

---

© Hanabira.org