Processing keyword: ~던 [deon] (That used to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~던 [deon] (That used to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~던 (deon) - (That Used To)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~던 (deon) is used in Korean to express actions or states that used to happen in the past but no longer occur. It provides a nostalgic feeling and can reflect past habits, situations, or experiences.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: ~던 indicates that an action or state was true or habitual in the past but is not true in the present.
• Structure: The form ~던 is combined with verbs or adjectives in their past tense.
• Formation: The structure is formed by taking the verb stem and adding ~던.

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem + 던

Examples of Verb Stems:

• 가다 (gada) - to go → 갔던 (gadeon) - used to go
• 먹다 (meokda) - to eat → 먹었던 (meogeodeon) - used to eat
• 예쁘다 (yeppeuda) - to be pretty → 예뻤던 (yeppeodeon) - used to be pretty

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ~이었/였던: Used to indicate a state of being that has changed, focusing more on being rather than actions.

  • Example: (그것은) 예뻤던 (geugeos-eun yeppeodeon) - (That was) pretty (in the past).

• ~고 있었다: Describes an ongoing action in the past without implication of it being no longer true.

  • Example: (그는) 공부하고 있었다 (geuneun gongbuhago iss-eotta) - (He was) studying. The key difference is that ~던 emphasizes that the action or state is not currently true.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 그 영화는 예전의 나를 생각나게 했던 영화였어요.
     (Geu yeonghwa-neun yejeon-ui nareul saeng-gaknage haetdeon yeonghwa-yess-eoyo.)
     (That movie was a movie that used to remind me of my past.)
2. Informal Context:
   • 어릴 때 자주 갔던 곳이야.
     (Eoril ttae jaju gatdeon gosiya.)
     (It's a place that I used to go often when I was young.)
3. Written Context:
   • 그녀의 목소리는 예전에 들렸던 것처럼 아름다웠다.
     (Geunyeo-ui moksorineun yejeon-e deullyeotdeon geoscheoleom areumdawotda.)
     (Her voice was beautiful just like it used to be.)
4. Spoken Context:
   • 이 노래는 내가 많이 들었던 노래야.
     (I nolaeneun naega manh-i deureotdeon nolaeya.)
     (This song is a song that I used to listen to a lot.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

This grammar point often evokes nostalgia, a significant aspect of Korean culture. Reflecting on the past is common in conversations, especially when reminiscing about childhood, relationships, or significant events.

Levels of Politeness

The use of ~던 can change based on the level of formality. In casual conversations, it can appear more relaxed, while in formal contexts, it may include additional levels of speech, such as honorifics.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 예전처럼 (yejeoncheoreom) - "Like in the past" often pairs with ~던 to emphasize nostalgia.
  • Example: 예전처럼 친구와 자주 만나야 해. (I need to meet with my friends like I used to.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Overusing ~던 for actions that are still ongoing. Remember that ~던 indicates something that used to happen but does not anymore.
• Tip: Make a note of experiences or memories to practice using ~던 in sentences.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate ~던 with "done" in English—things that are done in the past and are no longer happening.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: ~던 expresses actions or states that used to happen in the past.
• Structure: Combine a verb stem with ~던.
• Cultural Context: Reflects nostalgia and past experiences.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~던 express?
2. Form a sentence with a verb using ~던.
3. How does ~던 differ from ~고 있었다? Feel free to practice and use these examples and explanations to deepen your understanding of the grammar point ~던!