Processing keyword: ~던 [deon] (That used to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~던 [deon] (That used to)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing past actions or states that were ongoing or habitual requires specific grammatical constructions. The suffix ~던 is one such tool, allowing speakers to convey nuances about past experiences, memories, or unfinished actions. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~던, helping you understand how to accurately express "that used to" or "used to be" in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
The suffix ~던 attaches to verbs and adjectives to indicate actions or states that were:
- Repeated or habitual in the past.
- Ongoing in the past but are no longer happening.
- Unfinished actions observed in the past. It reflects a reminiscence or recollection of past events from the speaker's perspective.
Meaning, Structure, and Formation
Meaning
~던 conveys:
- "Used to...": Expressing habitual past actions.
- "That was...": Describing a past state or unfinished action.
Structure
The formation of ~던 depends on whether it attaches to a verb or adjective.
- Verb/Adjective Stem + 던
Formation Diagram
[ Verb/Adjective Stem ] + 던
Examples of Verb and Adjective Stems
| Type | Infinitive Form | Stem | + 던 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verb | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹던 |
| Verb | 가다 (to go) | 가 | 가던 |
| Adjective | 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘 | 예쁘던 |
| Adjective | 크다 (to be big) | 크 | 크던 |
3. Comparative Analysis
~던 vs. ~았/었던
- ~던: Emphasizes an action that was ongoing or habitual in the past but is incomplete or no longer occurring.
- ~았/었던: Used for actions that were completed in the past.
Comparison Table
Usage ~던 ~았/었던 Unfinished past actions ✔ ✖ Completed past actions ✖ ✔ Habitual past actions ✔ ✔ (less emphasis on habit)
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
1. Habitual Past Action (Informal)
- Korean: 내가 자주 가던 카페가 문을 닫았어.
- Romanization: Naega jaju gadeon kapega muneul datasseo.
- Translation: The café I used to go to often has closed down.
2. Ongoing Past State (Formal)
- Korean: 어렸을 때 좋아하던 책을 다시 읽고 있습니다.
- Romanization: Eoryeosseul ttae johadeon chaegeul dasi ilgo itsseumnida.
- Translation: I am rereading a book that I used to like when I was young.
3. Unfinished Past Action (Written)
- Korean: 보고 싶던 영화를 드디어 봤다.
- Romanization: Bogo sipdeon yeonghwareul deudieo bwatda.
- Translation: I finally watched the movie I had wanted to see.
4. Memory of Past Event (Spoken)
- Korean: 우리가 함께 걷던 길이야.
- Romanization: Uriga hamkke geotdeon giriya.
- Translation: This is the road we used to walk together.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, reminiscing about the past is a common theme in literature and daily conversation. The use of ~던 allows speakers to share memories and express nostalgia.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- ~던 is neutral in terms of politeness.
- Politeness levels are adjusted through sentence endings rather than the suffix ~던 itself.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 옛날에 살던 집: The house I used to live in long ago.
- 자주 먹던 음식: The food I used to eat often.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Mistake: Confusing ~던 with ~는 (present tense modifier).
- Incorrect: 내가 자주 가는 카페가 문을 닫았어. (The café I often go to has closed.)
- Corrected: 내가 자주 가던 카페가 문을 닫았어. (The café I used to go to often has closed.) Mistake: Using ~던 for completed actions.
- Incorrect: 어제 먹던 케이크가 맛있었어. (Implies you were eating the cake yesterday but didn't finish.)
- Corrected: 어제 먹은 케이크가 맛있었어. (The cake I ate yesterday was delicious.)
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 던 as "done but not done" – actions that were ongoing but not necessarily completed.
- Practice: Create sentences about past habits or memories to get comfortable with ~던.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~던 is used to express past habitual or unfinished actions and states.
- It attaches directly to verb or adjective stems.
- It reflects nostalgia or memories about the past.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach ~던 to the verb 읽다 (to read)? Answer: 읽던
- Translate into Korean: "The song we used to listen to." Answer: 우리가 듣던 노래
- Which suffix would you use for a completed past action: ~던 or ~았/었던? Answer: ~았/었던
By understanding and practicing the use of ~던, you'll be able to express past habits and memories more naturally in Korean.