Processing keyword: ~던데 [deonde] (Used to, before)

Korean Grammar Point: ~던데 [deonde] (Used to, before)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammatical expression ~던데 is used to recall or reflect on past experiences that the speaker personally witnessed or experienced. It often conveys a sense of contrast or provides background information relevant to the current situation. Understanding ~던데 enhances your ability to express reflections on past events in Korean, adding depth to your conversations.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~던데 is used when the speaker recalls something from the past that they personally experienced or observed. It can express:

• Recollection of a past event or state.
• Contrast with the present situation.
• Background information leading to a suggestion or remark.

Structure

To form ~던데, attach it to the verb stem. The structure varies slightly depending on whether the verb ends in a vowel or consonant.

Formation:

Verb Type	Verb Stem Ending	+ 던데	Example
Action Verb	Vowel/Consonant	-던데	가던데 (was going)
Descriptive Verb	Vowel/Consonant	-던데	좋던데 (was good)

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 던데

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3. Comparative Analysis

~던데 vs. ~더라고

• ~던데: Used when reflecting on past experiences with a nuance of contrast or suggesting something based on that experience.
• ~더라고: Also expresses realization from past experiences but is more about stating a fact the speaker learned. Example:
• 비가 오던데 우산 가져갈까요?
  It was raining (I recall), shall we take an umbrella?
• 비가 오더라고요.
  I noticed it was raining.

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 어제 먹어보니 맛있던데.
   I tried it yesterday, and it was tasty.
2. 그녀가 노래를 잘 부르던데.
   She sang well (as I recall).

Formal Speech

1. 그 영화가 재미있던데요.
   That movie was interesting.
2. 길이 많이 복잡하던데요.
   The roads were very crowded.

Suggestion Based on Past Experience

1. 날씨가 춥던데 코트 입으세요.
   It was cold (when I noticed), so wear a coat.
2. 사람이 많던데 일찍 출발합시다.
   There were many people (last time), so let's leave early.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• ~던데요: Adding 요 makes the expression polite and suitable for formal settings.
• Used across various social contexts, reflecting shared experiences.

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, sharing personal experiences adds authenticity to conversations. Using ~던데 allows speakers to connect their past observations with present suggestions or comments, fostering a sense of shared understanding.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing ~던데 with ~었는데
   • ~었는데 refers to completed actions without the nuance of personal recollection.
   • ~던데 emphasizes the speaker's past observation.
2. Incorrect Tense Usage
   • Avoid using ~던데 with future tense.

Tips

• Mnemonic for ~던데: Think of "던" as a marker for recalling "then", and "데" as providing "background" information.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~던데 is used to recall past experiences and provide context or contrast.
• Attach ~던데 directly to the verb stem.
• Useful for making suggestions based on what you've observed.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~던데 with the verb 먹다 (to eat)?
   • Answer: 먹던데
2. What is a key difference between ~던데 and ~었는데?
   • Answer: ~던데 expresses personal recollection of a past event, while ~었는데 indicates a completed past action without emphasizing personal observation.

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By mastering ~던데, you enhance your ability to share experiences and make contextually rich comments in Korean. Practice by recalling past events and relating them to your current conversations!

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