Processing keyword: ~던지 [deonji] (Whether)

Korean Grammar Point: ~던지 [deonji] (Whether)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~던지 [deonji] (Whether)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~던지 (~deonji), which is used to express uncertainty or to indicate "whether" something happened or not. Understanding this grammar will help you talk about unknowns and possibilities in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~던지 is attached to verbs to express uncertainty or to convey the meaning of "whether" or "if". It's often used in sentences where the speaker is unsure about an action or state and is commonly paired with verbs like 알다 (to know) or 모르다 (to not know).

Structure

Formation

1. Verb Stem + ~던지 + Main Verb (e.g., 알다, 모르다, 궁금하다)

Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 던지 + Main Verb

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb (remove 다 from the dictionary form).
• 던지: The grammatical ending expressing "whether".
• Main Verb: Usually verbs like 알다 (to know), 모르다 (to not know), 궁금하다 (to be curious).

Usage Notes

• ~던지 is used after action verbs.
• It often appears with question words like 누구 (who), 뭐/무엇 (what), 어디 (where), 언제 (when), 어떻게 (how), but it can also be used without them.
• The verb before ~던지 is in the past tense, reflecting uncertainty about a past event.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~는지

• ~는지 is used to express uncertainty in the present tense.
• ~던지 focuses on past actions or states, emphasizing that the speaker is unsure about whether a past event occurred.

  Grammar Point	Tense	Example	Translation
  ~는지	Present/Future	가는지 모르겠어요	I don't know if (someone) is going
  ~던지	Past	갔던지 모르겠어요	I don't know whether (someone) went

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 그분이 어제 회의에 참석했던지 알아요?
   • Do you know whether he attended the meeting yesterday?
2. 어제 무엇을 했던지 기억이 안 납니다.
   • I can't remember what I did yesterday.

Informal Speech

1. 네가 어디에 갔던지 몰라.
   • I don't know where you went.
2. 우리가 그 영화를 봤던지 아닌지 생각이 안 나.
   • I can't remember whether we watched that movie or not.

Written Context

1. 그는 그 사실을 알았던지 몰랐던지 아무 말이 없었다.
   • He didn't say anything about whether he knew that fact or not.

Spoken Context

1. 어제 비가 왔던지 안 왔던지 기억나?
   • Do you remember whether it rained yesterday or not?

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• Using ~던지 appropriately shows an understanding of past events and nuances in conversation.
• It can indicate humility or uncertainty, which aligns with the Korean cultural value of being modest and indirect, especially when unsure.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 어디서 뭘 했던지 모르겠어.
  • I have no idea where or what I did.
  • Often used humorously when someone has forgotten past events.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~던지 with present tense verbs
   • Incorrect: 가던지 몰라요. (When referring to a present action)
   • Correct: 가는지 몰라요. (Use ~는지 for present tense)
2. Confusing ~던지 with ~든지
   • ~든지 means "any" or "whatever", used for alternatives.
   • Example: 먹든지 마시든지 마음대로 해. (Do whatever you want, eat or drink.)

Tips

• Remember that ~던지 is about past uncertainty.
• Pair ~던지 with verbs like 알다, 모르다, 기억하다.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~던지 is used to express uncertainty about past events (whether something happened).
• It is attached to the verb stem of action verbs in the past tense.
• Commonly used with verbs like 알다 (to know), 모르다 (to not know), and 기억하다 (to remember).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 어제 누가 왔___ 모르겠어요.
   • a) 는지
   • b) 던지
2. True or False: ~던지 can be used with present tense verbs.
3. What is the difference between ~던지 and ~든지?

Answers:

1. b) 던지
2. False
3. ~던지 expresses uncertainty about past events ("whether"), while ~든지 indicates options or alternatives ("any", "either... or...").

By mastering ~던지, you can more effectively discuss past uncertainties and add nuance to your Korean conversations. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences using this grammar point!