Processing keyword: ~동안 [dongan] (During/While)

Korean Grammar Point: ~동안 [dongan] (During/While)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the duration of an action or state is essential for describing events and situations. The grammar point ~동안 [dongan] is used to indicate "during" or "while" something happens. This lesson will explore how to use ~동안 effectively in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~동안 translates to "during" or "while" in English. It is used to express the time span in which an action or state occurs.

Structure

• Noun + 동안
• Verb Stem + 는 동안

Formation Diagram

Using Nouns

[Noun] + 동안
Example:
방학 동안 (During vacation)

Using Verbs

[Verb Stem] + 는 동안
Example:
공부하는 동안 (While studying)

Detailed Explanation

• With Nouns: Attach 동안 directly after a noun to indicate the duration of that noun.
  • Example:
    • 겨울 동안 - During winter
    • 회의 동안 - During the meeting
• With Verbs: Use the verb stem plus ~는 동안 to express "while doing" an action.
  • Example:
    • 영화를 보는 동안 - While watching a movie
    • 밥을 먹는 동안 - While eating a meal

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~동안 with ~때

• ~동안 emphasizes the duration throughout which an action or state occurs.
• ~때 means "when" and refers to a specific point or period in time. Example Comparison:
• 학교에 다니는 동안 - During attending school (emphasizes the whole period)
• 학교에 다닐 때 - When attending school (could refer to specific times during schooling)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

• 회의가 진행되는 동안 질문을 받을 수 없습니다.
  • You cannot ask questions during the meeting.
• 휴가 동안 가족과 함께 여행을 갔습니다.
  • I went on a trip with my family during the vacation.

Informal Context

• 너 공부하는 동안 나는 잠깐 나갔다 올게.
  • While you're studying, I'll step out for a bit.
• 비 오는 동안 집에 있었어요.
  • I stayed at home while it was raining.

Written Context

• 전쟁 기간 동안 많은 사람들이 고통을 겪었다.
  • During the war period, many people suffered.

Spoken Context

• 영화 보는 동안 전화하지 마.
  • Don't call me while I'm watching a movie.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, time expressions are crucial for polite conversation and planning. Using ~동안 appropriately shows a good understanding of time-related grammar, which is essential in social interactions.

Politeness Levels

The use of ~동안 itself does not change with politeness levels, but the verbs and sentences around it should be adjusted according to formal or informal speech.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 잠시 동안 - For a moment
• 오랜 동안 - For a long time

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using ~동안에 unnecessarily after verbs.
  • Incorrect: 공부하는 동안에 음악을 들어요.
  • Correct: 공부하는 동안 음악을 들어요. Tip: When using ~는 동안, adding 에 is unnecessary.
• Mistake: Confusing ~동안 with ~사이 (between).
  • ~동안 refers to duration, ~사이 refers to the space between.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 동안 as "duration" to remember it relates to the length of time.
• Practice: Create sentences using both nouns and verbs with ~동안 to become familiar with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~동안 is used to express "during" or "while" for durations.
• Attach 동안 to nouns directly.
• Use ~는 동안 after verb stems.
• Do not confuse with ~때 or ~사이.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "During class" in Korean?
   • Answer: 수업 동안
2. Choose the correct form:
   • 나는 숙제하는 __ 음악을 들어요. a) 동안에 b) 동안
   • Answer: b) 동안
3. Translate to Korean: "Don't speak while eating."
   • Answer: 먹는 동안 말하지 마세요.

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By understanding and practicing ~동안, you'll be able to describe actions and states that occur over a period of time more naturally in Korean.

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