Processing keyword: ~았/었 던 [at/eot deon] (Past descriptive)

Korean Grammar Point: ~았/었 던 [at/eot deon] (Past descriptive)

Grammar Point: ~았/었 던 [at/eot deon] (Past Descriptive)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~았/었 던 is used to describe a past state or repeated action that is no longer true or relevant in the present. This structure often conveys nostalgia or a reflective tone, allowing the speaker to reminisce about past situations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~았/었 던 indicates that something was true or habitual in the past but is either no longer the case or has changed.

Structure

The structure of ~았/었 던 is derived from the past tense suffix ~았/었 (indicating completed actions) and the word 던, which adds a descriptive nuance.

Formation Diagram

Here's the breakdown of how to form sentences using ~았/었 던:

1. Identify the verb stem:
   • Example: 가다 (to go) → 가
2. Add the past tense suffix:
   • If the verb ends in a vowel: 가 → 갔 (가 + 었 → 갔)
   • If the verb ends in a consonant: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹었
3. Add 던:
   • Attach 던 to the past tense form: 갔던, 먹었던

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with 다른 (dareun) or ~고 있다

• Unlike the combination ~고 있다, which describes a current ongoing action, ~았/었 던 focuses specifically on past situations that no longer apply.
• Example:
  • ~고 있다: "지금 공부하고 있다" (I am studying now).
  • ~았/었 던: "예전에는 항상 공부하던 시간" (It used to be a time when I always studied).

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

• Formal:

  • "그 직장에서 일했던 시절이 그립다."
    • (I miss the days when I worked at that company.)

• Informal:

  • "네가 좋아하던 노래 기억나?"
    • (Do you remember the song you used to like?)

• Written:

  • "어릴 적 자주 가던 공원이 이제는 없어졌다."
    • (The park I used to visit often as a child is now gone.)

• Spoken:

  • "매주 함께 보던 드라마가 있었지."
    • (There was a drama we used to watch together every week.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, nostalgia plays a significant role in conversations. Reflecting on past experiences can build rapport and foster connections between speakers. The use of ~았/었 던 often invites memories of shared experiences, making it a common feature in personal storytelling.

Levels of Politeness

Since this structure can be used both formally and informally, the level of politeness comes from the choice of verb endings and the context in which you use them.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "그때 그 시절" (Those days back then) often pairs well with ~았/었 던 to highlight nostalgia.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusing the usage of ~았/었 던 with simply past tense forms when discussing past events.
  • Example Error: "그때 나는 갔다." (Incorrect for nostalgic context)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Remember “던” as "done," relating to a completed state that has since changed.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~았/었 던 describes past situations or habits that are not true anymore.
• It evokes a sense of nostalgia, making it particularly meaningful in storytelling.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~았/었 던 express in a sentence?
2. Compare ~았/었 던 with a present form like ~고 있다.
3. Give an example of ~았/었 던 in a formal sentence. These questions encourage learners to engage with the material and solidify their understanding of the grammar point.