Processing keyword: ~았/었다 치다 [at/eotda chida] (Let’s say, suppose)

Korean Grammar Point: ~았/었다 치다 [at/eotda chida] (Let’s say, suppose)

Grammar Point: 았/었다 치다 (at/eotda chida) - "Let's say", "Suppose"

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing hypothetical situations or making assumptions is a common way to discuss possibilities, give advice, or explore scenarios. The grammar pattern ~았/었다 치다 is used to suppose that a past event has occurred, even if it hasn't. It's akin to saying "let's say" or "suppose" in English when referring to past actions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The pattern ~았/었다 치다 is attached to the past tense form of a verb to hypothetically assume that an action has taken place. This construction is used when you want to discuss the implications of a past event that may or may not have happened.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Meaning

• ~았/었다 치다: "Let's say...", "Suppose that...", "Assuming that..."

Structure

• Verb Stem + ~았/었다 치다

Formation Diagram

1. Identify the verb stem:
   • Remove -다 from the verb infinitive.
   • Example: 가다 (to go) → 가
2. Add past tense marker:
   • -았 or -었 depending on the vowel harmony.
   • If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use -았.
   • Otherwise, use -었.
   • Example: 가 + -았 → 갔
3. Combine with 치다:
   • 갔 + 다 치다 → 갔다 치다

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ~(ㄴ)다고 치다:
  • Used with present or future tense to suppose an action.
  • Example: 간다고 치다 ("Let's say [someone] goes")
• ~(으)ㄴ 셈치다:
  • Means "let's assume" or "let's consider it as".
  • Used for both past and present assumptions.
  • Example: 본 셈치다 ("Let's assume [someone] saw") Difference: ~았/었다 치다 specifically supposes that a past action has occurred, focusing on past events, whereas ~(ㄴ)다고 치다 and ~(으)ㄴ 셈치다 can be used for present or general assumptions.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Written Language
   • 우리가 그 문제를 이미 해결했다 치면 다음 단계는 무엇일까요?
     • Translation: "Supposing we have already solved that problem, what is the next step?"
2. Polite Spoken Language
   • 그가 사실을 말했다고 쳐요. 그러면 어떻게 할 거예요?
     • Translation: "Let's say he told the truth. Then what will you do?"
3. Informal Spoken Language
   • 네가 거기에 갔다고 치자. 그래서 뭘 봤어?
     • Translation: "Suppose you went there. So what did you see?"
4. Hypothetical Situation
   • 시험에 떨어졌다고 쳐도 다시 도전할 거예요.
     • Translation: "Even if we suppose I failed the exam, I will try again."
5. Expressing Advice
   • 그렇게 했다고 쳐도 결과는 달라지지 않아.
     • Translation: "Even if you suppose you did it that way, the result wouldn't change."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using hypothetical statements like ~았/었다 치다 allows speakers to discuss sensitive topics indirectly, which is a common practice in Korean culture to maintain harmony and avoid confrontation.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Formal (Written/Official): ~았/었다 칩니다
  • Example: 그렇다고 칩니다
• Polite (Standard): ~았/었다 쳐요
  • Example: 알았다고 쳐요
• Informal (Casual): ~았/었다 쳐
  • Example: 끝났다고 쳐

Idiomatic Expressions

• 없는 일로 했다 치자
  • Translation: "Let's say it didn't happen."
  • Usage: Used to suggest forgetting about an incident.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to Use Past Tense Marker
   • Incorrect: 가다 치자
   • Correct: 갔다 치자
2. Misplacement of 치다
   • Incorrect: 쳤다 가다
   • Correct: 갔다 치다

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Past Tense: Since you're supposing a past event, always convert the verb into its past tense form before adding 치다.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Try forming sentences using everyday verbs like 하다, 보다, 먹다 to become comfortable with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~았/었다 치다 is used to hypothetically assume a past action has occurred.
• Attach 치다 to the past tense form of a verb.
• It's a useful pattern for discussing hypothetical past events or giving advice based on assumed scenarios.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the expression: "Let's suppose you studied." (공부하다)
   • Answer: 공부했다 치자
2. Translate into English: 그녀가 왔다고 쳐요.
   • Answer: "Suppose she came."
3. True or False: ~았/었다 치다 can be used with present tense verbs.
   • Answer: False. It is used with past tense verbs to suppose past actions.

By mastering ~았/었다 치다, you can enhance your ability to discuss hypothetical past scenarios in Korean, making your conversations richer and more nuanced.