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)

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.

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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

Infinitive Verb	Verb Stem	Past Tense	+ 치다	Resulting Form
가다 (to go)	가	갔다	치다	갔다 치다
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹었다	치다	먹었다 치다
하다 (to do)	하	했다	치다	했다 치다

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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