Processing keyword: ~았/었던 [at/eotdeon] (That used to be)

Korean Grammar Point: ~았/었던 [at/eotdeon] (That used to be)

Grammar Point: ~았/었던 (at/eotdeon) - "That used to be"

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~았/었던 is used in the Korean language to express something that used to be the case, indicating a past state or situation that has since changed. This grammatical structure is particularly useful for discussing experiences, memories, or characteristics of the past.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The suffix ~았/었던 conveys that an action, state, or characteristic was true in the past but is no longer applicable in the present.
• Structure:
  • It is formed by taking the verb stem and adding either ~았던 or ~었던 depending on the vowel harmony and the final consonant.
    • For verbs with a last syllable containing ㅏ or ㅗ: ~았던
    • For verbs with a last syllable containing any other vowel: ~었던

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~었/었다: This simply indicates a completed action in the past. Unlike ~았/었던, it does not imply that the situation has changed.
• ~고 있다 (doing): Indicates an ongoing action in the present, while ~았/었던 reflects a past that no longer is true.

Differences:

• ~았/었던 vs. ~었/었다:
  • Example: "갔었다" (I went) vs. "갔었던" (I used to go).
    • "갔었다" refers to a specific past action that has completed.
    • "갔었던" indicates that going somewhere used to be a habitual action or state but is no longer true.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

• Formal:

  • 그 영화는 정말 좋았던 작품입니다.
    (Geu yeonghwa-neun jeongmal johatdeon jakpum-imnida.)
    "That movie used to be a really good work."

• Informal:

  • 그 집은 예쁘었었던 것 같아.
    (Geu jip-eun yeppeotdeon geot gata.)
    "I think that house used to be pretty."

• Written:

  • 이 도시의 풍경은 몇 년 전과는 많이 달라졌던 것 같습니다.
    (I dosi-ui punggyeong-eun myeot nyeon jeon-gwaneun manhi dallajyeotdeon geot gatsseumnida.)
    "It seems that the scenery of this city has changed a lot compared to a few years ago."

• Spoken:

  • 우리는 그때 정말 친했었던 친구였어.
    (Urineun geuttae jeongmal chinhaessdeon chinguyeosseo.)
    "We used to be really close friends back then."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, reflecting on the past is common, and discussion of previous states emphasizes the importance of memories.
• Using ~았/었던 is also a way to show changes and growth in oneself or in relationships, which is culturally valued.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "그 시절이 그립다 (Geu sijeol-i geulipda)" - "I miss those days." Often used with ~았/었던 when reminiscing about the past.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing with ~었/었다: Learners might confuse these two, as both reference the past. Remember, ~았/었던 emphasizes a state that is now different.
• Neglecting vowel harmony: Make sure to pay attention to the last vowel of the verb stem when forming the suffix.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "었던" as relating to "old" – what was old or different in the past can help recall the usage.
• Practice: Create sentences about your own past experiences using ~았/었던 regularly.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~았/었던 indicates a past state that has changed.
• Pay attention to vowel harmony when adding the suffix.
• Useful for reflecting on past experiences and memories.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. When do you use ~았/었던 instead of ~었/었다?
2. Provide an example sentence using ~았/었던.
3. What does ~았/었던 imply about a past state or action?
   This recap will help reinforce your understanding of the usage of ~았/었던!