Processing keyword: ~았/었던 것 같다 [at/eotdeon geot gatda] (It seemed that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~았/었던 것 같다 [at/eotdeon geot gatda] (It seemed that)

Grammar Point: ~았/었던 것 같다 (It seemed that)

1. Introduction

The expression ~았/었던 것 같다 (at/eotdeon geot gatda) is used to indicate that the speaker is reflecting on a past event or situation and expressing uncertainty or opinion about it. The translation "It seemed that" captures this nuance of subjective perception regarding past experiences.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Structure:

• The structure consists of:
  • The verb stem + ~았/었던 (indicating past tense)
  • Followed by 것 같다 (to seem or appear).

Formation Breakdown:

• Step 1: Identify the verb stem.
• Step 2: Apply the past tense suffix ~았/었던.
  • ~았 is used after a verb stem ending in a vowel.
  • ~었던 is used after a verb stem ending in a consonant.
• Step 3: Add 것 같다 to indicate that it seems like something happened in the past.

Visual Aid:

3. Comparative Analysis

This construction can be compared with the simpler past tense forms, which state facts without ambiguity:

• Simple Past Tense: 갔다 (I went) vs. ~았/었던 것 같다: 갔던 것 같다 (It seemed like I went).
• The primary difference is that the latter expresses uncertainty or a subjective viewpoint, while the former states a fact.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

1. Formal:

   • 그 분이 말씀하셨던 것 같다.
     • (It seemed that he/she spoke.)

2. Informal:

   • 어제 재미있었던 것 같아.
     • (It seemed like it was fun yesterday.)

3. Written:

   • 그 사건이 정말 있었다고 생각했던 것 같다.
     • (I seemed to think that the incident really happened.)

4. Spoken:

   • 너가 거기 있었던 것 같아.
     • (It seemed like you were there.)

5. Cultural Notes

The expression~았/었던 것 같다 is often used in social conversations to show politeness and to soften statements. In Korean culture, showing humility and uncertainty is essential in communication, especially when discussing events that involve others.

Idiomatic Expressions:

• "그런 것 같아요" (I think it seems like that) is a common phrase that also utilizes this grammar structure to express uncertainty or opinion.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis:

• Confusing the use of ~았 vs. ~었던: Remember that ~았 is used for actions that were completed, while ~었던 implies that the action is a past state or habitual action.

Learning Strategies:

• Mnemonic to Remember: Think of “it seems” as a soft pillow you are putting on a hard fact, reminding you of uncertainties.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways:

• Meaning: Reflecting on a past experience with uncertainty.
• Structure: Verb stem + ~았/었던 + 것 같다.
• Usage Contexts: Can be used in formal and informal settings.

Quick Recap Quiz:

1. What is the difference between using ~았 and ~었던?
2. How do you construct the phrase "It seemed like I saw" using this grammar point?
3. Why is expressing uncertainty important in Korean culture?