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)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~았/었던 것 같다 is used to express a speaker's perception or conjecture about a past event or state. It translates roughly to "It seemed that..." or "I think that... (in the past)." This form allows the speaker to convey uncertainty or recollection regarding something that happened in the past.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~았/었던 것 같다 is used when:

• The speaker is recalling something from the past with some uncertainty.
• The speaker perceives that an event happened but is not entirely sure.
• Expressing a guess or assumption about a past event.

Structure

Formation Diagram

The structure is formed by:

1. Verb Stem +
2. Past Tense Suffix: 았 or 었 +
3. Retrospective Modifier: 던 +
4. 것 같다

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Formula:

[Verb Stem] + [았/었] + [던] + 것 같다

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How to Form

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form.
2. Add Past Tense Suffix:
   • -았 for verb stems ending with ㅏ or ㅗ.
   • -었 for other vowel endings.
3. Add Retrospective Modifier: 던
4. Add: 것 같다

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Example with "가다" (to go):

1. Verb Stem: 가
2. Add Past Tense Suffix: 갔 (가 + 았)
3. Add Retrospective Modifier: 갔던
4. Add 것 같다: 갔던 것 같다

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Visual Aid: Formation Table

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	Past Suffix	Retrospective Modifier	Final Form
가다 (to go)	가	았	던	갔던 것 같다
먹다 (to eat)	먹	었	던	먹었던 것 같다
보다 (to see)	보	았	던	봤던 것 같다
살다 (to live)	살	았	던	살았던 것 같다

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3. Comparative Analysis

~았/었던 것 같다 vs. ~는 것 같다

• ~았/었던 것 같다: Refers to past events or states with uncertainty.
  • Example: 비가 왔던 것 같다.
    • It seemed that it rained.
• ~는 것 같다: Refers to present events or general assumptions.
  • Example: 비가 오는 것 같다.
    • It seems that it is raining.

~았던 것 같다 vs. ~었던 것 같다

• Both are past tense forms and are often used interchangeably.
• The choice between 았 and 었 depends on vowel harmony with the verb stem.
  • 았던 것 같다: After stems ending with ㅏ or ㅗ.
  • 었던 것 같다: After other vowels.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 그 책을 읽었던 것 같아요.
   • I think I read that book.
2. 우리가 전에 만났던 것 같아.
   • It seems that we met before.
3. 어제 날씨가 추웠던 것 같습니다.
   • It seemed that the weather was cold yesterday.
4. 저 사람이 여기에 살았던 것 같아요.
   • I think that person lived here.
5. 그 영화는 이미 봤던 것 같아.
   • It seems I've already watched that movie.

Formal vs. Informal Speech

• Formal Politeness Level: ~았/었던 것 같습니다
  • 회의가 취소되었던 것 같습니다.
    • It seems that the meeting was canceled.
• Informal Politeness Level: ~았/었던 것 같아
  • 너 어제 늦게 잤던 것 같아.
    • I think you went to bed late yesterday.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Uncertainty: In Korean culture, being indirect can be a way to show politeness. Using ~았/었던 것 같다 softens statements about the past, showing humility or softness in speech.
• Avoiding Definitive Statements: This form allows speakers to express thoughts without asserting absolute certainty, which is valued in maintaining harmonious interactions.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 꿈을 꿨던 것 같아요.
  • It seems I had a dream.
• 무엇을 말하려고 했던 것 같아요.
  • I think I was about to say something.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Omitting 던 in the structure.
  • Incorrect: 만났었던 것 같다.
  • Correct: 만났던 것 같다.
• Mistake: Mixing present and past forms.
  • Incorrect: 먹는 것 같아요 (when referring to a past action).
  • Correct: 먹었던 것 같아요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 던 as a "memory lens" that looks back into past actions with a sense of recollection.
• Practice with Common Verbs: Use verbs like 하다, 가다, 보다 to get comfortable with the conjugation.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~았/었던 것 같다 is used to express uncertainty or assumptions about past events.
• Formed by adding 았/었 + 던 것 같다 to the verb stem.
• Reflects Korean cultural nuances of politeness and indirectness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the expression using the verb "마시다" (to drink).
   • Answer: 마셨던 것 같다
2. Translate to Korean: "I think he came here yesterday."
   • Answer: 그가 어제 여기에 왔던 것 같아요.
3. What is the function of 던 in this grammar point?
   • Answer: It serves as a retrospective modifier, indicating past actions being recalled or perceived with some uncertainty.

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By mastering ~았/었던 것 같다, you'll enhance your ability to express nuanced thoughts about past events in Korean, aligning with the cultural emphasis on humility and indirect communication.

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