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Korean Grammar Point
~을/ㄹ 듯하다 [eul/l deushada] (Seems like)

~을/ㄹ 듯하다 [eul/l deushada] (Seems like)

Short explanation:

Used to express that something seems like or feels like something; 'it seems like' or 'it feels like'.

Formation:

Action verb / Descriptive verb / Noun + ~을/ㄹ 듯하다

Examples:

그는 마치 변한 것처럼 보여서, 옛날의 그대로인 것을 듯하다.
Geuneun machi byeonhan geotcheoreom boyeoseo, yeonnalui geudaeroin geoseul deushada.
He seems to be just like he was in the old days, as if he hasn't changed.
오늘이 마치 겨울인 것처럼 춥다, 가을인 것을 듯하다.
Oneuri machi gyeoulin geotcheoreom chupda, gaeurin geoseul deushada.
It's cold today as if it's winter, it feels like it's autumn.
그의 눈빛은 마치 무슨 생각에 잠긴 것처럼 보여요, 깊게 생각하고 있는 것을 듯하다.
Geuui nunbicheun machi museun saenggage jamgin geotcheoreom boyeoyo, gipge saenggakago issneun geoseul deushada.
His look seems as if he's absorbed in some thought, it feels like he's thinking deeply.
그녀는 마치 웃을 것처럼 웃지 않았어요, 무슨 일이 있는 것을 듯했어요.
Geunyeoneun machi useul geotcheoreom utji anhasseoyo, museun iri issneun geoseul deushaesseoyo.
She didn't smile as if she was about to, it seemed like something was going on.

Long explanation:

'~을/ㄹ 듯하다 [eul/l deushada]' is a construction used in Korean to express the idea that something has the appearance or gives the feeling of something else. This form is used when the speaker wants to express a conjecture or assumption based on his or her observation or feeling. The action verb, descriptive verb or noun that comes before 듯하다 carries the meaning, and 듯하다 itself expresses the seemingness or likeness.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 [eul/l deushada] (Seems like)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 [eul/l deushada] (Seems like)

TOPIK Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 [eul/l deushada] (Seems like)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 is used to express an inference or a conjecture based on observation or evidence. It translates to "seems like" or "looks like" in English. This structure allows speakers to convey their thoughts about what they believe to be true without asserting it with certainty.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: This expression indicates that something appears to be a certain way, based on available evidence or assumptions.
  • Structure:
    • The structure is formed differently depending on whether the preceding verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.

Formation Diagram

  • Verb stems ending in a consonant:
    • [Verb Stem] + 을 듯하다
  • Verb stems ending in a vowel:
    • [Verb Stem] + ㄹ 듯하다

Examples:

  • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹을 듯하다 (seems like (someone) will eat)
  • 자다 (to sleep) → 잘 듯하다 (seems like (someone) will sleep)

3. Comparative Analysis

  • Similar Grammar Points:
    • ~ 것 같다: Also expresses inference, but is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
      • 예: 그 사람이 바쁠 것 같다. (That person seems to be busy.)
    • ~ (으)ㄹ 것 같다: More future-oriented, used for predictions.
      • 예: 비가 올 것 같다. (It seems like it will rain.)

Comparison Summary

Grammar Point Usage Type Nuance
~을/ㄹ 듯하다 Inference based on evidence "Seems like"
~ 것 같다 General inference More broad
~ (으)ㄹ 것 같다 Future prediction "Will likely"

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Informal:

    • 오늘은 날씨가 좋으니까 바다에 갈 듯해.
      (Since the weather is nice today, it seems like we will go to the beach.)

  2. Formal:

    • 그 프로젝트가 성공할 듯합니다.
      (It seems like the project will be successful.)

  3. Written:

    • 학생들이 시험을 잘 준비한 듯하다.
      (It seems that the students prepared well for the exam.)

  4. Spoken:

    • 저 사람이 기분이 나쁜 듯해.
      (That person seems to be in a bad mood.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 carries a tone of caution, as it expresses a personal opinion rather than a definitive statement. This aligns with Korean social norms where assertiveness is often softened in conversation to promote harmony.

Levels of Politeness

This structure can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Adjustments for politeness can be made by changing the verb endings.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "한눈에 봐도 알 듯하다": "It seems obvious at a glance."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Misusing the structure with the wrong verb endings can lead to confusion. Ensure you identify the correct ending based on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember "듯" relates to "dust"—just like dust may indicate something unseen beneath, this structure indicates an underlying assumption based on what is visible.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • The grammar point ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 is used for making inferences.
  • It can adapt based on the verb ending and allows for nuanced communication in various contexts.
  • This structure aids in conveying your thoughts while remaining polite and considerate.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 with a verb that ends in a vowel?
  2. What is the difference between ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 and ~ 것 같다?
  3. Give an example of a sentence using ~을/ㄹ 듯하다 in a formal context. Feel free to answer the quiz questions for practice!
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