Processing keyword: ~이래 [irae] (Since then, after)

Korean Grammar Point: ~이래 [irae] (Since then, after)

1. Introduction

Understanding how to express "since then" or "after" in Korean is essential for describing actions or states that have continued from a specific point in time up to the present. The grammar point ~이래 is commonly used to convey this meaning in everyday conversation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~이래 is a grammatical construction used to indicate that something has been happening since a certain event or time. It translates to "since (doing something)" or "after (something happened)."

Structure

Formation:

1. For verbs ending in a vowel:
   • Verb stem + -ㄴ 이래
2. For verbs ending in a consonant:
   • Verb stem + -은 이래

Formation Diagram

Verb Ending	Attach	Example Verb	Conjugated Form	Meaning
Vowel	-ㄴ 이래	가다 (to go)	간 이래	Since (someone) went
Consonant	-은 이래	먹다 (to eat)	먹은 이래	Since (someone) ate

Explanation

• 간 이래: "Since (I) went"
• 먹은 이래: "Since (I) ate" By attaching ~ㄴ/은 이래 to the verb stem, you're expressing that the action has occurred and its effects or related actions have continued up to the present.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points:

1. ~(으)ㄴ 이후로: Means "since" or "after" as well.
   • Example: 만난 이후로 (Since meeting)
2. ~(으)ㄴ 뒤로: Also means "since" or "after."
   • Example: 공부한 뒤로 (Since studying) Differences:

• ~이래 often emphasizes the ongoing state or action from a past event to the present.
• ~(으)ㄴ 이후로 and ~(으)ㄴ 뒤로 can sometimes be used interchangeably with ~이래, but they might not carry the same sense of continuity.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 회사에 입사한 이래로 열심히 일하고 있어요. Since I joined the company, I've been working hard.
2. 그 사건을 들은 이래 걱정이 많아졌어요. Since hearing about that incident, I've become more worried.
3. 운동을 시작한 이래 건강이 좋아졌어요. Since I started exercising, my health has improved.
4. 비가 온 이래 날씨가 추워졌어요. Since it rained, the weather has become colder.
5. 그 책을 읽은 이래 생각이 많이 바뀌었어요. Since I read that book, my thoughts have changed a lot.

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Formal Speech Example: 졸업한 이래로 많은 것이 변했습니다. Since graduating, many things have changed.
• Informal Speech Example: 너를 만난 이래 계속 행복해. Since I met you, I've been happy.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Usage in Storytelling: Koreans often use ~이래 when narrating personal experiences or stories to express how a past event influences the present.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The politeness level is adjusted through sentence endings rather than the use of ~이래 itself.
• Formal Ending Example: -습니다, -어요
• Informal Ending Example: -아/어, -야

Idiomatic Expressions

• 그때 이래로 쭉 Ever since that time continuously
  • Used to emphasize an action or state that has been ongoing without interruption.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching ~이래 to the present tense form
   • Incorrect: 가는 이래
   • Correct: 간 이래 Explanation: Ensure the verb is in the past tense before adding ~이래.
2. Forgetting the proper consonant/vowel distinction
   • Incorrect: 먹ㄴ 이래
   • Correct: 먹은 이래 Tip: For verb stems ending with a consonant, use -은 이래; for those ending with a vowel, use -ㄴ 이래.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 이래 sounds like "era," indicating a period starting from a past event.
• Practice by Conjugating Verbs: Take common verbs and practice attaching ~이래 correctly.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이래 is used to express that an action or state has been ongoing since a certain point in the past.
• Attach -ㄴ/은 이래 to the past tense verb stem.
• Adjust the politeness level through sentence endings, not by modifying ~이래.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you attach ~이래 to the verb 살다 (to live)?

   Answer: 살다 → 살 + -ㄴ 이래 = 산 이래

2. Question: Translate to Korean: "Since I started working, I've been very busy."

   Answer: 일을 시작한 이래 아주 바빴어요.

3. Question: What is a common mistake when using ~이래?

   Answer: Attaching ~이래 to the present tense form instead of the past tense verb stem.

---

© Hanabira.org