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

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

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

Introduction

The grammar point ~이래 (irae) is used in Korean to indicate a period of time that has passed since a specific point in the past. It is often translated to English as "since then" or "after." This construction is useful when discussing events or situations that have continued or changed since a particular moment.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~이래 (irae) indicates the duration since a certain point in the past until now.

Structure

• The structure typically follows a noun (usually time-related words like years, months, days, etc.) + 이래.
• Depending on the noun's final consonant, the form changes:
  • If the noun ends with a consonant, use -이래.
  • If the noun ends with a vowel, use -래.

Formation Diagram

Example Structure

• 사랑하기 시작한 이래 두 년이 지났어요.
  • (It's been two years since I started to love.)

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~부터 [buteo]: This means "from" a certain time and does not inherently indicate the passage of time like ~이래.

  • Example: 주말부터 시작할 거예요. (I will start from the weekend.)

• ~후 (hu): This means "after" but is often used for more specific events in succession.

  • Example: 수업 후에 식사합니다. (I eat after class.) Differences:

• ~이래 indicates how long it has been since something occurred, while ~부터 establishes a starting point without implying duration.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 저는 작년 이래 한국어를 배우고 있어요.

   • (I’ve been learning Korean since last year.)

2. 그 영화를 본 이래 한번도 잊지 못했어요.

   • (I haven’t forgotten it since I watched that movie.)

3. 선생님과 만난 이래 항상 기뻐요.

   • (I’ve always been happy since I met my teacher.)

4. 그 사건 이래 이 지역이 많이 변했어요.

   • (This area has changed a lot since that incident.)

5. 그 친구와 연락한 이래 우리는 가까운 사이예요.

   • (We have been close since we got in touch after that friend.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using 이래 can reflect Korean social norms of emphasizing time, continuity, and situations over temporal measurement. In formal settings, using this grammar shows respect and acknowledgment of the past.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

While using 이래 can be casual or formal, the politeness level will depend on the verb forms and context you pair it with:

• Informal: 너랑 만난 이래 친구가 됐어. (Since I met you, we became friends.)
• Formal: 부장님을 뵌 이래 좋은 조언을 받았습니다. (Since meeting the manager, I have received good advice.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 시간이 이래 (Since then): Often used to reflect back on a significant change or moment in life.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Noun Form: Not conjugating correctly based on noun endings.

   • Wrong: 한 달 래 (Correct: 한 달 이래)

2. Context Misuse: Using this form in a context where duration isn't necessary or doesn't relate to the speaker's situation.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 이래 as "in the duration of an era." Both relate to a span of time that has passed.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이래 is used to indicate the time elapsed since a specific event.
• The form used depends on whether the noun ends in a consonant or vowel.
• It contrasts with grammar points like ~부터 and ~후 which focus more on a specific starting point or event sequence.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Which form of ~이래 do you use with a vowel-ending noun?
   • a) -이래
   • b) -래
2. What is the English meaning of ~이래?
   • a) Before
   • b) Since then
3. Give an example sentence using the grammar point ~이래. (Answers: 1: b, 2: b, 3: "나는 5년 이래 한국에서 살고 있어요.")