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

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

Grammar Point: ~이래 (irae) - Since Then

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~이래 (irae) is used to indicate a period of time that has passed since a certain point in the past. It emphasizes continuity from that moment until the present. This structure is commonly used in both spoken and written language.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~이래 (irae) translates to "since then" or "since that time" in English. It conveys that a certain state or condition began at a specific point in the past and continues up to now.

Structure

• The structure for using ~이래 (irae) is: [Noun] + (이)래
  • Noun + 이래: Use when the noun ends in a consonant.
  • Noun + 래: Use when the noun ends in a vowel.

Example Formation Diagram

Noun + (이)래 → Indicates a period since a past point
Examples:
- 1년 (1 year) -> 1년이래 (since 1 year ago)
- 고등학교 (high school) -> 고등학교 이래 (since high school)

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:
  • ~부터 (buteo): meaning "from" or "since" with an emphasis on the starting point but does not necessarily indicate the continuity to the present.
    • Example: "학교에 가기 시작한 지 3년부터" (Since I started going to school for 3 years).
  • ~이후 (ihu): meaning "after" but does not emphasize the time elapsed since the starting point.
    • Example: "졸업 이후" (After graduation).

Key Difference

While ~이래 focuses on the time elapsed since a specific point and suggests ongoing relevance, ~부터 indicates just a starting point without emphasizing ongoing action. ~이후 is more about sequential events rather than the passage of time.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:

   • "작년 이래로 많이 변했습니다."
     • (Since last year, I have changed a lot.)

2. Informal Context:

   • "고등학교 이래 걔를 못 봤어."
     • (I haven't seen him since high school.)

3. Written Context:

   • "이 사건 이후로 이 도시의 치안이 좋아졌습니다."
     • (The safety of this city has improved since this incident.)

4. Spoken Context:

   • "그때 이래로 계속 연락하고 있어."
     • (I’ve been keeping in touch since that time.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ~이래 reflects a sense of continuity and personal growth over time, which aligns with the Korean cultural appreciation for relationships and long-term connections.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Using this structure varies in formality; adding polite endings or using it in formal writing will affect how the sentence is received.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "그 사건 이후로 문자로 자주 연락해." (Since that incident, I’ve been contacting you often via text.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is forgetting to use the appropriate form based on the noun's last character (i.e., using 이래 instead of 래).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of “irae” as “in reference to a time” to visualize its meaning relating to past and present.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이래 indicates a duration of time that has passed since a specified moment in the past until now.
• Structure is based on the final syllable of the noun (이래 for consonants, 래 for vowels).
• Reflects continuity and relevance in conversations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you apply ~이래 to a noun ending in a vowel?
2. What is a key difference between ~이래 and ~부터?
3. Give an example of a sentence using ~이래 in a formal context. By understanding and practicing this grammar point, you can effectively express time-related relationships in Korean!