Processing keyword: ~이래 [irae] (Since)

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

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the concept of "since" or "ever since" in temporal contexts is essential for describing actions or states that have continued from a certain point in the past up to the present. The grammar pattern ~이래 (pronounced irae) is used to indicate "since" a certain time or event. This lesson will delve into the usage, structure, and nuances of ~이래, helping you understand and apply it correctly in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~이래 means "since" or "ever since" and is used to express that an action or state has been ongoing from a certain point in time up to the present. It connects a noun indicating a specific time or event to the main clause, indicating continuity.

Structure

The structure of ~이래 depends on whether it follows a noun or a clause:

• Noun + 이래
• Verb stem + -(으)ㄴ 이래

Formation Diagram

Component	Attachment	Notes
Noun	+ 이래	Used directly after a noun
Verb stem + (으)ㄴ	+ 이래	Verb stem plus past tense marker (으)ㄴ

Examples of Formation

1. Noun + 이래
   • 결혼 + 이래 → 결혼이래 (since marriage)
   • 졸업 + 이래 → 졸업이래 (since graduation)
2. Verb Stem + -(으)ㄴ + 이래
   • 만나다 (to meet) → 만난 이래 (since [I/they] met)
   • 시작하다 (to start) → 시작한 이래 (since [I/they] started)

Usage Notes

• When attaching ~이래 to a noun, simply add 이래 after the noun without any changes.
• When using a verb, conjugate the verb into the past tense modifier form by adding -(으)ㄴ to the verb stem before adding 이래.
• This expression indicates that something has been true or ongoing from the specified time until now.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with ~이후로 and ~부터

~이후로 (After, Since)

• Noun + 이후로 is another way to express "since."
• Example: 졸업 이후로 (since graduation)

~부터 (From, Since)

• Noun + 부터 indicates the starting point in time.
• Example: 아침부터 (from the morning)

Differences:

• ~이래 is more formal and often found in written language.
• ~이후로 is commonly used in both spoken and written language.
• ~부터 emphasizes the starting point but doesn't necessarily imply continuity up to the present.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회의가 끝난 이래 많은 일이 있었습니다. Translation: Since the meeting ended, many things have happened.
2. 그 사건이 발생한 이래 보안이 강화되었습니다. Translation: Security has been strengthened since that incident occurred.

Informal Context

1. 너를 만난 이래로 정말 행복해. Translation: I've been really happy since I met you.
2. 한국에 온 이래로 김치를 매일 먹고 있어. Translation: Since coming to Korea, I've been eating kimchi every day.

Written Context

1. 독립한 이래 국가가 크게 발전했습니다. Translation: Since gaining independence, the nation has developed greatly.
2. 첫 출시 이래 제품이 인기를 끌고 있습니다. Translation: Since the first launch, the product has been gaining popularity.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~이래 is considered formal and is frequently used in written language, such as newspapers, official documents, and literature.
• In spoken Korean, especially in informal situations, other expressions like ~이후로 or ~부터 might be more commonly used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 예전 이래로: An idiomatic expression meaning "since a long time ago."
  • Example: 예전 이래로 변한 게 없어요.
    • Translation: Nothing has changed since a long time ago.
• 그날 이래로: "Since that day."
  • Example: 그날 이래로 우리는 친구가 되었어요.
    • Translation: Since that day, we became friends.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using Present Tense Instead of Past Tense Modifier
   • Incorrect: 만나는 이래
   • Correct: 만난 이래 Explanation: Use the past tense modifier -(으)ㄴ before 이래.
2. Incorrect Attachment to Verbs
   • Incorrect: 가다 이래
   • Correct: 간 이래 Explanation: Conjugate the verb stem properly before adding 이래.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 이래 looks back to a point in the past (이 means "this," 래 from 오래 meaning "long"). Think of it as "since that (time in the past)" continuing until now.
• Practice Conjugation: Regularly practice converting verbs into their past tense modifier forms (-(으)ㄴ) to become comfortable with this form.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이래 is used to express "since" a certain time or event, indicating continuity up to the present.
• Attach ~이래 directly to nouns or to verb stems conjugated with -(으)ㄴ.
• ~이래 is formal and often used in written contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~이래 to the verb 보다 (to see)? Answer: 본 이래
2. Translate the following sentence: 그가 떠난 이래 그녀는 슬퍼했습니다. Answer: Since he left, she has been sad.
3. Which form is more formal, ~이래 or ~부터? Answer: ~이래 is more formal.

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By understanding and practicing the usage of ~이래, you can accurately express the concept of "since" in Korean, especially in formal and written contexts. Remember to pay attention to verb conjugations and choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality required.

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