Processing keyword: ~이런/그런/저런 [ireon/geureon/jeoreon] (This kind of/That kind of/That kind over there)
Korean Grammar Point: ~이런/그런/저런 [ireon/geureon/jeoreon] (This kind of/That kind of/That kind over there)
1. Introduction
In Korean, demonstrative adjectives like 이런 (ireon), 그런 (geureon), and 저런 (jeoreon) are essential for describing objects, actions, or situations relative to the speaker and listener. They translate to "this kind of," "that kind of," and "that kind of over there," respectively. Mastering these terms will enhance your ability to describe and differentiate between various topics in conversation.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning and Usage
- 이런 (ireon): Refers to something close to the speaker; "this kind of."
- 그런 (geureon): Refers to something close to the listener or something known to both; "that kind of."
- 저런 (jeoreon): Refers to something far from both the speaker and listener; "that kind of over there." These words are used to modify nouns and help specify which kind or type of noun you're referring to.
Structure and Formation
The formation is straightforward: [ 이런/그런/저런 ] + [Noun]
- 이런 + Noun: This kind of [noun]
- 그런 + Noun: That kind of [noun]
- 저런 + Noun: That kind of [noun] over there
Visual Aid: Demonstrative Adjectives Diagram
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Proximity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 이런 | ireon | this kind of | Near the speaker |
| 그런 | geureon | that kind of | Near the listener/known |
| 저런 | jeoreon | that kind over there | Far from both |
3. Comparative Analysis
Korean has several demonstratives, and it's essential to distinguish between them:
- 이것 (igeot) vs. 이런 (ireon)
- 이것: "this thing" (specific object)
- 이런: "this kind of" (type or kind)
- 그것 (geugeot) vs. 그런 (geureon)
- 그것: "that thing" (specific object)
- 그런: "that kind of" (type or kind)
- 저것 (jeogeot) vs. 저런 (jeoreon)
- 저것: "that thing over there" (specific object)
- 저런: "that kind of over there" (type or kind)
4. Examples in Context
Formal
- 이런 상황에서는 신중해야 합니다.
- Ireon sanghwang-eseoneun sinjunghaeya hamnida.
- In this kind of situation, one must be careful.
- 그런 행동은 용납되지 않습니다.
- Geureon haengdong-eun yongnapdoeji anseumnida.
- That kind of behavior is not acceptable.
- 저런 문제는 어렵습니다.
- Jeoreon munje-neun eoryeopseumnida.
- That kind of problem is difficult.
Informal
- 이런 옷을 어디서 샀어?
- Ireon oseul eodiseo sasseo?
- Where did you buy this kind of clothes?
- 나는 그런 이야기를 들었어.
- Naneun geureon iyagireul deureosseo.
- I heard that kind of story.
- 저런 차를 사고 싶어.
- Jeoreon chareul sago sipeo.
- I want to buy that kind of car over there.
Written
- 이런 현상은 흔하지 않습니다.
- Ireon hyeonsang-eun heunhaji anseumnida.
- This kind of phenomenon is uncommon.
- 그런 사례가 많이 있습니다.
- Geureon saryega mani itseumnida.
- There are many such cases.
- 저런 건축물은 아름답습니다.
- Jeoreon geonchungmul-eun areumdapseumnida.
- That kind of architecture over there is beautiful.
Spoken
- 이런 거 좋아해?
- Ireon geo joahae?
- Do you like this kind of thing?
- 그런 말 하지 마.
- Geureon mal haji ma.
- Don't say that kind of thing.
- 저런 사람 처음 봐.
- Jeoreon saram cheoeum bwa.
- It's my first time seeing that kind of person over there.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, specifying the proximity of objects or concepts in conversation reflects attentiveness and respect for the listener's perspective. Using 이런, 그런, and 저런 appropriately shows an understanding of shared knowledge and physical surroundings.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
These demonstratives can be used in various speech levels. However, pairing them with the appropriate verb endings and vocabulary determines the overall politeness.
- Formal Polite: 합니다, 합니다만
- Informal Polite: 해요, 해요 하지만
- Casual: 해, 하지만
Idiomatic Expressions
- 이런 저런 이야기
- Ireon jeoreon iyagi
- Chit-chat about this and that.
- 그런 대로
- Geureon daero
- So-so; just okay.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Confusing Proximity: Mixing up 이런 and 그런.
- Remember, 이런 is "this kind of" (near you).
- Overusing Demonstratives: Using these terms when unnecessary can make sentences awkward.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device:
- 이 (이런) starts with 'I' (아이), imagine pointing at yourself—close to you.
- 그 (그런) sounds like 'ku'—think of 'you'—close to the listener.
- 저 (저런) means 'that over there'—far from both.
- Practice with Objects: Point to objects at varying distances and describe them using 이런, 그런, or 저런.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 이런: This kind of (near speaker)
- 그런: That kind of (near listener or known)
- 저런: That kind of over there (far from both) They are used to modify nouns, helping to specify and describe more precisely.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "that kind of book over there" in Korean?
- Answer: 저런 책
- Choose the correct demonstrative: "I don't like _ that kind of music."
- Answer: 그런 음악을 좋아하지 않아.
- Fill in the blank: ___ 상황에서는 조심해야 해요. (In this kind of situation, you must be careful.)
- Answer: 이런
By understanding and practicing 이런, 그런, and 저런, you'll enhance your descriptive abilities in Korean and communicate more naturally.