Processing keyword: ~저 [jeo] (That kind of)

Korean Grammar Point: ~저 [jeo] (That kind of)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean demonstrative 저 [jeo], which is used to refer to objects or people that are far from both the speaker and the listener. Understanding 저 is essential for clear communication in Korean, as it helps specify which object or person you're talking about, especially when they are not nearby. We'll also look at related forms like 저렇다, 저런, and 저렇게, which are used to describe characteristics or manners associated with "that kind of" or "like that".

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• 저 [jeo]: That (over there)
  • Used to refer to something far from both the speaker and the listener.
• 저렇다 [jeoreota]: To be like that
  • Describes a state or condition that is "like that".
• 저런 [jeoreon]: Such, That kind of
  • Modifies a noun to mean "that kind of [noun]".
• 저렇게 [jeoreoke]: Like that, In that way
  • Describes the manner in which something is done.

Structure

1. 저 + Noun

• 저 directly modifies a noun.
• 저 + 사람 (person) → 저 사람 (that person over there)

2. 저렇다 and Its Derivatives

• 저 + -렇다 (to be like) → 저렇다 (to be like that)
• 저 + -런 (such) → 저런 (such, that kind of)
• 저 + -렇게 (like that) → 저렇게 (like that, in that way)

Formation Diagram

저 + Noun      → 저 Noun     (That [noun] over there)
저 + -렇다      → 저렇다       (To be like that)
저 + -런        → 저런        (Such, That kind of)
저 + -렇게      → 저렇게       (Like that, In that way)

Visual Aid: Demonstrative Pronouns

Korean	Pronunciation	Meaning	Usage
이	[i]	This	Near the speaker
그	[geu]	That	Near the listener or previously mentioned
저	[jeo]	That (over there)	Far from both speaker and listener

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing 이, 그, and 저

Understanding the subtle differences between these demonstratives is crucial:

• 이 [i]: This
  • Use when the object is near the speaker.
• 그 [geu]: That
  • Use when the object is near the listener or previously mentioned.
• 저 [jeo]: That (over there)
  • Use when the object is far from both the speaker and the listener.

Comparing -렇다 Forms

Base Demonstrative	-렇다 Form	Meaning
이	이렇다	To be like this
그	그렇다	To be like that (near listener)
저	저렇다	To be like that (over there)

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4. Examples in Context

1. Using 저 with Nouns

Example 1

저 사람은 누구예요? [Jeo sarameun nugu-yeyo?] "Who is that person over there?"

Example 2

저 건물이 정말 높아요. [Jeo geonmuri jeongmal nopayo.] "That building over there is really tall."

2. Using 저렇다 and Its Derivatives

Example 3

저런 행동은 좋지 않아요. [Jeoreon haengdong-eun jotji anayo.] "That kind of behavior is not good."

Example 4

왜 저렇게 웃어요? [Wae jeoreoke useoyo?] "Why are you laughing like that?"

Example 5

저렇게 아름다운 경치는 처음 봐요. [Jeoreoke areumdaun gyeongchineun cheoeum bwayo.] "I've never seen such a beautiful view before."

3. Formal Context

Example 6

저분이 선생님이십니다. [Jeobuni seonsaengnim-isimnida.] "That person over there is the teacher."

4. Informal Speech

Example 7

저거 뭐야? [Jeoge mwoya?] "What's that over there?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Spatial Awareness: Korean language places emphasis on the spatial relationship between the speaker, listener, and objects or people being discussed.
• Clarity in Communication: Using the correct demonstrative (이, 그, 저) avoids confusion and aids in precise communication.
• Social Norms: Referring to someone with 저분 (that person over there) and including honorifics shows respect, especially when the person is of higher social status or older.

Levels of Politeness

• Honorific Forms: When referring to people in formal settings, use honorifics.
  • 저분 instead of 저 사람 for "that person over there".
  • 저분이 누구십니까?
    • [Jeobuni nugusimnikka?]
    • "Who is that person over there?" (Honorific)

Idiomatic Expressions

저런!

An exclamation similar to "Oh dear!" or "Oh no!", used when reacting to unexpected news or situations. Example: 저런! 큰일 났네요. [Jeoreon! Keunil natneyo.] "Oh no! That's a big problem."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Confusing 저 with 그

• Error: Using 저 when referring to something that is near the listener or has been previously mentioned.
• Correction: Use 그 in these cases.

Incorrect: 저 책이 네 거야? (Is that book over there yours?) Correct: 그 책이 네 거야? (Is that book [near you or previously mentioned] yours?)

Mistake 2: Using 저 for Objects Near the Speaker

• Error: Using 저 instead of 이 for something near the speaker.
• Correction: Use 이 for objects near you.

Incorrect: 저 연필은 내가 사용할게. (I'll use that pencil over there.) Correct: 이 연필은 내가 사용할게. (I'll use this pencil.)

Learning Strategies

Mnemonic Device

• 이: "It's close to me." (Both start with "I")
• 그: "Close to you." ("You" and 그 both have a 'u' sound)
• 저: "Over there." (Think "J" for "journey" away from both)

Practice Tip

• Physical Pointing Exercise: Point to objects at varying distances and say 이것 (this thing), 그것 (that thing), 저것 (that thing over there) to build muscle memory.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 저 is used for referring to objects or people far from both the speaker and the listener.
• Combining 저 with suffixes like -렇다, -런, -렇게 creates words that describe characteristics, kinds, or manners associated with "that" distant reference.
• Correct usage of 이, 그, and 저 is important for clear and precise communication in Korean.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks with 이, 그, or 저:

a) _____ 책은 제 거예요. b) _____ 사람은 누구예요? c) 어제 만난 _____ 친구 기억나요?

2. Translate the following sentence to Korean:

"Why is he dancing like that?" Hint: Use 저렇게 for "like that".

Answers:

1.

a) 이 책은 제 거예요.
"This book is mine." b) 저 사람은 누구예요?
"Who is that person over there?" c) 어제 만난 그 친구 기억나요?
"Do you remember that friend we met yesterday?"

2.

그는 왜 저렇게 춤추고 있어요? [Geuneun wae jeoreoke chumchugo isseoyo?]

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Feel free to revisit this lesson to reinforce your understanding of 저 and its related forms. Practice using them in sentences to become more comfortable with their nuances.

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