Processing keyword: ~줄 알다 [jul alda] (Thought that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~줄 알다 [jul alda] (Thought that)

Grammar Point: ~줄 알다 [jul alda] (Thought that)

1. Introduction

The Korean expression ~줄 알다 is used to convey a belief or assumption about something, similar to saying "I thought that" in English. It indicates the speaker's understanding or expectation regarding a situation or fact.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:
  • The basic structure of this expression is:

    Verb stem + 줄 알다
    

  • For example, with the verb 가다 (to go), it becomes 갈 줄 알다 (to think that [someone would] go).

Formation Diagram

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Verb Stem → (Verb) + 줄 알다
Example:
가다 (to go) → 갈 줄 알다 (thought that [someone would] go)

3. Comparative Analysis

The expression ~줄 알다 can be compared with another expression ~을/를 줄 모르다 (didn't think that) which expresses uncertainty. The key difference is that ~줄 알다 indicates an expectation or belief, while ~을/를 줄 모르다 suggests a lack of knowledge or certainty.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 저는 그가 이렇게 잘할 줄 알았어요.
     (I thought that he would do this well.)
2. Informal:
   • 너가 이런 말을 할 줄 알았어.
     (I thought you would say something like this.)
3. Written:
   • 많은 사람들이 이 사건에 대해 알 줄 알았다.
     (Many people thought they would know about this incident.)
4. Spoken:
   • 난 네가 올 줄 알았지!
     (I thought you were coming!)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The usage of ~줄 알다 often reflects the speaker's expectations from others, which can be tied to hierarchical relationships in Korean culture. It is important to consider the politeness level when using this expression, as assumptions may vary based on social context.

Idiomatic Expressions

Common phrases include:

• 예상한 대로 (as expected) which could be used alongside ~줄 알다 to emphasize that one’s thought was correct.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

A frequent error is using the wrong verb form. Ensure the verb is in its correct form:

• Incorrect: 내일 비 올 줄 알다 (not specifying if the verb is in the right form)
• Correct: 내일 비 올 줄 알았다 (I thought it would rain tomorrow)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember 줄 알다 as "to know the line" (줄) of your assumptions. This can help you connect thoughts with expectations.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~줄 알다 expresses a belief or assumption about an action.
• It can refer to future occurrences based on the speaker’s understanding.
• Correct verb formation is crucial for proper usage.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~줄 알다 mean?
2. How would you say "I thought he would come" in Korean using this grammar point?
3. What is the difference between ~줄 알다 and ~을/를 줄 모르다? Answers:
4. Thought that.
5. 그가 올 줄 알았다.
6. ~줄 알다 indicates an expectation; ~을/를 줄 모르다 indicates uncertainty.