Processing keyword: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (After doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (After doing)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~했더니 [haetdeoni] is used to express that after the speaker did something, they observed a result, consequence, or discovered something new. It highlights a cause-and-effect relationship from the speaker's direct experience.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Definition: ~했더니 means "after (I) did..." or "when (I) did..., (I found/discovered)...". It connects an action the speaker performed in the past with a subsequent result or realization.
• Usage: It is used when the speaker is describing their own actions leading to a new situation or discovery.

Structure

The pattern is formed by attaching 았/었더니 to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 았/었더니

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 았/었: Past tense marker.
  • Use 았 after verb stems with vowels 아 or 오.
  • Use 었 after other vowels.
• 더니: Conjunctive ending indicating a contrast or result.

Example of Formation

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	Past Tense Marker	+ 더니	Resulting Form
가다 (to go)	가	았	더니	갔더니
먹다 (to eat)	먹	었	더니	먹었더니
배우다 (to learn)	배우	았	더니	배웠더니

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3. Comparative Analysis

~했더니 vs. ~하니까

• ~했더니: Used when the speaker did something and observed a result. The subject of the first clause is usually the speaker.
  • Example: 공부했더니 졸려요.
    (After I studied, I am sleepy.)
• ~하니까: Used to express a general cause-and-effect without specifying the subject as the speaker.
  • Example: 비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.
    (Since it's raining, please take an umbrella.)

~했더니 vs. ~고 나서

• ~했더니: Emphasizes the speaker's discovery or realization after their action.
• ~고 나서: Simply indicates one action was completed before another began, without the nuance of discovery.
  • Example: 숙제를 하고 나서 텔레비전을 봤어요.
    (After doing homework, I watched TV.)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Spoken
   • Korean: 어제 늦게 잤더니 피곤해요.
   • Romanization: Eoje neujge jatdeoni pigonhaeyo.
   • Translation: After sleeping late yesterday, I'm tired.
2. Polite Conversation
   • Korean: 점심을 먹었더니 배가 불러요.
   • Romanization: Jeomsimeul meogeotdeoni baega bulleoyo.
   • Translation: After eating lunch, I'm full.
3. Formal Written
   • Korean: 그 책을 읽었더니 새로운 사실을 알게 되었습니다.
   • Romanization: Geu chaegeul ilgeotdeoni saeroun sashireul alge doeeotseumnida.
   • Translation: After reading that book, I learned new facts.
4. Casual Conversation
   • Korean: 뛰었더니 숨이 찬다.
   • Romanization: Ttwieotdeoni sumi chanda.
   • Translation: After running, I'm out of breath.
5. Polite Conversation
   • Korean: 친구를 만났더니 기분이 좋아졌어요.
   • Romanization: Chingureul mannatteoni gibuni joajyeosseoyo.
   • Translation: After meeting my friend, my mood improved.
6. Formal Written
   • Korean: 연구를 해봤더니 결과가 흥미로웠습니다.
   • Romanization: Yeongureul haebwatdeoni gyeolgwaga heungmirowotseumnida.
   • Translation: After conducting research, the results were interesting.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Personal Experiences: In Korean culture, sharing personal experiences and the outcomes of actions is common in conversation. Using ~했더니 allows speakers to convey their experiences naturally.
• Levels of Politeness: Adjusting the sentence ending can change the politeness level:
  • Informal: "~했더니" without any additional endings.
  • Polite: "했더니요" or by adding polite sentence endings like "요".
  • Formal: "~했더니다" or using formal verb endings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 머리를 깎았더니 사람이 달라 보인다.
  • After cutting my hair, people say I look different.
  • This expression shows how ~했더니 can be used to share others' reactions to a change in oneself.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using with Non-First Person Subjects
   • Mistake: 영희가 공부했더니 합격했어요.
     • Incorrect because ~했더니 is typically used when the speaker is the subject.
   • Correction: 영희가 공부해서 합격했어요.
     • Using ~해서 to indicate cause for a third person.
2. Confusing with ~더니
   • Mistake: 어제는 춥더니 오늘은 따뜻해요.
     • Correct use but different meaning.
   • Explanation: ~더니 (without past tense marker) is used to contrast past and present observations, often with third-person subjects.

Tips

• Remember the Subject: ~했더니 is mostly used when the speaker performed the action.
• Linking to Personal Discovery: Use it to express something you found out after doing something.
• Practice with Daily Activities: Apply ~했더니 to your routines to get comfortable with its usage.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했더니 connects an action you did in the past with a result or discovery.
• The structure is [Verb Stem] + 았/었더니.
• It emphasizes personal experience and the ensuing outcome.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~했더니 with 쓰다 (to write)?
   • Answer: 썼더니
2. Can you use ~했더니 when the subject is someone else?
   • Answer: No, it's typically used when the speaker is the subject of the first clause.
3. Translate using ~했더니: "After I walked a lot, my legs hurt."
   • Answer: 많이 걸었더니 다리가 아파요.

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By understanding and practicing ~했더니, you can express personal experiences and their outcomes more naturally in Korean.

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