Processing keyword: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (And then)
Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (And then)
1. Introduction
In learning Korean, understanding connective endings is essential for expressing complex ideas and sequences of events. One such connective is ~했더니 [haetdeoni], which is used to describe an action that leads to a result or discovery. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~했더니, providing explanations, examples, and tips to master this grammar point.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
~했더니 [haetdeoni] connects two clauses to express that the speaker did something, and as a result, discovered or realized something else. It translates to "and then (I found/discovered/noticed that)".
Structure
Formation
To form ~했더니, attach -았/었더니 to the verb stem of the first clause.
| Verb Stem Type | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb stem ending in vowel or "ㅗ/ㅏ" | -았더니 | 가다 → 가 + 았더니 → 갔더니 |
| Verb stem ending in other vowels | -었더니 | 먹다 → 먹 + 었더니 → 먹었더니 |
| Verb stem ending in 하 | -했더니 | 공부하다 → 공부하 + 였더니 → 공부했더니 |
| Note: For 하다 verbs, 하였더니 contracts to 했더니. |
Diagram
[Action by the speaker] + 았/었더니 + [Result/Discovery]
Example:
공부했더니 성적이 올랐어요.
(I studied, and then my grades improved.)
3. Comparative Analysis
~더니 vs. ~했더니
- ~더니: Used when the speaker observes a change or result based on past observations or actions by someone else or oneself (in the past).
- ~했더니: Specifically used when the speaker did the first action, which led to a result or discovery.
Comparison Table
| Grammar Point | Subject of First Clause | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~더니 | Someone else / Speaker (past self) | Observing a change based on past actions or states | 그는 열심히 공부하더니 성공했어요. (He studied hard, and then he succeeded.) |
| ~했더니 | Speaker | Result or discovery after the speaker's action | 내가 물을 주었더니 꽃이 피었어요. (I watered the plant, and then the flower bloomed.) |
4. Examples in Context
Formal Language
- 어제 밤에 늦게까지 일했더니 피곤합니다. I worked late last night, and now I'm tired.
- 식당에 갔더니 문이 닫혀 있었습니다. I went to the restaurant, and then (I found that) it was closed.
Informal Language
- 많이 걸었더니 발이 아파. I walked a lot, and now my feet hurt.
- 책을 읽었더니 기분이 좋아졌어. I read a book, and then I felt better.
Written Context
- 조사를 했더니 새로운 사실을 알게 되었다. I did some research, and then I learned new facts.
- 편지를 보냈더니 답장이 왔다. I sent a letter, and then I received a reply.
Spoken Context
- 전화를 했더니 아무도 안 받아. I called, and no one is answering.
- 문을 열었더니 고양이가 밖에 있었어요. I opened the door, and the cat was outside.
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Formality
In Korean culture, expressing actions and their results respectfully is important, especially when interacting with elders or superiors. Using ~했더니 appropriately reflects causality in a polite manner.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 길을 물었더니 친절하게 알려주셨어요. I asked for directions, and then (they) kindly told me.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using ~했더니 when the subject is not the speaker Incorrect: 친구가 노래를 했더니 사람들이 박수를 쳤어요. Correct: 친구가 노래를 하니까 사람들이 박수를 쳤어요. (Since my friend sang, people clapped.)
- Confusing ~더니 and ~했더니 Remember, ~했더니 is used when you did something, and ~더니 is for observations about others or past states.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 했더니 as "I did (했) something and then (더니)..."
- Practice: Create sentences about your daily activities leading to results.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~했더니 is used to express that the speaker did something, and as a result, discovered or experienced something else.
- It connects two clauses: the first is an action by the speaker, the second is the result or discovery.
- Be mindful of the subject; ~했더니 is for actions done by the speaker.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: 집에 돌아왔더니 ______. (I returned home, and then...)
- True or False: ~했더니 can be used when talking about someone else's actions.
- Choose the correct ending: 가다 → 갔더니 or 가했더니?
Answers:
- Possible answers vary. Example: 집에 돌아왔더니 아무도 없었어요. (I came home, and then no one was there.)
- False. ~했더니 is used for the speaker's actions.
- 갔더니.