Processing keyword: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (When, and then)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (When, and then)

~했더니 [haetdeoni] (When I did..., then...)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammar point ~했더니 (haetdeoni) is used to describe a situation where the speaker did something in the past, and as a result, a certain outcome occurred or a discovery was made. It connects an action to its subsequent consequence or realization, emphasizing the direct relationship between the two.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~했더니 is used when:

• The speaker performed an action, and then something happened as a result.
• The speaker realized or discovered something after doing an action.
• There's a cause-and-effect relationship from the speaker's past action to the subsequent event or realization.

Structure

The structure combines a verb in the past tense with 더니.

Formation Diagram

1. Conjugate the verb into its past tense form (았/었):
   • Verb Stem + 았/었
2. Add 더니:
   • Verb Past Tense + 더니

Formation Table

3. Comparative Analysis

~했더니 vs. ~고 나니

• ~고 나니 also indicates that after one action, another occurs.
• Difference: ~했더니 is used when the speaker observes a result or realization after their own action. ~고 나니 can be used more generally and doesn't necessarily imply the speaker's action or observation.

~했더니 vs. ~자

• ~자 means "as soon as" or "the moment".
• Difference: ~자 emphasizes immediacy, while ~했더니 emphasizes the discovery or result after an action.

~했더니 vs. ~니까

• ~니까 expresses reason or cause.
• Difference: ~했더니 shows a sequence of actions with a cause-and-effect observed by the speaker, whereas ~니까 is more about providing a reason for the following clause.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1 (Informal Spoken)

Sentence: 아침에 일찍 일어났더니 피곤해요. Translation: I woke up early in the morning, and now I'm tired.

Example 2 (Formal Written)

Sentence: 그 영화를 봤더니 마음이 따뜻해졌습니다. Translation: When I watched that movie, my heart felt warm.

Example 3 (Informal Conversation)

Sentence: 친구를 만났더니 기분이 좋아졌어. Translation: I met a friend, and then I felt better.

Example 4 (Formal Presentation)

Sentence: 새로운 식당에서 식사했더니 음식이 정말 맛있었습니다. Translation: I dined at a new restaurant, and the food was really delicious.

Example 5 (Written Narrative)

Sentence: 산책을 했더니 기분 전환이 되었다. Translation: I took a walk, and then I felt refreshed.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• ~했더니 can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adjust the verb endings accordingly to match the level of politeness.

Expressing Personal Experiences

• This grammar point is often used to share personal experiences and the outcomes directly observed by the speaker.
• It reflects the Korean language's emphasis on firsthand experiences and observations.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake 1: Misusing ~더니 with Third Person Subjects

• Error: 친구가 갔더니 문을 열었어요.
• Explanation: ~했더니 is generally used when the subject is the first person (the speaker).
• Correction: 친구가 가니까 문을 열었어요.

Common Mistake 2: Confusing ~했더니 with ~았더니

• Tip: Remember that ~했더니 is used after 하다 verbs, while verbs without 하다 will use their past tense form with 더니.

Mnemonic Device

• Think: "I did (했) something, and then (더니)..."
• Associate 했 with the action you did, and 더니 with the discovery or result.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했더니 is used to express that after the speaker did something, a certain result occurred or was discovered.
• It combines the past tense verb with 더니.
• Mainly used with first-person subjects to describe personal experiences.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~했더니 with the verb 마시다 (to drink)?
   • Answer: 마셨더니
2. True or False: ~했더니 can be used when talking about someone else's actions.
   • Answer: False (It's primarily used for the speaker's actions.)
3. Fill in the blank: 공부를 열심히 ________ 시험에 합격했어요.
   • Answer: 했더니

By understanding and practicing ~했더니, you can effectively express cause-and-effect relationships based on your own experiences in Korean.