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

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

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

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~했더니 is used to describe a situation where one action leads to another outcome. It can be translated as "when (I) did [something], (and) then [something else happened]." This structure indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two actions, usually emphasizing the result of the action taken.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Formation:

  • The structure consists of:
    • Verb + 했더니
    • The base form of the verb is in its past tense (해 => 했)

• Meaning:

  • This grammar point expresses that after performing an action, an unexpected or noteworthy result occurred. The emphasis often lies on the outcome being surprising or notable.

Structure and Formation Diagram

• 가다 (to go) → 갔더니
• Result: 친구가 나를 기다리고 있었다 (My friend was waiting for me). Full Sentence:
• 갔더니 친구가 나를 기다리고 있었다.
• When I went, my friend was waiting for me.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• 았/었더니 (at/eotdeoni):
  • Similar to ~했더니, this form uses the past tense of other verbs and conveys a similar meaning. For example, 가봤더니 (when I went to see).
• 고 나서 (go naseo):
  • This structure emphasizes that the first action must be completed before the second one. It suggests a more chronological progression rather than a cause-and-effect relationship.

Nuances:

• ~했더니 is typically used when the outcome of the first action is unexpected or leads to a realization, while ~고 나서 simply indicates that one action followed another without implying surprise.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 사무실에 갔더니 교수님이 계셨습니다.
   • When I went to the office, the professor was there.
2. Informal Context:
   • 친구 집에 갔더니 놀이터에 애들이 있었어.
   • When I went to my friend's house, there were kids at the playground.
3. Written Context:
   • 시험을 준비했더니 결과가 좋았습니다.
   • When I prepared for the exam, the results were good.
4. Spoken Context:
   • 영화를 봤더니 정말 재밌더라!
   • When I watched the movie, it was really fun!

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• The usage of ~했더니 reflects the Korean social norm of storytelling, where results and consequences are often shared to provide context. It highlights the connection between actions and their outcomes, which is valued in Korean culture.
• It’s important to choose the appropriate level of formality based on the listener when using this structure.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 그랬더니 (geuraetdeoni) – “And then” or “So, then” is often used colloquially to link events in conversations.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Forgetting past tense: Sometimes learners forget to put the verb in the past tense, leading to incorrect usage.
• Overusing: Using ~했더니 when the outcome is not surprising can weaken the expression's impact.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "When I did something, (and) then something happened” to recall the cause-and-effect relationship indicated by this structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했더니 indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between two actions.
• The first action should be in the past tense, and the second part highlights the outcome.
• Use different levels of formality based on the context and audience.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the structure for the verb "보다" (to see) in the past?
   • Answer: 봤더니
2. Does ~했더니 indicate an expected or unexpected outcome?
   • Answer: Unexpected outcome.
3. True or False: ~고 나서 emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship.
   • Answer: False. (It emphasizes sequence, not cause-and-effect.) This concludes the detailed explanation of the grammar point ~했더니.