Processing keyword: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (When, and then)
Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (When, and 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
- Conjugate the verb into its past tense form (았/었):
- Verb Stem + 았/었
- Add 더니:
- Verb Past Tense + 더니
Formation Table
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Past Tense Ending | + 더니 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹었 | 먹었더니 | When I ate..., then... |
| 마시다 (to drink) | 마시 | 마셨 | 마셨더니 | When I drank..., then... |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 | 공부했 | 공부했더니 | When I studied..., then... |
| 운동하다 (to exercise) | 운동하 | 운동했 | 운동했더니 | When I exercised..., then... |
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
- How do you form ~했더니 with the verb 마시다 (to drink)?
- Answer: 마셨더니
- 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.)
- 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.