Processing keyword: ~했었는데 [haesseotneunde] (Had done but)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했었는데 [haesseotneunde] (Had done but)

Grammar Point: ~했었는데 [haesseotneunde] (Had done but)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~했었는데 is used to express a past action or state that occurred before another action or state in the past, often implying a contrast or unexpected result. It can be translated as "had done but" or "I had done [something], but..." in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: This structure reveals that something happened in the past, but there is an expectation or a result that contrasts with that action.
• Structure: The form breaks down into three parts:
  • Verb Stem + 했었 (indicates past action)
  • 는데 (adds contrast or background context)

Formation Diagram

Usage

• The structure is often used in storytelling or when sharing personal experiences.
• It typically precedes another statement that provides contrasting information.

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:
  • ~었다가: This is used to indicate a shift from one state to another (e.g., "I did... and then...").
  • ~았는데: This is similar but does not emphasize the completion of the action as ~했었는데 does.

Key Differences:

• ~했었는데 focuses on past actions and their implications, often implying contrast.
• ~았는데 can simply provide background information without emphasizing the past completion.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal/Spoken:
   • 저는 그 영화를 봤었는데, 재미있었어요.
     • I had seen that movie, but it was interesting.
2. Informal:
   • 어제 학교에 갔었는데, 친구를 못 만났어.
     • I had gone to school yesterday, but I didn’t meet my friend.
3. Written:
   • 그 문제는 쉽게 해결했었는데, 사람들이 여전히 걱정하고 있습니다.
     • The problem had been easily resolved, but people are still worried.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing past circumstances that led to current situations is common. The use of ~했었는데 can convey feelings of regret, surprise, or emphasis on the contrast between past and present.

Levels of Politeness

When using this grammar point, attention should be paid to the level of politeness in speech, as the ending can change according to the context (e.g., 하였던, 했었어, etc.).

Idiomatic Expressions

• 사과했었는데 기분이 나빠졌다: "I had apologized, but it made things worse."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Confusing ~했었는데 with ~았는데; learners often fail to capture the nuance of completed action.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "past expectation" when using ~했었는데, reminding you it contrasts with something that happened later.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했었는데 expresses a past action with emphasis on contrast.
• It is structured as Verb Stem + 했었 + 는데.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~했었는데 express?
2. Provide an example sentence using ~했었는데.
3. How is ~했었는데 different from ~았는데? By understanding and practicing ~했었는데, you can effectively communicate past actions and their implications in Korean conversations!