Processing keyword: ~(으)던 [(eu)deon] (Who used to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)던 [(eu)deon] (Who used to)

Grammar Point: ~(으)던 [(eu)deon] (Who used to)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~(으)던 is used to indicate actions or states that were habitual or recurring in the past. It conveys the sense of "who used to" or "that used to be the case."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The suffix ~(으)던 describes something that was a habitual action or state in the past but is no longer true in the present.
• Structure:
  • The suffix is attached to the verb stem (or adjective stem).
  • If the verb or adjective ends in a vowel, simply add 던.
  • If it ends in a consonant, add ~(으)던.

Formation

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:
  • -(았/었다) [-(at/et)da]: Describes completed past actions. Unlike ~(으)던, which continues to imply habituality, -(았/었다) indicates that the action was completed once.
  • -(고 있다) [-(go itda]: Indicates a current action in progress, contrasting with ~(으)던 which refers solely to past habits.

Differences:

• ~(으)던: habitual actions in the past.
• -(았/었다): actions that were completed in the past.
• -(고 있다): actions that are currently ongoing.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal: 어렸을 때 친구들과 자주 가던 공원이 지금은 사라졌어요.
   Translation: The park that I used to go to with friends when I was young has disappeared now.

2. Informal: 너랑 같이 쓰던 책 어디 갔어?
   Translation: Where is the book that I used to write with you?

3. Written: 내가 좋아하던 노래를 들으니 옛날 생각이 나네요.
   Translation: Hearing the song that I used to like reminds me of the old days.

4. Spoken: 이 길은 예전엔 자주 가던 길이야.
   Translation: This road is the one that I used to take frequently back in the day.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, reflecting on the past is common during conversations, especially when talking about childhood or nostalgic memories. Using ~(으)던 conveys a depth of familiarity and connection to the past, which is significant in building rapport.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 종종 가던 카페 (The café that I used to frequent)
• 예전처럼 하던 대화 (The conversations we used to have like in the past)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Confusion with the use of -(았/었다): Some learners may use -(았/었다) when referring to past habitual actions instead of ~(으)던.
• Tip: Remember that ~(으)던 is specifically for habits or states in the past, whereas -(았/었다) is for completed actions.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of “(으)던” as "used to"—remind yourself it relays something about a routine from the past that does not continue into the present.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The suffix ~(으)던 expresses past habitual actions or states.
• It differs from other past tense forms and focuses on actions that were repeated rather than completed.
• Use it to reflect on past experiences that are no longer true.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~(으)던 express about an action or state?
2. How would you say "I used to go there" using the verb 가다?
3. Differentiate between ~(으)던 and -(았/었다).

• Answers:

1. It expresses a past habit or state.
2. 가던.
3. ~(으)던 is for past habits; -(앗/었다) is for completed past actions.