How to apply ~데 depending on verb / adjective / NOUN so on
How to apply ~데 depending on verb / adjective / NOUN so on
1️⃣ –는데 (verb / 있다·없다)
When to use
Action verbs (하다, 가다, 먹다, 오다 등)
있다 / 없다
Progressive or general actions
Grammar logic
Verbs take –는 in present descriptive clauses → –는데
Examples
지금 비가 오는데 우산 있어요?
→ It’s raining right now, so / given that, do you have an umbrella?저는 회사에 가는데 시간이 좀 걸려요.
→ I go to work, and it takes some time.지금 현금이 없는데 어떻게 해야 할까요?
→ I don’t have cash now, so what should I do?아이가 자고 있는데 너무 조용해요.
→ The child is sleeping, so it’s very quiet.
English explanation
Used when the preceding clause describes an action or ongoing state,
providing background or contrast.
l Exception) When the verb stem ending is ㄹ, drop ㄹ and add 는데.
❌ 돈은 많이 벌은데 시간이 없어요.
돈은 많이 버는데 시간이 없어요. (I make a lot of money, but time.)
2️⃣ –은데 / –ㄴ데 (adjectives)
When to use
Descriptive adjectives (춥다, 비싸다, 예쁘다, 어렵다 등)
Choice depends on 받침 (final consonant)
Form rule
받침 있으면 (If there is Batchim) → –은데
ㄹ 받침 있으면 (If there is ㄹ Batchim) → Drop ㄹ and –ㄴ데
ㅂ 받침 있으면 (If there is ㅂ Batchim) → Drop ㅂ and 운데
받침 없으면 (If there is no Batchim) → –ㄴ데
Examples
오늘 날씨가 추운데 바람도 불어요.
→ It’s cold today, and it’s also windy.이 가방이 비싼데 너무 예뻐요.
→ This bag is expensive, but it’s very pretty.가을이는 귀여운데 똑똑해요.
→ Ga-eul is cute, and (even) smart.이 문제는 어려운데 설명해 줄게요.
→ This quiz is difficult, so I’ll explain it.리사는 다리가 긴데 얼굴은 작아요.
→ Lisa has long legs, but her face is small.
English explanation
Adjectives describe states or qualities,
so they take –은/–ㄴ before –데, not –는.
3️⃣ Past reference: –았/었/했는데
When to use
Talking about a past situation as background
Applies to both verbs and adjectives
Examples
어제는 비가 왔는데 오늘은 맑아요.
→ It rained yesterday, but today it’s sunny.그 영화 재미있었는데 끝이 좀 아쉬웠어요.
→ The movie was fun, but the ending was a bit disappointing.예전에 여기 살았는데 다른 동네에 살아요.
→ I used to live here, but I live in a different neighborhood.
English explanation
The past marker –았/었/했– comes before –는데,
because –데 connects clauses, not tense.
4️⃣ Special note: 아니다 → –ㄴ데
아니다 ( am not / is not / are not ) is applied like an adjective with -ㄴ데
Example
그건 제 잘못이 아닌데요.
→ That’s not my fault, though.그 여자들은 한국 사람이 아닌데 한국말을 잘 해요.
→ Those women are not Koreans, but they speak Korean so well.
5️⃣ 명사 + 인데
When to use
The preceding clause ends in a noun
You want to give background, contrast, explanation, or conversation starter so on.
Very common in spoken Korean
Grammar logic
Nouns cannot take –는 or –은/–ㄴ directly.
So Korean uses “Noun + (이)다 + –ㄴ데 -> NOUN인데”
Examples (background / explanation)
오늘 평일인데 회사에 사람이 없어요.
→ It’s a weekday today, and there aren’t many people at the office.지금 점심시간인데 식당 앞에 줄이 길어요.
→ It’s lunchtime, and there is a long waiting line in front of the restaurant.저 사람은 댄서인데 왜 그렇게 춤을 못 춰요?
→ That person is a dancer, but why is he that bad at dancing?
Examples (contrast)
그 사람은 학생인데 회사를 운영해요.
→ He’s a student, and he runs a company.겨울인데 눈이 많이 안 내려요.
→ It’s winter, but it doesn’t snow that much.
Examples (soft lead-in / conversation starter)
Very common in natural speech:
이게 Wi-fi QR 코드인데 스캔해 보세요.
→ This is the Wi-fi QR code, so please scan it.제가 좋아하는 노래인데 같이 들을래요?
→ This is a song I like, so would you like to listen to it together?
🚫 Common learner mistakes
❌ 오늘 덥은데 패딩을 입었어요.
✔ 오늘 더운데 옷을 많이 입었어요
→ It’s hot today, but I wore a padded jacket.
❌ 고양이가 울는데 아이가 우는 것 같아요.
✔ 고양이가 우는데 아이가 우는 것 같아요.
→ A cat is crying, and it sounds like a baby is crying.
❌ 줄이 길은데 그냥 기다리고 있어요
✔ 줄이 긴데 그냥 기다리고 있어요
→ The waiting line is long, but we just are waiting in a line.
❌ 이 옷은 너무 귀엽은데 비싸요.
✔ 이 옷은 너무 귀여운데 비싸요.
→ This cloth is so cute, but it’s expensive.
🎯 One-line memory rule
Action → –는데
Adjective Description → –은/–ㄴ데
Past → –았/었/했는데
아니다 → 아닌데
NOUN → 인데
The differences of 데, 대 and 때
The differences of 데, 대 and 때
1️⃣ –데
Function: background, contrast, soft connection
–데(요) is not a standalone tense or quote.
It provides background information, sets a context, or shows contrast, often implying “so / but / and then”.
Grammatically, –데 almost always appears as –는데 / –은데 / –ㄴ데 depending on the verb/adjective.
Key idea
“Here’s some context… (and based on that…)”
Examples
오늘 추운데 인사동에서 야외 공연을 했어요.
→ It’s cold (background), but we did the outdoor performance in Insa-dong.이 카페는 예쁜데 커피가 비싸요.
→ The cafe is pretty but the coffee is expensive.비가 오는데 우산 있어요?
→ It’s raining (given that), do you have an umbrella?지금 마트에 가는데, 뭐 좀 사다 드릴까요?.
→ I’m going to go to a mart now, so would you like me to get you something?
Learner tip
❌ –데 does NOT mean “when”
❌ –데 does NOT quote anyone
✔ Think of it as context + implication
2️⃣ –대(요)
Function: hearsay / quoting what someone said
–대(요) comes from –다고 해요.
It is used when you’re reporting information you heard from someone else.
Key idea
“This is what I heard someone say.”
Examples
친구가 오늘 춥대요.
→ My friend says it’s cold, today.크리스마스에 눈이 온대요.
→ I heard it will snows in Christmas.그 식당 맛있대요.
→ People say that restaurant is good.의사 선생님이 쉬어야 한대요.
→ The doctor said I need to rest.
Learner tip
✔ Always involves someone else’s words or information
✔ Often used in casual spoken Korean
❌ Not used for your own direct feelings
3️⃣ –때
Function: time (“when”)
–때 is a noun meaning “time”.
It attaches to verbs/adjectives to mean “when / at the time that”.
Key idea
“At the time when…”
Examples
추울 때 패딩을 입어요.
→ When it’s cold, I wear a padded jacket.한국에 처음 왔을 때 많이 힘들었어요.
→ When I first came to Korea, it was very hard.아플 때 병원에 가세요.
→ Go to see a doctor when you’re not feeling well.어릴 때 이 동네에 살았어요.
→ I lived in this neighborhood when I was young.
Learner tip
✔ Can be replaced by “when” in English
✔ Often followed by 에 ( ~ 때에)
❌ No implication, no hearsay -> just time
🚫 Common learner mistakes
❌ 오늘 추울 대 목도리를 안 가져왔어요
✔ 오늘 추운데 목도리를 안 가져왔어요
❌ 친구가 아플 데 같이 병원에 갔어요
✔ 친구가 아플 때 같이 병원에 갔어요
🎯 One-sentence memory trick
데 → “Here’s the situation…”
대 → “I heard that…”, “Someone said…”
때 → “When…”
Adnominal endings in Korean
How to modify NOUN with ADJECTIVE & VERB using Adnominal endings in Korean?
Korean Adnominal Endings (관형사형 어미)
-(으)ㄴ, -는, -던, -(으)ㄹ
(How verbs & adjectives modify nouns by tense)
1️⃣ What are adnominal endings?
In Korean, verbs and adjectives can directly modify nouns by changing their endings.
These endings show tense, aspect, and speaker perspective, similar to English relative clauses.
📌 English:
The book that I read
📌 Korean:
읽은 책
(No “that / which / who” — tense is shown by the ending “은” here.)
Adjectives rarely use -(으)ㄹ except in speculative or future-oriented contexts. Koreans mostly use -(으)ㄴ ending for Adjectives, and it sounds much natural.
3️⃣ -(으)ㄴ : past (verbs) / present state (adjectives)
🔹 With verbs: completed past action
Use -(으)ㄴ when the action is finished.
그 남자가 입은 바지
→ The pants the guy wore
하와이에서 산 가방
→ The bag I bought in Hawaii
처음 만난 사람
→ The person I met for the first time
📌 This corresponds to English past tense relative clauses.
🔹 With adjectives: current, fixed state
Adjectives describe a state, so -(으)ㄴ shows the present condition.
예쁜 꽃
→ A pretty flower
밝은 색
→ A bright color
조용한 거리
→ A quiet street
📌 Even though the ending looks “past,” it does NOT mean past for adjectives.
4️⃣ -는: present / ongoing / habitual (verbs only)
🔹 With verbs ONLY
Use -는 for actions that are:
happening now
habitual
generally true
지금 읽는 책
→ The book I’m reading now
매일 가는 카페
→ The cafe I go to every day
요즘 배우는 운동
→ The sport I’m learning these days
★ Adjectives do NOT use -는
❌ 예쁘는 사람
⭕ 예쁜 사람
5️⃣ -던 : past experience, memory, or incomplete action
🔹 Key idea (important!)
-던 refers to:
something experienced in the past
often not completed
often recalled from memory
It frequently adds nostalgia, contrast, or background feeling.
🔹 With verbs: past, ongoing, or habitual in the past
어릴 때 자주 가던 공원
→ The park I used to go to often when I was little
내가 살던 집
→ The house I used to live in
늘 먹던 음식
→ The food I used to eat
📌 English equivalents:
used to
would
that I remember
habitually
🔹 With adjectives: remembered past state
20년 전에 인기가 많던 아이돌 그룹
→ The idol group that had been popular 20 years ago
어렸을 때 유행하던 물건
→ The item that had been trendy when I was little
항상 조용하던 학생
→ The student that had been quiet always
📌 Often implies:
“It was like that then (but maybe not now).”
6️⃣ -(으)ㄹ: future/intention/expectation (verbs mostly)
🔹 With verbs: future or planned action
Use -(으)ㄹ for actions that have not happened yet.
다음 주에 볼 시험
→ The exam I will take next week
곧 만날 사람
→ The person I will meet soon
내년에 할 프로젝트
→ The project I will do next year
📌 This includes:
future
intention
expectation
assumption
🔹 With adjectives (limited, speculative)
Adjectives can use -(으)ㄹ when the meaning is uncertain or expected.
5년 뒤에 더 비쌀 집
→ The house that will probably be more expensive 5years later
미래에 살기 가장 좋을 나라
→ The country that will be best to live in the future
📌 This sounds predictive, not descriptive, and in a real conversation we use present adnominal ending for the adjective mostly, and it sounds much natural.
8️⃣ Key learning tips for English speakers
Korean modifiers come before the noun
No relative pronouns
One ending = tense + nuance
-던 is about memory, habit, a state before it changed and experiences in the past, not just time
9️⃣ One-sentence summary
Korean adnominal endings compress tense, aspect, and speaker perspective into one verb ending before the noun.
8️⃣ Key learning tips for English speakers
Korean modifiers come before the noun
No relative pronouns
One ending = tense + nuance
-던 is about memory, habit, a state before it changed and experiences in the past, not just time
9️⃣ One-sentence summary
Korean adnominal endings compress tense, aspect, and speaker perspective into one verb ending before the noun.
그렇죠 vs 그죠 vs 그지 vs 그치
Ø How are they different “그렇죠, 그죠, 그지 and 그치”?
🌟 Korean Confirmation Expressions: 그렇죠 / 그쵸 / 그지 / 그치
You’ll hear these expressions constantly in daily Korean.
They all relate to seeking or showing agreement, but they differ in formality, spelling, and nuance.
1) 그렇죠 / 그쵸
Meaning:
“Right?”, “Isn’t it?”, “I know, right?”, “Exactly.”
Notes:
그쵸 is just the shortened spoken form of 그렇죠.
Both mean the same, but 그렇죠 is more standard and can be used in polite, official and formal conversation.
Built from 그렇다 + 지요 → 그렇지요 → 그렇죠 (sound contraction)
, and this ending “지요/죠” can be added to an adjective/verb stem.
According to Korean grammar, 그쵸 is not counted as standard word, but still many Koreans say the word in general life because of the convenience of the pronunciation.
✔ Asking for confirmation
오늘 정말 춥죠?
It’s really cold today, right?이 영화 재미있죠?
This movie is good, right?정현 씨는 노래를 정말 잘 부르죠?
Junghyun sings so greatly, doesn’t he?
✔ Agreeing with someone
그렇죠, 저도 고객님의 마음을 충분히 이해합니다.
Yes, you are right, I totally understand what you felt. (to a customer).그렇죠, 저도 감독님께서 말씀하신 것처럼 생각해요.
Exactly, I think same with the director said.
✔ Soft, polite conversation filler
그렇죠… 음… 그럴 수도 있죠.
Right… hmm… that could be true.
Polite, friendly, and safe for any situation.
2) 그치?
Meaning:
Casual Banmal and very spoken form of 그렇죠, and it means “right?”, “yeah?”, “don’t you think so?”
Notes:
Standard spelling is 그치?
You may hear “그지?” among very casual speakers, but the recommended spelling is 그치 to avoid confusion with 거지(= beggar), Pronunciation-wise, 그지 sounds similar to 거지.
✔ Asking for confirmation (friends)
이거 완전 귀엽지? 그치?
This is really cute, right?내가 말한 게 맞지? 그치?
What I said is correct, right?오늘 너무 춥다, 그치?
It’s really cold today, right?
✔ Agreeing casually
그치! 나도 가을이가 너무 똑똑하다고 생각했어.
Right! I thought Ga-eul is so clever too.그치, 그게 제일 좋지.
Yeah, that’s the best option.
3) 그지? (spoken)
⚠️ Be careful with spelling.
Many Koreans pronounce “그치?” as “그지?” because of relaxed articulation.
BUT when writing, 그지 strongly resembles 거지(＝beggar), so it looks wrong or funny.
Example of misunderstanding:
그지? → might be read as “A beggar?” (거지?)
So ALWAYS write it as “그치?”
📌 Quick Comparison Table
Form
Register
Meaning
Notes
그렇죠 / 그쵸
Polite
“Right?”, “Exactly.”
Safe everywhere; 그쵸 = spoken form
그치?
Casual
“Right?”
Use with friends; recommended spelling
그지?
Casual
Spoken only
“Right?”
Don’t write it; sounds like “beggar”
🔍 More Natural Conversation Examples
✔ Using both asking & agreeing
A: 이 집 통닭 진짜 맛있지?
B: 그렇죠, 그래서 사람도 많잖아요.
A: The grilled chicken here is really good, right?
B: Exactly, that’s why it’s crowded.
A: 소현 씨 연기 완전 잘하죠?
B: 그치! 완전 실력 있어!
A: Sohyun is extremely good at acting, right?
B: Exactly, she is super talented!
(Polite → casual mixing depending on the speaker and listener’s relationship)
~을 거에요 vs ~을게요 vs ~겠
Ø How are they different “~ㄹ/을 거예요, ~ㄹ/을게요 and -겠-”?
🌟 Korean Future Expressions: Detailed Comparison with Examples
1) -ㄹ/을 거예요
Meaning: Prediction, intention, assumption based on evidence or your own thought.
Key point: Listener is not directly involved nor mentioned in the sentence. Near future.
💬 Examples
저는 내일 집에서 쉴 거예요.
— I will rest at home tomorrow. (just stating intention)곧 버스가 올 거예요.
— The bus will come soon. (prediction)그렇게 많이 먹으면 배 아플 거예요.
— If you eat that much, you’ll get a stomachache. (prediction based on logic)오늘은 사람이 많을 거예요.
— There will probably be a lot of people today. (assumption)아마 8시쯤 도착할 거예요.
— I will probably arrive around 8. (soft prediction)
2) -ㄹ/을게요
Meaning: Promise, voluntary action, decision made in response to the listener; interactional future.
Key point: The listener’s presence/reaction matters.
NOT used for natural phenomena or unrelated events.
💬 Examples
그럼 제가 쓰레기를 밖에 버릴게요.
— I'm going to take out the trash. (reacting to the situation)늦으면 전화할게요.
— I’ll call you if I'm late. (promise to listener)이 캐리어 제가 들게요.
— I’ll carry this suitcase (for you). (considering listener)제가 유리창을 닦을게요. 가만히 쉬세요.
— I’ll mop and clean the window. Take a rest. (decision benefiting listener)그럼 먼저 갈게요!
— Okay, I’ll go first! (closing conversation or an appointment politely)
❌ Incorrect uses:
오늘 눈 올게요.
— ❌ You cannot “promise” weather.내일 시험이 있을게요.
— ❌ The exam is not something can show voluntary action itself.
3) -겠-
Meanings:
Formal intention/promise
Strong assumption/guess
Polite softening (“I suppose…”)
Emotion or reaction (맛있겠다!)
💬 Examples
✔ Intention / promise (formal)
내일까지 보고 드리겠습니다.
— I will report back by tomorrow. (formal promise)지금 바로 확인하겠습니다.
— I will check right now.
✔ Strong guess / assumption
밖에 정말 춥겠어요.
— It must be really cold outside. (speaker’s inference)오늘 길이 많이 막히겠네요.
— I guess the traffic will be heavy today.
✔ Emotional reaction
와, 이거 정말 맛있겠다!
— Wow, this looks so delicious!피곤하겠어요.
— You must be tired. (sympathetic reaction)
📌 Spacing Rules
-ㄹ 거예요 → space needed before 거예요요
갈 거예요 / 할 거예요
-ㄹ게요 → NO space
-겠어요 / -겠습니다 → 붙여쓰기
🔍 Quick Comparison Table
Expression
Meaning / Use
Listener-involved?
Examples
-ㄹ/을 거예요
neutral future, prediction, intention
❌ No
내일 비 올 거예요.
-ㄹ/을게요
promise, decision considering listener
✔ Yes
제가 도와 줄게요.
-겠-
strong assumption, emotion, formal intention
△ Depends
맛있겠다!, 도와드리겠습니다.
끝나다, 끝내다 and 마치다
Ø How are they different “끝나다, 끝내다 and 마치다”?
🟦 1. 끝나다 — intransitive: “to end / to be over”
The subject ends by itself.
English equivalent: something ends.
✔️ Key idea
The event naturally comes to an end.
Often used for events, shows, classes, meetings, situations, feelings, etc.
✔️ Examples
영화가 끝났어요.
The movie ended.회의가 아직 안 끝났어요.
The meeting is not over yet.방학이 벌써 끝났어?
Is vacation already over?장마가 이제 끝날 것 같아요.
I think the monsoon is about to end.
🟩 2. 끝내다 — transitive: “to finish something”
Someone finishes something.
There must be an agent (a person or group) who does the action.
English equivalent: to finish / complete (something).
✔️ Key idea
It means SUBJECT actively finish something.
Always has an object (what SUBJECT finished).
✔️ Examples
숙제를 다 끝냈어요.
I finished my homework.드라마 정주행을 하루 만에 끝냈어요.
I finished binge-watching the drama in one day.이 프로젝트를 이번 주 안에 끝낼 수 있어요?
Can you finish this project within this week?청소 다 끝냈어?
Did you finish cleaning?결국 일을 제시간에 끝냈다.
I managed to finish the task on time.
🟧 3. 마치다 — “to finish/end (something)”
Transitive, like 끝내다, but slightly more formal and often used for events, processes, official activities.
Also very natural with ~으로/로 마치다 (“to end something with … / to conclude with …”).
✔️ Key idea
Similar to 끝내다, but feels more purposeful and formal/polite.
Often used in speeches, announcements, ceremonies, meetings, schedules.
✔️ Examples
🔹 Basic “finish something”
수업을 일찍 마쳤어요.
I finished class early.오늘 업무는 여기서 마치겠습니다.
We will finish the work here for today. (formal nuance)녹음을 성공적으로 마쳤습니다.
We successfully finished recording.
🔹 ~으로/로 마치다
Used to mean “to end with / to conclude with”.
오늘 수업은 이것으로 마칠게요.
We’ll end today’s class here.회의를 박수로 마쳤어요.
We concluded the meeting with applause.발표는 질의응답 시간으로 마치겠습니다.
I’ll conclude the presentation with a Q&A session.
🟪 4. Quick Comparison Table
Expression
Transitivity
Main Meaning
Typical Use
Example
끝나다
Intransitive
Something ends by itself
Events, shows, natural endings
영화가 끝났어요.
끝내다
Transitive
You finish something
Tasks, homework, projects
숙제를 끝냈어요.
마치다
Transitive
Finish/conclude (often formal)
Classes, meetings, events
회의를 박수로 마쳤어요.
혼란스럽다, 헷갈리다, 혼동하다& 혼동되다, 어리둥절하다, 당황하다 & 착각하다
Ø How are they different “혼란스럽다, 헷갈리다, 혼동하다& 혼동되다, 어리둥절하다, 당황하다 & 착각하다”?
This 6 expressions translated to “confuse, confused, confusing” many times, but there are slightly differently used. Here are some explanations for it. However, in real life, Korean native speakers often confuse how to use them or use them differently, so it would be good to understand when each word is used and try to write accordingly.
1) 혼란스럽다
Meaning:
Used when a situation or someone’s mind feels chaotic, overwhelmed, or disoriented due to too many things happening or too much information. More formal than “헷갈리다.”
Examples
정책이 자주 바뀌어서 주민들이 혼란스러워요.
→ The residents feel overwhelmed because policies keep changing frequently.수능 영어 시험 43번 문제 때문에 학생들이 매우 혼란스러웠다.
→ Students were very confused because of the 43rd question in the Korean SAT English test.경제 상황이 불투명해 시장이 혼란스럽다.
→ The market is in a chaotic state due to unclear economic conditions.
2) 헷갈리다
Meaning:
Casual everyday expression meaning to mix things up, get things wrong, confuse similar items.
It’s about memory mistakes or similarities between things.
Examples
두 고양이가 너무 비슷해서 계속 헷갈려요.
→ The two cats are so similar that I keep mixing them up.오른쪽과 왼쪽을 헷갈려서 길을 잘못 들었어요.
→ I confused right and left and took the wrong turn.캘리포니아 시간대를 헷갈려서 Zoom 회의에 늦었어요.
→ I mixed up the California time zones and ended up being late for the Zoom meeting.
3) 혼동하다/혼동되다
Meaning:
A more formal verb meaning to confuse two concepts, facts, or items.
Used in academic, logical, or official contexts.
혼동하다 = to confuse
혼동되다 = to be confused (passive)
Examples
두 용어를 혼동하면 연구 결과가 왜곡될 수 있다.
→ Confusing the two terms can distort research results.'자유'와 '방종'을 혼동해서는 안 된다.
→ You must not conflate “liberty” and “license”.이 조항은 다른 법과 혼동되기 쉽다.
→ This clause is easily confused with another law.
4) 어리둥절하다
Meaning:
Describes a sudden feeling of bewilderment, puzzlement, or being taken aback by an unexpected event.
More like “blinking in surprise” or “being puzzled and unsure.”
Examples
갑자기 무대 조명 불이 꺼져서 어리둥절했어요.
→ I was bewildered when the stage lights suddenly went out.그의 말에 모든 사람이 어리둥절했어요.
→ Everyone became puzzled by what he said.소현 씨의 고양이 별이가 어리둥절한 표정을 지었어요.
→ Byeol, who is Sohyun’s kitty looked bewildered.
5) 당황하다
Meaning:
To be flustered, embarrassed, panicked, or unsure how to react in a sudden situation.
Includes a social/emotional reaction (blushing, hesitating, freezing).
Examples
공격적인 질문에 당황했어요.
→ I was so flustered by the offensive question.실수를 지적 받아서 당황했어요.
→ I became embarrassed and flustered when my mistake was pointed out.리허설 중에 목소리가 안 나와서 당황했어요.
→ I was flustered because my voice didn't come out during the rehearsal.
6) 착각하다
Meaning:
To mistakenly believe something, due to a wrong assumption or misperception.
Often translates to “I thought ~~ but I was wrong.”
Examples
공연 시간이 오후 6시인 줄 착각해서 서둘렀어요.
→ I wrongly thought the performance time was 6PM so I rushed.그 강아지가 동동인 줄 착각했는데 전혀 다른 강아지였어요.
→ I mistook the puppy for DONGDONG, but he was a completely different puppy.그 소문을 사실로 착각하면 안 돼요.
→ You shouldn’t mistake that rumor for the truth.
🧭 Quick “Which One Should I Use?” Guide
If you want to say…
Use
Why
“There’s too much going on. My brain is overloaded.”
혼란스럽다
Describes chaos and overwhelming situations
“I mixed them up.”
헷갈리다
Everyday mix-ups (names, numbers, roads)
“I confused the concepts.”
혼동하다
Logical / academic confusion
“I froze because I didn’t expect it.”
어리둥절하다
Sudden bewilderment
“I panicked / got flustered.”
당황하다
Emotional reaction,a embarrassment included
“I thought it was A, but it was B.”
착각하다
Wrong assumption or misbelief
~아 놓다 vs ~아 두다 vs ~아 있다
How are they different “~아/어 놓다, ~아/어 두다, ~고 있다 and ~아/어 있다”?
🔎 1. -아/어 놓다 — “do something on purpose and leave it that way”
This pattern emphasizes that the action was intentionally done, and its resulting state is kept for a reason—convenience, preparation, or habit.
The focus is on purposeful preparation.
✔ English nuance
“I did it (on purpose) and left it like that.”
✔ Examples
❗ Daily life
문을 열어 놓았어요.
I opened the door and left it open on purpose.불을 켜 놓고 잤어요.
I turned the light on and slept with it on.
❗ Preparation
손님이 올 거라서 과자를 미리 사 놓았어요.
I bought snacks beforehand and have them ready because guests are going to come.
❗ Reminder / habit
중요한 문서는 파일에 넣어 두세요.
Put the important documents in a file and leave them there.
🔎 2. -아/어 두다 — “do something and keep it that way for later benefit”
Very similar to -아/어 놓다, but more emphasis on longer-term benefit, preparation, convenience, or preventive action.
Often used in instructions, planning, or when something is done in advance.
✔ English nuance
“I did it and kept it that way for future use or benefit.”
✔ Examples
❗ Preparation for later
환기를 하려고 창문을 열어 두었어요.
I opened the window and kept it open so the room can ventilate.내일 아침에 먹으려고 샌드위치를 만들어 두었어요.
I made Sandwich and kept it for tomorrow morning.
❗ Long-term helpful state
Sohyun.One 비밀번호를 잊지 않게 메모해 두었어요.
I wrote it down so I won’t forget the password of Sohyun.One later.여행 가기 전에 짐을 미리 싸 두었어요.
I packed my bags in advance for the trip.
문서를 백업해 두세요.
Please back up the files and keep them saved.
🔎 3. -고 있다 — “an action is currently in progress”
This expresses an action that is happening right now, ongoing, or repeated in a continuous way.
✔ English nuance
“I am doing this now.” / “This action is happening.”
✔ Examples
❗ Right now
문을 열고 있어요.
I am (in the process of) opening the door.정현 씨가 비빔밥을 먹고 있어요.
Junghyun is eating Bibimbap.멜 씨는 소현 씨를 기다리고 있어요.
Mel is waiting for Sohyun.
❗ Ongoing repeated action
요즘 한국어를 배우고 있어요.
I’m learning Korean these days.
🔎 4. -아/어 있다 — “the result of an action remains”
This expresses a static state that was caused by a past action.
The action itself is already finished; now we focus on the current condition.
✔ English nuance
“It is in the state of being (verb-ed).”
“The action is done, and the result remains.”
✔ Examples
❗ States of objects
문이 열려 있어요.
The door is open (it remains open).불이 켜져 있어요.
The light is on.
❗ Clothing / things worn
모자가 벗겨져 있어요.
His hat is (in the state of being) taken off.창문에 커튼이 쳐져 있어요.
The curtains are drawn on the window.
❗ Situations
한강 다리에 차가 많이 서 있어요.
Cars are (in the state of being) stopped on the Han-river bridge.
📌 Quick Comparison Summary
Pattern
Focus
English meaning
Example
-아/어 놓다
intentional action + leaving it
“did it on purpose and left it like that”
창문을 열어 놓았어요.
-아/어 두다
preparation /
future benefit
“did it and kept it for later advantage”
물을 데워 두었어요.
-고 있다
action in progress
“am doing (right now)”
문을 열고 있어요.
-아/어 있다
resultative state
“is in the state of being (verb-ed)”
문이 열려 있어요.
안 vs 못
How are they different “안 and 못”?
🔵 1) 안 — “not” (voluntary negation)
Meaning:
“안” is used when someone chooses not to do something or decides not to.
It expresses intentional, voluntary, or general negation.
Think: “I don’t / I won’t / I’m not doing it (by choice).”
Examples:
마이크는 절에 안 가요. = Mike is not going to a temple. (SUB choose not to)
저는 고수를 안 먹어요. = I don’t eat coriander. (maybe because I don't like it)
숙제를 안 했어요. = I didn’t do my homework. (I didn’t do it—not necessarily impossible)
🔵 2) 못 — “cannot” (inability / impossibility)
Meaning:
“못” expresses inability, lack of capability, external circumstances, or something preventing the action.
The nuance is: “I can’t / I’m unable to / It was impossible.”
Think: “I can’t do it (because something stops me).”
Examples:
시력을 잃은 후, 저는 책을 못 읽어요. = I can't read a book after losing my sight. (I’m unable to)
저는 어제 점심을 못 먹었어요. = I couldn’t eat lunch yesterday. (maybe I was sick or had no time)
저는 오늘 요가 학원에 못 가요. = I can’t go to the Yoga studio today. (because something prevented me)
🔵 4) Same verb, different meaning
✔ 안 가요 = I’m not going.
(Decision / choice)
✔ 못 가요 = I can’t go.
(I’m unable to — busy, sick, no transportation, etc.)
✔ 안 먹었어요 = I didn’t eat.
(I chose not to eat.)
✔ 못 먹었어요 = I couldn’t eat.
(I was sick / had no time / no food available.)
이/가 vs 은/는
How are they different “이/가 and 은/는”?
Before starting the explanation, I declare that, to be honest, it’s difficult to fully understand the difference between **은/는** and **이/가** through grammar explanations alone. You really need to *use* Korean a lot in real life — speaking, reading, and listening — to grasp their nuance clearly. So try to expose yourself to plenty of real Korean—everyday conversations, shows, and other content—to naturally pick up how they’re used.
Then, here are the concepts of 이/가 and 은/는!
🔵 1) 이/가 — Subject Marker
Core Meaning
“이/가” marks the exact subject of the sentence.
It tells us who or what is performing the action or who/what is being described.
When It’s Used
Introducing new information
When something appears in the conversation for the first time.
Focusing on the subject
When the speaker wants to emphasize which person/thing is involved.
With emotion, perception, and existence verbs
verbs like “to be (exist),” “to appear,” “to be seen,” “to like,” “to dislike,” etc. ( the Korean expressions such as 있다/없다, 나타나다, 보이다, 좋다, 싫다 so on )
Answering “who/what” questions
Because it marks the specific subject.
Natural Feeling
Similar to highlighting or pointing:
“THIS (person/thing) is the one that…”
Examples
한국의 대표적인 명절로 설날이 있습니다.
→ There is Seollal, which is a Korean representative holiday. (introducing new info)이 집 칼국수가 정말 맛있어요.
→ The Kalguksu of this restaurant is really delicious. (subject focus)저는 고수가 싫어요.
→ I dislike coriander. (perception focus)누가 회의에 올 거예요? / 제이슨이 회의에 올 거예요.
→ Who will come to the meeting? / Jason is going to come to the meeting. (Answering “who/what” question)
🔵 2) 은/는 — Topic Marker
Core Meaning
“은/는” marks the topic of the sentence — what the sentence is about.
It sets the context or theme for what follows.
When It’s Used
Topic introduction
“As for ___,” “Speaking of ___.”
Contrast or comparison
A vs. B, differences, opposites.
General statements or known information
Background, general truths, facts.
Changing topics
When shifting the conversation direction.
Natural Feeling
Similar to saying:
“As for…” / “Regarding…”
Examples
이 카페는 라떼가 맛있어요.
→ As for this cafe, Latte is delicious. (topic introduction)사과는 좋아하지만 바나나는 싫어요.
→ I like apples, but bananas? I don’t. (contrast)서울은 겨울에 너무 추워요.
→ Seoul is so cold in winter. (general fact)지금까지 한국 음식에 대해 알아보았습니다. 다음은 한국 대중 문화에 대한 이야기입니다.
→ So far, we have learned about Korean foods. The following is the story of Korean pop culture. (changing topic)
(으)로 vs (으)러 vs (으)려고
How are they different “(으)로, (으)러 and (으)려고”?
📘 1) ~(으)로 [ ~(eu)ro ] — direction, means, method, material, Purpose, or role
Meaning
“~로” mainly indicates where something is headed, how something is done, what materials are used, or what role or purpose something has.
When used to show purpose, it must follow a noun, not a verb.
Form
Noun + 로
- Noun ending in Vowel or ㄹ Batchim + 로
- Noun ending in Batchim except for ㄹ + 으로
Key Uses
Direction: toward a place
Means: by bus, by taxi
Method: in Korean, in English
Material: made of wood, made of silver
Purpose (noun only): for a gift, for lunch
Role: as a nurse, as a contents creator
Examples
내일 집으로 가요. = I go to home tomorrow.
시청까지 지하철로 갈 수 있어요. = You can go to the city hall by subway.
한국어로 말해요. = Let’s speak in Korean.
이 테이블은 나무로 만들었어요. = This table is made of wood.
학생에게 약과를 선물로 줬어요. = I gave my student Yakgua as a gift.
소현 씨는 콘텐츠 크리에이터로 일해요. Sohyun works as a contents creator.
📘 2) ~(으)러 [ ~(eu)reo ] — purpose of movement (only with movement verbs)
Meaning
“~(으)러” expresses the specific action you are going somewhere to do.
It always implies physical movement with a clear purpose.
Form
Verb stem + (으)러
- Verb stem ending in Vowel or ㄹ Batchim + 러
- Verb stem ending in Batchim except for ㄹ + 으러
Only works with movement verbs such as
가다 (to go)
오다 (to come)
다니다 (to frequent)
들어가다 (to go in)
나가다 (to go out)
Restrictions
Cannot be used without a movement verb.
Describes purpose of an action, not intention or planning.
Examples
점심 먹으러 가요. = Let’s go to eat lunch.
지민이는 친구를 만나러 나갔어요 = Jimin went out to meet a friend.
운동하러 헬스장에 가요. = I go to the gym to exercise.
📘 3) ~(으)려고 [ ~(eu)ryeogo ] — intention, plan, or purpose
Meaning
“~려고” expresses a plan, intention, or purpose, whether or not movement is involved.
It has the widest usage among the three.
Form
Verb stem + (으)려고
- Verb stem ending in Vowel or ㄹ batchim + 려고
- Verb stem ending in Batchim except for ㄹ + 으려고
Key Points
Shows intention: SUBJECT intend to…
Shows purpose: in order to…
Can be used for intention, plans, efforts, or goals, not only with physical movement.
Can appear with or without movement verbs.
Examples
저는 책을 많이 읽으려고 노력해요. = I try to read a lot of books.
강아지가 신발을 물려고 해요. = The puppy intends to bite shoes.
닉 씨는 한국어를 배우려고 해요. = Nick is planning to learn Korean.
영화 보려고 극장에 갔어요. = I went to the cinema in order to watch a movie.
후에 vs 뒤에 vs 다음에
How are they different “후에, 뒤에 and 다음에”?
📌 1) 후에
Grammar type: Dependent noun (의존 명사)
Core meaning: Indicates the passage of time after an event or time point.
Usage note: Works naturally with time nouns, numbers, or specific events.
Examples:
30분 후에 뵙겠습니다! : See you in 30 minutes!
수업 후에 도서관에 갈 거예요. : I’m going to the library after the class.
회의가 끝난 후에 QnA 시간이 있습니다. : There is a QnA session after the meeting.
Key point: Focuses on elapsed time; more formal/neutral than “뒤에.”
📌 2) 뒤에
Grammar type: Noun + particle (명사 + 에)
Core meaning: Originally a spatial noun (“behind”), but extended to mean “after” in time.
Usage note: More casual than “후에”; can refer to near future (“a bit later”).
Examples:
집 뒤에 나무가 있어요. (spatial) : There is a tree behind the house
조금 뒤에 소현이에게 전화할 거야. : I’m gonna call Sohyun later
비가 온 뒤에 무지개가 떴어요. : There was a rainbow after it rained.
Key point: Fundamentally a spatial term, secondarily temporal; less formal than “후에.”
📌 3) 다음에
Grammar type: Noun + particle (명사 + 에)
Core meaning: Emphasizes sequence or the next step, not the amount of time that has passed.
Usage note: Can mean “next time” or “after this step.”
Examples:
아침 먹은 다음에 이를 닦아요. : I brush my tooth after eating breakfast.
다음에 보자! : See you later!
회장님의 축사 다음에 회의를 진행합니다. : The meeting will be held after the chairman's congratulatory speech.
Key point: Indicates order rather than time duration.
예요 vs 이에요 vs 있어요
These three Korean endings (**예요 / 이에요 / 있어요**) look similar but have **different meanings and grammatical functions**. Let’s break them down clearly 👇
### 🌸 1. **이에요 / 예요 — “to be” (am, is, are)**
These are **copula endings** (like the English verb *to be*).
They attach to **nouns** to say what something *is*.
| Ending | Used After | Example | Meaning |
| ------- | --------------------------- | ------- | ----------------- |
| **이에요** | A **consonant**-ending noun | 학생이에요. | (I) am a student. |
| **예요** | A **vowel**-ending noun | 고양이예요. | (She) is a cat. |
Ending
Used After
Example
Meaning
이에요
Noun ending in Consonant
학생이에요
(I) Am a strudent.
예요
Noun ending in Vowel
고양이예요
(She) is a cat.
🪄 Tip:
* Think of it as “= is/are/am.”
* No space before it — it attaches directly to the noun.
* The choice (이에요 vs. 예요) depends on the **final sound** of the noun.
📘 Example pairs:
* 저는 모델**이에요**. → I’m a model.
* 제 고양이**예요**. → She is my cat.
### 🌼 2. **있어요 — “there is / I have / to exist”**
This is the **verb 있다 (to exist, to have)** in polite form.
It shows *existence* or *possession*, not identification.
Usage
Example
Meaning
To show existence (there is/are)
사람이 있어요!
There is a person!
To show possession (have)
앵무새가 있어요.
(I) Have a parrot.
To show presence [in a certain place]
( SUBJECT am/is/are [in PLACE] )
강아지가 정원에 있어요.
The puppy is in the garden.
🪄 Opposite: **없어요** = there isn’t / I don’t have.
---
### 💡 Summary Chart
Function
Meaning in English
Structure
Example
이에요/ 예요
is / am / are
NOUN+이에요/예요
저는 작가예요.
( I’m a writer. )
있어요
have / there is/are
NOUN+이/가 있어요
책이 있어요.
( There is a book. / I have a book. )
---
### 🔍 Quick Comparison:
* ❌ 저는 작가 **있어요.** → ❌ wrong (mixing grammar)
* ✅ 저는 작가 **예요.** → ✅ I am a writer.
* ✅ 책이 **있어요.** → ✅ I have a book. / There is a book.
달 vs 개월 vs 월
Both of 달 and 개월 are counting noun for months, and 월 is different with those, which expresses each month with sino number - such as 1월 is January, 2월 is February so on. Then, how are 달 and 개월 different?
🌙 1. 달 (dal)
Meaning: A native Korean word meaning “month.”
Usage: Common in casual speech and personal contexts more.
Numbers used: Native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋 → 한 달, 두 달, 세 달).
Tone: Natural, friendly, and conversational.
Examples:
우리 결혼한 지 한 달 안 됐어! → It’s been less than a month since we got married!
한국에 온 지 네 달 됐어요. → It’s been 4 months since I came to Korea.
휴가가 세 달이나 있어요. → I have even three months of vacation.
📅 2. 개월 (gaewol)
Meaning: A Sino-Korean (Chinese-origin) word that also means “month.”
Usage: Used in formal, written, or official contexts more — such as documents, contracts, reports, or news.
Numbers used: Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼 → 1개월, 2개월, 3개월).
Tone: Formal, objective, and businesslike.
Examples:
계약 기간은 12개월입니다. → The contract period is 12 months.
약정은 24개월이에요. → The subscription term is 24 months.
수강 기간은 6개월 과정입니다. → The course lasts for 6 months.
🪄 Summary
Category
달 (dal)
개월 (gaewol)
Origin
Native Korean
Sino-Korean
Style
Casual, spoken
Formal, written
Numbers used
Native Korean (하나, 둘, 셋)
Sino-Korean (일, 이, 삼)
Common contexts
Daily conversation, diary, letters
Contracts, forms, announcements
Examples
한 달, 두 달
1개월, 2개월
🔍 Example Comparison
“요가 학원에 다섯 달 동안 다녔어요.” → Natural, spoken Korean (I went to the Yoga Academy for five months.)
“이 요가 강좌는 5개월 과정입니다.” → Formal, used in documents (This Yoga lecture is a 5-month course.)
📆 3. 월 (wol) — “Month” (as a unit or name of a month)
1️⃣ Meaning
“월 (wol)” literally means “month” in Sino-Korean (Chinese-origin word).
It is used in order to express each month.
What we have to be careful is to remember 월 IS NOT A COUNTING NOUN!
2️⃣ Usage
“월” is combined with Sino-number, and expresses each month.
Korean
Pronunciation
English
1월
일월 (il-wol)
January
2월
이월 (i-wol)
February
3월
삼월 (sam-wol)
March
...
...
...
12월
십이월 (sip-i-wol)
December
🪄 Example sentences:
제 생일은 5월이에요. → My birthday is in May.
지금은 11월이에요. → It’s November now.
To Cut
✂️ Ways to Say “To Cut” in Korean
Korean has several different verbs for cutting, each with its own nuance. Here’s a breakdown with unique examples + one shared example where helpful.
🔪 썰다 — to slice, saw (back-and-forth motion)
Focus: cutting into pieces with repeated motion (knife, saw, etc.)
Very common in food context.
Examples:
양파를 썰다 → to slice an onion 🧅
나무를 썰다 → to saw wood 🌲
✅ Note: usually used for food, but can extend to “sawing.”
✂️ 자르다 — to cut off, separate
Focus: result (something divided), not the method.
Neutral, general-purpose “cut.”
Examples:
머리카락을 자르다 → to cut hair 💇
나무를 자르다 → to cut wood (into pieces, or removing parts).
✅ Common everyday usage.
🪓 베다 — to chop down, mow, slash
Focus: forceful motion with a blade.
Implies chopping or cutting something off.
베다 also works metaphorically, like 마음을 베다 (“to pierce/cut the heart”)
Examples:
풀을 베다 → to cut grass 🌿
나무를 베다 → to cut down a tree 🌳
✅ Always implies a stronger, “swinging” cut.
🍏 깎다 — to peel, trim, carve
Focus: removing small parts (by shaving, peeling, trimming).
Used for fruit, nails, prices, wood, etc.
Examples:
사과를 깎다 → to peel an apple 🍎
나무를 깎다 → to carve wood / peel bark
연필을 깎다 → to sharpen a pencil
✅ Also widely used for 깎다 = to discount/lower a price.
🪡 재단하다 — to cut material to size/shape
Focus: cutting with purpose/design (fabric, leather, wood).
Technical/industrial word, not casual.
Examples:
가죽을 재단하다 → to cut leather (for use)
나무를 재단하다 → to cut wood for furniture/project
✅ Not for everyday cutting—sounds professional.
🧄 다지다 — to mince, finely chop
Focus: cutting into very small pieces (esp. food).
Common in cooking.
Additionally, outside cooking, 다지다 can mean “to harden/strengthen” (e.g., 마음을 다지다 = to strengthen one’s resolve).
Example:
마늘을 다지다 → to mince garlic 🧄
🚫 나무를 다지다 doesn’t work—nobody “minces” wood.
✅ Only used for food/ingredients.
⚡️ Quick Recap
썰다 = slice/chop (back-and-forth, esp. food).
자르다 = general “cut off/divide.”
베다 = chop down, slash (forceful).
깎다 = peel/trim/carve.
재단하다 = cut to size/shape (professional use).
다지다 = mince/dice finely.
이미 vs 벌써
Korean has two words for “already”: 이미 and 벌써. Luckily, the difference is easy to get 👍.
✅ Both Can Mean “Already”
이미 다 했어요 → I already did all of it.
벌써 다 했어요 → I already did all of it.
Both are correct in this context, though 이미 is more commonly used when simply stating a fact.
😲 Surprise with 벌써
벌써 has an extra nuance—it can show surprise at how quickly something was done:
벌써 다 했어요?!?! → You already did all of it?!
This expresses shock or disbelief that the action finished so fast.
🎧 Tone Matters
It’s usually easy to tell which meaning 벌써 has—just listen to the tone:
Calm → simply means already.
Surprised → means already?? so fast?!
⚡️ Quick Recap:
이미 = plain already, factual, no surprise.
벌써 = already, often with surprise or disbelief.
🔍 Small Nuance Notes
Frequency of use:
Both are common, but 벌써 is often used in spoken Korean, while 이미 can feel a bit more formal or “written.”
벌써 for ongoing states:
벌써 can also mean “already (so soon, earlier than expected)” in time expressions:
벌써 10시예요 = “It’s already 10 o’clock.”
벌써 일어났어요? = “You’re already awake?”
진짜 vs 정말
Both 정말 and 진짜 mean “really” and are mostly interchangeable 🔄.
🎩 Formal vs. Casual
정말 → slightly more formal and serious.
정말요? = “Really? I believe you, but I’m genuinely surprised.”
진짜 → more casual, sometimes with a hint of doubt.
진짜요? = “Really? I’m not fully convinced.”
🤔 Quick Feel
진짜? → “Really? I’m not convinced.”
정말? → “Really? I can’t believe that happened!”
😡 When Annoyed
When expressing anger or disbelief, 진짜 sounds more natural:
“진짜 그렇게 말했어??” → “Did they really say that???”
Because you’re speaking informally, 진짜 carries that raw, emotional punch.
🎭 Sarcasm Power
Since 정말 feels more formal, it can actually deliver heavier sarcasm when used in the right tone.
⚡️ Bottom line:
They usually mean the same thing, but…
Use 정말 when you want to sound a bit more serious (or sarcastic).
Use 진짜 when you want to sound casual, emotional, or skeptical.
하고
Many Korean grammar forms are built from the same building blocks. One of the most common is 하고, which usually means “and” ✨.
👉 Most of the time, when you see -고 in a grammar form, think “and”. This makes sentences much easier to understand.
But here’s the tricky part: it’s easy to confuse -고 with 아/어 endings, since both link verbs. The difference is subtle but important:
-고 = separate actions combined into one chain.
아/어 = closely related or almost-simultaneous actions.
Let’s break it down with examples 👇
🍜 먹다 (to eat) Examples
먹고 가다 → Eat and then go.
(Two separate actions, linked together.)
먹고 있다 → To be eating.
(Literally: “Eat + exist.” The action continues in progress.)
🚫 You cannot say 먹어 있다, because eating isn’t a state you can “remain” in.
🛌 State vs. Ongoing Action
누워 있다 → To be lying down.
(Action completed, now continuing in that state.)
눕고 있다 → To be lying down (ongoing).
(Action tied to existence, showing it’s still happening.)
😋 Wanting Something
먹고 싶다 → Want to eat.
(The action of eating ties directly to wanting.)
🚫 먹어 싶다 doesn’t work: it would mean “I eat and then want”, which makes no sense.
🏫 Sequence with 나서
먹고 나서 학교 가다 → After eating, go to school.
(Eating is completed, then you head out to school.)
🚫 먹어 나서 학교 가다 is ungrammatical: it would mean “I eat and then go out so I could school”, which doesn’t work.
🎯 Quick Recap
-고: joins verbs into one chain, often creating a new, non-literal meaning.
아/어: creates more literal or simultaneous meanings.
Think of -고 as the connector, and 아/어 as the glue .