33. Korean Grammar: 'ㄴ/는/은데'

Korean Grammar: 'ㄴ/는/은데'

In this post, we will learn about the Korean grammar structure 'ㄴ/는/은데'. This grammar is used to provide background information or contrast two things, and it has a flexible meaning that can vary based on the context. It can be translated into English as “by the way,” “but,” “so then,” or even other phrases depending on the situation. However, be careful, because it is often translated as “but” in translation tools, which can lead to misunderstandings.

---

1. Basic Meaning of 'ㄴ/는/은데'

'ㄴ/는/은데' is used to:

• Explain a background situation or condition (giving context).
• Show contrast between two different things.
• Indicate a reason or cause for something happening.
• Introduce additional information.

Important:

• It doesn't always directly translate to "but"; it can also mean "so then," "by the way," or even "because" depending on the situation.

How to Form 'ㄴ/는/은데':

• If the verb or adjective stem ends in a vowel or 'ㄹ,' use '는데'.
• If the verb or adjective stem ends in a consonant, use '은데'.
• If the word is a verb that ends in a consonant, use '는데' (e.g. "가다" → "가는데").
• If the word is an adjective, add '은데' if the adjective ends in a consonant (e.g. "춥다" → "추운데").

---

2. Examples of 'ㄴ/는/은데'

1. 날씨가 추운데, 저는 밖에 나가지 않아요.
   (The weather is cold, but I don’t go outside.)
   Here, it contrasts two things: cold weather and not going outside.
2. 저는 요리하는 것을 좋아하는데, 친구는 싫어해요.
   (I like cooking, but my friend hates it.)
   This sentence contrasts my liking of cooking with my friend's dislike.
3. 이 책은 재미있는데, 조금 길어요.
   (This book is interesting, but it's a little long.)
   Provides background information about the book being interesting and the book being long.
4. 오늘은 비가 오는데, 내일은 맑을 거예요.
   (It’s raining today, but it will be clear tomorrow.)
   This sentence provides background information about today’s weather and tomorrow’s forecast.
5. 서울은 정말 아름다운 도시인데, 너무 사람이 많아요.
   (Seoul is a beautiful city, but there are too many people.)
   Here, the grammar is used to show a contrast between Seoul being beautiful and it being crowded.

---

3. 'ㄴ/는/은데' in Different Contexts:

As mentioned, 'ㄴ/는/은데' can have several different meanings depending on the situation. Let's break them down:

• By the way: You can use it to casually introduce a new topic or add information.
  • Example: 나는 한국어를 배우는데, 영어는 잘 못 해요.
    (By the way, I’m learning Korean, but I can’t speak English very well.)
• But: This is the most common translation, where it contrasts two things.
  • Example: 이 영화는 재밌는데, 너무 길어요.
    (This movie is fun, but it’s really long.)
• So then: Used when one situation leads to or explains another.
  • Example: 저는 매일 운동하는데, 몸이 좋아졌어요.
    (I work out every day, so then my body has improved.)
• Because: In some cases, it can give an explanation for something.
  • Example: 그 사람은 바쁜데, 만날 시간이 없어요.
    (He’s busy, so he doesn’t have time to meet.)

---

4. Vocabulary from the Examples

Korean English

날씨	Weather
추운데	It's cold
요리하다	To cook
친구	Friend
책	Book
재미있다	Interesting
길다	Long
비가 오다	To rain
맑다	Clear (weather)
아름답다	Beautiful
도시	City
많다	Many (in quantity)

---

5. Quick Quiz (Test Your Understanding)

1️⃣ Fill in the blanks with the correct form:

1. 오늘 날씨가 추운데, ________. (I will wear a coat)
2. 이 책은 재미있는데, ________. (it is a little long)
3. 저는 요리하는 것을 좋아하는데, ________. (my friend doesn’t like it)
4. 서울은 정말 아름다운 도시인데, ________. (there are too many people)
5. 그 사람은 바쁜데, ________. (he can’t meet us)

2️⃣ Choose the Correct Option:

1. The movie is interesting, but a little long.
   a) 재미있는데
   b) 재미있을
   c) 재미있었는데
2. I work out every day, but I don’t have time to rest.
   a) 운동하는데
   b) 운동하고
   c) 운동할 때
3. It’s raining today, and tomorrow will be sunny.
   a) 비가 오는데
   b) 비가 오고
   c) 비가 올 때
4. She is really tired, but she still goes to work.
   a) 피곤한데
   b) 피곤했고
   c) 피곤해서
5. I like traveling, but my friend prefers staying at home.
   a) 여행하는데
   b) 여행하고
   c) 여행했는데

---

3️⃣ Translate the following into Korean:

1. I like shopping, but it is expensive.
2. The restaurant is good, but the wait is too long.
3. It’s cold, but I will still go outside.
4. I’m hungry, but I don’t have food.
5. She is beautiful, but she is very shy.

---

By practicing 'ㄴ/는/은데', you will be able to explain situations, provide background information, and contrast different things in your conversations. Keep practicing to master its various meanings! 😊