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  3. -대로

-대로

Expression dictionary — full article

Means & Methods · according to, as, just as, in the way that, as one pleases

Overview

The grammatical expression -대로 is used to indicate that an action or state proceeds in conformity with or in the same way as a preceding noun, verb, or adjective. It conveys the nuance of following a standard, instruction, expectation, or a natural course.

Usage

-대로 primarily functions to express that something is done in accordance with, just as, or exactly as something else. It highlights adherence to a specific method, condition, or observation.

  1. Following Nouns: When attached directly to a noun, it means "according to [noun]" or "as per [noun]". This is often used with nouns like 계획 (plan), 말 (words), 생각 (thought), 법 (law), 명령 (order), 마음 (heart/will).

    • 예: 계획대로 (according to the plan), 말대로 (as you said), 생각대로 (as one thought).

  2. Following Verbs/Adjectives: When attached to a verb or adjective stem using the adnominal ending -(으)ㄴ/는, it means "as [verb/adjective] does/is" or "in the way that [verb/adjective] is/was."

    • Verbs (Present Tense): V-는 대로 expresses "as soon as [verb]" or "as [verb] does/is done." It can also mean "to the extent that [verb]."
      • 예: 아는 대로 (as much as I know), 보는 대로 (as soon as I see/as I see it).
    • Verbs (Past Tense): V-(으)ㄴ 대로 expresses "as [verb] did/was done."
      • 예: 들은 대로 (as I heard), 본 대로 (as I saw).
    • Adjectives: Adj-(으)ㄴ 대로 expresses "as [adjective] is."
      • 예: 좋은 대로 (as it is good), 많은 대로 (as much as there is).
    • Special Case (있다/없다): With 있다/없다, it typically takes -는 대로 (있는 대로, 없는 대로) to mean "as much as there is/exists" or "as much as one has/can."

Conjugation Rules

The conjugation of -대로 depends on whether it follows a noun or a verb/adjective.

  1. After Nouns:

    • Noun + 대로
      • 예: 계획 + 대로 = 계획대로 (according to the plan)
      • 예: 말 + 대로 = 말대로 (as you said)

  2. After Verbs and Adjectives:

    • Present Tense Verbs: Verb stem + -는 대로
      • 예: 하다 (to do) → 하 + 는 대로 = 하는 대로 (as one does)
      • 예: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 는 대로 = 먹는 대로 (as one eats)
    • Past Tense Verbs: Verb stem + -(으)ㄴ 대로
      • If the stem ends in a vowel or 'ㄹ': Verb stem + -ㄴ 대로
        • 예: 가다 (to go) → 가 + ㄴ 대로 = 간 대로 (as one went)
        • 예: 만들다 (to make) → 만든 대로 (as one made)
      • If the stem ends in a consonant (not 'ㄹ'): Verb stem + -은 대로
        • 예: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 은 대로 = 먹은 대로 (as one ate)
        • 예: 듣다 (to listen) → 들은 대로 (as one heard)
    • Adjectives: Adjective stem + -(으)ㄴ 대로
      • If the stem ends in a vowel or 'ㄹ': Adjective stem + -ㄴ 대로
        • 예: 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁜 대로 (as it is pretty)
        • 예: 길다 (to be long) → 긴 대로 (as it is long)
      • If the stem ends in a consonant (not 'ㄹ'): Adjective stem + -은 대로
        • 예: 좋다 (to be good) → 좋 + 은 대로 = 좋은 대로 (as it is good)
        • 예: 많다 (to be many) → 많 + 은 대로 = 많은 대로 (as much as there is)
    • Special Case (있다/없다): 있는 대로, 없는 대로
      • 예: 있는 대로 (as much as there is/one has)

Knowledge Plus

  • -대로 often implies a sense of exactness or faithfulness to the preceding content. It's not just "similar to" but "in accordance with."
  • Commonly used fixed expressions include:
    • 생각대로: "as one thought/expected"
    • 마음대로: "as one pleases/wishes," "at one's will" (can sometimes imply doing whatever one wants, even negatively)
    • 계획대로: "according to the plan"
    • 말대로: "as you said"
    • 있는 대로: "as much as there is," "to the best of one's ability/resources"
  • While the sub-category is "Listing and Choice," -대로 primarily functions to express conformity or manner. It's less about listing options and more about following a single path or standard.
  • Be careful not to confuse -는 대로 meaning "according to" with -는 대로 meaning "as soon as." The context will clarify the meaning. When it means "as soon as," it typically implies immediate action following an event (e.g., 집에 가는 대로 전화할게 - I'll call you as soon as I get home). When it means "according to," it describes the manner of an action (e.g., 아는 대로 말해봐 - Tell me as much as you know).
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  • Choices & Alternatives

    • 대신(에)

    instead of, in place of, in return for, as compensation for

    -(이)나

    or, either...or, as many as, as much as, at least, (just) any

    V+건

    whether... or..., no matter what/who/where/when/how, regardless of whether...

    V+거나

    or, whether...or..., either...or...

    V+(ㄴ)다든지, (이)라든지

    whether... or..., such as..., for example..., perhaps... or perhaps...

    V+(ㄴ/는)다거나, (이)라거나

    or..., or something like that, whether... or..., such as...

    V+(ㄴ)다든가, (이)라든가

    whether... or..., such as..., or something like that, or whatever.

    V+든가

    or..., why don't you..., how about... Quick Usage: Attaches directly to the verb stem regardless of final consonant or vowel.

    V+느니

    rather than... I'd..., instead of... I'd..., better to... than...

    (으)ㄹ까 말까

    to consider whether to do or not; to be on the fence about; to hesitate whether to

    (으)ㄹ 바에야

    "Rather than...", "If I have to...", "Instead of...", "I'd rather... than...".

    V+(으/느/이)냐고

    "asking if/whether", "wondering if/whether", "reported question ending"
  • Comparison & Degree

    • -보다

    than; compared to

    N+당

    per, for each, a (in the sense of 'per')

    아/어 대다

    keep on ~ing excessively, constantly ~ing, always ~ing (annoyingly), do nothing but ~

    -만큼

    Other Connectives

    (으)ㄹ 정도로

    to the extent that; so much that; so... that; enough to

    V+(으)ㄹ수록

    The more... the more..., As... increases, so does...

    (으)ㄹ 만하다

    worth doing, worth considering, deserving of, good enough to

    N+짜리

    worth, for, of (a certain value/amount), piece (for currency)

    (으)ㄹ 정도이다

    to the extent that, so much that, so... that..., to such a degree that

    V+(ㄴ/는)다기보다는/(이)라기보다는

    Listing and Choice

    N+어치

    Listing and Choice

    처럼

    like, as, similar to

    V+듯이

    just as..., as if..., like..., as...

    -같이

    like, as, as if, similar to

    N+답다

    like a true N, worthy of N, N-like (in a positive sense). Attaches directly to nouns without a particle.

    에 비해(서)/비하면

    Compared to, in comparison with, relative to. Quick Usage: Attaches to nouns. '서' is optional, and '비하면' adds a conditional nuance.

    (으)ㄴ/는 셈이다

    It's like saying..., It amounts to..., It's as good as..., It can be considered...

    아/어 빠지다

    utterly, completely, excessively, too much, to be stuck in (a bad way)

    다시피 하다

    Miscellaneous

    N + 껏

    as much as one can, to one's full extent/capacity, all one's, all the

    V+(으)리만치

    to the extent that, so much so that, to such a degree that
  • Conditions & Hypotheses

    • V+(으)면

    if, when (conditional), whenever

    V+아/어야

    only if, unless (when negative), must (as a condition)

    V+든지

    Regardless of; No matter whether/what/who/where; It doesn't matter if...

    V-(으)려면

    If you want to..., If you intend to..., In order to...

    고 나면

    Once (one) has V-ed, then..., After V-ing, (then)...

    다고/라고 치다

    Let's assume that..., Supposing that..., Even if we say that..., Granting that...

    V+(으)려거든

    If you intend to..., If you want to..., If you're going to..., In order to...

    에 따라(서)

    depending on, according to, based on. Quick Usage: Attaches to nouns or noun phrases, indicating a variable factor.

    V+(ㄴ/는)다면

    If (it were to happen), Supposing that, If it were the case that

    다(가) 보면

    If one keeps doing X, then Y happens; Eventually, by doing X, Y will happen; When you keep doing X, you'll find Y.

    V+다가는

    If you keep V-ing, then...; If you continue to V, you might...; V-ing too much will lead to...

    V+더라면

    If (it) had been...; If (I) had done...

    노라면/느라면

    if one keeps doing X, then Y happens; as one continues to X, Y naturally occurs/is realized
  • Contrast & Concession

    • V+으나

    Although, Even though, But, However, Despite

    V+지만

    but; although; even though

    -(이)라도

    at least, even if it's just, even a, if nothing else

    V+(스)ㅂ니다만

    "..., but..." (polite), "..., however..." (polite), "..., though..."

    에도 불구하고

    Despite, in spite of, regardless of

    V+(으)려다가

    was going to... but then..., intended to... but ended up..., on the verge of... but...

    V+(으)되

    but, however, although, while, provided that, it is said that... but

    는 반면에

    whereas; while; on the other hand; in contrast

    거나 말거나

    Whether or not; Regardless of whether; No matter if.

    V+(ㄴ/는)답시고

    claiming to be/do X, but...; under the pretext of X, but...; trying to X, only to fail/be ridiculed.

    을/를 막론하고

    Regardless of, Irrespective of, No matter (who/what/where/when)

    건 말건

    Whether or not; regardless of whether... or not

    N+(이)랍시고

    claiming to be..., for someone who calls themselves..., under the pretense of being...

    V+아/어도

    even if, even though, no matter how/what

    V+기는(요)

    Not really; Hardly; What do you mean...?; It's not that...; On the contrary.

    V-(으)ㄴ들

    Even if..., No matter how/what..., What good would it do if...?

    V+더라도

    Even if..., No matter how..., Regardless of...

    만 해도

    as recently as, even just, even if only

    아/어 봤자

    It's no use ~ing; What's the point of ~ing?; Even if you ~, it's pointless. [Quick Usage]: Attaches to verb/adjective stems using the 아/어 conjugation form.

    N+(은/는)커녕

    Far from; Let alone; Not to mention; Not even

    V+(으)ㄹ망정 / (으)ㄹ지언정

    Even though, Even if, Although, While it may be true that...

    (으)나 마나

    It's no use; It makes no difference; Pointless; Futile.
  • Conversational Expressions

    • -요

    Polite ending, Informal polite speech, Short polite reply

    V+(ㄴ/는)다

    Plain declarative form; Informal statement ending

    V+(은/ㄴ/는)데

    but, and, so, however, by the way, you know, the thing is...

    V+(으)시

    Honorific marker; (no direct English equivalent, but implies respect for the subject)

    N+님

    Mr./Ms./Mx., Sir/Ma'am, esteemed, respected (suffix)

    V+군(요)/구나/구먼

    Oh, I see!; So it is!; It turns out that...; Wow, it's...

    V+냐

    "Do you...?", "Are you...?", "Will you...?", "Is it...?" (informal question ending)

    V+(으)오/소

    Formal/Archaic Declarative/Interrogative/Imperative/Propositive Ending (하오체 speech level)

    아/어 달라고

    asked me to..., requested that I..., told me to...

    V+로군(요)/로구나/로구먼/로고

    Oh, I see!, How...!, It is indeed..., So it is!

    V+지

    right?, isn't it?, don't you think?, of course

    V-(으)라고 / V-라고

    "told (someone) to...", "said to...", "asked (someone) to...", "said that (someone) should...". Quick Usage: Use -으라고 after a verb stem ending in a consonant, and -라고 after a verb stem ending in a vowel or 'ㄹ'.

    V+(는/ㄴ)다고

    "He said that...", "She stated that...", "They reported that...", "It is said that..."

    (ㄴ/는)다는

    "that (someone said/is)", "called", "named", "which is"

    V+(스)ㅂ니까

    Is it...?, Do you...?, Are you...? (Formal Question Ending)

    V+(으)ㅂ시다

    Let's..., Shall we...?

    V+자고

    said to suggest that..., suggested that we...

    V+던데(요)

    I noticed that..., It turns out that..., I saw/heard that..., You know,...

    V+나이다

    Highly formal declarative ending; Archaic honorific statement.

    V+네(요)

    "Oh, I see...", "Wow, it's...", "It turns out that...", "Indeed, it is..."

    V+잖아

    "You know," "As you know," "Isn't it obvious that...", "I mean," "Of course,"

    V+데(요)

    "You know...", "I saw/heard/experienced that...", "By the way,..."

    V+다면서(요)

    Is it true that...?, I heard that... (is that right?), You said that... (didn't you?)

    V+다니/라니/냐니/자니

    To think that...; I can't believe that...; Are you saying that...?; The fact that... (is surprising/unbelievable).

    V+(으)오/(으)옵/사오/사옵/자오/자옵

    Humbly, respectfully, with utmost deference.

    V+더냐

    Did you...?, Was it...?, Do you remember...? Quick Usage: Attach directly to verb stems; no distinction for consonant/vowel endings.
  • Emphasis & Limitation

    • 만

    only, just, merely

    -밖에

    only, nothing but, no more than, just

    N+더러

    to (someone); telling (someone); asking (someone)

    (ㄴ/는)단/(이)란 말

    "You mean...", "So you're saying...", "The point is...", "It means that..."

    -뿐

    only, nothing but, just

    기 마련이다

    is bound to; is destined to; is naturally; it's only natural that

    V+다시피

    As you know, As you can see, As you heard, As you might expect.

    V+는/(으)ㄴ/(으)ㄹ

    who/which/that + [verb] (present/past/future tense), a [verb]-ing Noun, a [verb]-ed Noun, a Noun to [verb]

    지 않다

    do not, is not, are not, does not. Quick Usage: Attach directly to the verb or adjective stem.

    안 아요

    don't, doesn't, isn't, aren't, not. Quick Usage: Place '안' directly before the verb or adjective you want to negate. For '하다' verbs, '안' goes between the noun and '하다'.

    N+치고

    There is no N that is not..., Every N..., For N, without exception...

    N+끼리

    among themselves, between/among [group] only, just [group], by [group] alone

    -조차

    even; not even (in negative sentences); let alone

    (으)ㄹ 뻔하다

    Miscellaneous

    -(이)야말로

    indeed, truly, the very, the ultimate, if anything is X, it's this

    N+마저(도)

    even, even...too, even...as well

    (으)ㄴ/는 법이다

    "is bound to", "is destined to", "it's natural that", "it's the way things are", "must be"

    V+건대

    In my opinion, From what I see, I believe that, It seems to me that.
  • Guessing & Possibility

    • N+쯤

    about, around, approximately, roughly

    (으)ㄹ 수 있다/없다

    can / cannot, be able to / be unable to, it is possible / it is impossible

    (으)ㄹ 것이다

    will, be going to, must be, probably, likely

    (으)ㄴ/는 모양이다

    It seems that..., It looks like..., It appears that...

    ㄹ/을 리가 없다

    There's no way that..., It can't be that..., It's impossible that...

    V+(으)랴

    How could one possibly...?, Who has time to...?, Too busy with X to do Y

    V+(으)ㄹ까

    Shall we...?, How about...?, Should I...?, I wonder if...

    V+(으)ㄴ가(요), 나(요)

    I wonder if..., Is it that...?, Could it be...?

    V+(으)ㄹ지(도)

    might, may, could, it's possible that..., perhaps

    아/어 보이다

    looks like, seems to be, appears to be

    V+(으)리라

    I will certainly..., It shall be..., It is bound to... Quick Usage: Attach -리라 to verbs ending in a vowel or 'ㄹ', and -으리라 to verbs ending in a consonant (except 'ㄹ').

    V+(으)ㄹ걸(요)

    I guess..., I suppose..., probably..., might be...

    는/(으)ㄴ/(으)ㄹ 것 같다

    It seems like; It looks like; I think; I guess; It appears that

    지 못하다

    cannot; be unable to; fail to

    아/어 하다

    seems to be...; appears to be...; acts like...; is acting...

    V+(으)ㄹ라

    lest, for fear that, worried that, concerned that

    (으)ㄹ 수도 있다/없다

    might, may, could, it's possible that..., there's a possibility that...

    (았/었/했)을 것

    must have (done/been), would have (done/been), probably (did/was)

    (으)ㄹ지(도) 모르다

    might; could; don't know if/whether; perhaps

    (으)ㄹ 텐데

    probably will, must be, I suppose, I expect that...

    V+던가

    Was it that...?, Did...?, I wonder if..., Don't tell me...

    V+(으/ㄹ/을)려나

    I wonder if...; I wonder whether...; Could it be that...?

    ㄹ/을 길이 없다

    There's no way to..., It's impossible to..., There's no means of...

    V+(으)리오

    How could...?; Is it possible that...?; It cannot be so.

    V+겠거니

    I figured, I assumed, I supposed, thinking that...
  • Hopes & Resolutions

    • V+아/어야지

    I must/will definitely..., I've got to..., I should/ought to (with strong resolve)

    았/었으면 좋겠다

    I wish (that)...; I hope (that)...; It would be good if...

    기로 하다

    to decide to, to agree to, to make a resolution to

    V+(으)ㅁ세

    "Let's...", "We shall...", "I shall...", "We will...", "Let us..." (when used as a proposal) or "I will..." (when used as a firm intention).

    고 싶다

    to want to..., would like to...

    을/를 바라다

    to hope for, to wish for, to desire

    V+(으)소서

    May you..., Please (solemnly)..., We humbly ask that you...

    고 말겠다

    "I will definitely...", "I am determined to...", "I'm going to do X, no matter what."
  • Listing & Addition

    • -도

    also, too, even, either (in negative sentences)

    N+들

    plural suffix; group indicator

    N+마다

    every, each, per. Quick Usage: Attaches directly to nouns without any changes.

    N+이자

    "and also", "who is also", "which is also", "first and foremost... and also"

    V+(이)거니

    As well as, Not only... but also, Sometimes... sometimes..., Recalling that...

    고

    "and then," "and," "after (doing X)," "first X, then Y"

    V+(으)며

    while, as, and, in addition to, not only... but also

    (으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라

    Not only... but also, in addition to, as well as

    -와/과

    and, with. Quick Usage: Vowel-ending noun + 와 / Consonant-ending noun + 과

    -하고

    and, with

    -랑/이랑

    and, with, together with

    N+네

    "the N group," "N's family/household," "people like N"

    N+째

    the nth, ordinal number suffix
  • Location & Direction

    • -에

    at, in, on, to, for (time)

    -에서

    at, in, from (when indicating the origin of an action)

    -에게

    to (a person/animal), for (a person/animal)

    -한테

    to, from (when receiving from an animate source)

    -께

    To (honorific), For (honorific). Quick Usage: Attaches directly to nouns referring to respected individuals.

    N+보고

    to (someone), for (someone), tell (someone)

    N+에다가

    onto, into, on top of, in addition to (a place)
  • Means & Methods

    • -(으)로

    by, with, to, towards, as, from (for selection)

    N+(으)로서

    as a..., in one's capacity as..., in the role of...

    N+(으)로써

    by means of, with, through, as (a means/method), as (a qualification)

    -대로

    according to, as, just as, in the way that, as one pleases

    N+씩

    each, per, apiece, at a time, in amounts of
  • Obligation & Permission

    • 아/어도 되다

    May I...?, Can I...?, It's okay to..., You may...

    (으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다

    have no choice but to, cannot help but, is bound to, is inevitable that

    V+(으)세요

    Please do..., Would you...?, He/She/They (honorific) do/are doing...

    V+아/어/여라

    Command; Order; 'Do X!'

    아/어 달다

    Please do (for me/us); Could you (for me/us)?

    V+거라, 너라

    "Do!", "Go!", "Come!" (archaic command form)

    지 그렇다

    How about...?; Wouldn't it be good to...?; Perhaps you should...

    V+(으)렴 / (으)려무나

    Go ahead and..., Why don't you..., Please (in a gentle way)

    아/어야 되다/하다

    must, have to, should, be supposed to

    지 말다

    Don't..., Do not..., Stop (doing)..., Let's not...

    (으)면 안 되다

    Must not; Should not; Are not allowed to; It is forbidden to

    V-(으)십시오

    Please do..., Would you please..., (Formal/Polite Command/Request)

    지 않아도 되다

    don't have to, no need to, it's not necessary to
  • Purpose & Intention

    • 아/어 주다

    to do for someone, to give (a favor), please do for me

    V+겠

    "will," "would," "must be," "I guess/suppose," "I intend to"

    V+(으)려고

    in order to, so that one can, intend to, plan to

    V+(으)ㄹ게(요)

    "I will...", "I'll...", "Let me..."

    V+(으)러

    in order to; to (do something); for the purpose of

    V+(으)마

    I will..., I shall..., I intend to... Quick Usage: Used only in the first person (speaker's intention).

    을/를 위해(서)

    for the sake of, for, in order to (benefit/achieve)

    아/어 드리다

    Benefactive Expressions

    V+(으)ㄹ래(요)

    Do you want to...?, Shall we...?, I want to..., I'll...

    V+고자

    in order to, with the intention of, so that one may

    V+자

    Let's..., Shall we...?, As soon as..., No sooner... than...

    (으)려고 하다

    "intend to", "plan to", "be going to", "want to" (when expressing one's own intention).

    V+게

    so that; in order to; to make (something) happen; (expecting) that

    아/어 보다

    to try (doing something), to try out, to give (something) a try

    V+도록

    so that, in order to, to the point where, until

    아/어 두다

    Miscellaneous

    (으)ㄹ까 하다

    Be thinking of, Be considering, Be contemplating, Might do, Plan to (tentatively)

    V+게끔

    so that (it will be certain to), in such a way that (it is ensured)

    V+(으)려던

    was about to..., was going to..., had intended to...

    (으)려던 참이다

    "was just about to", "was on the verge of", "was going to" Quick Usage: Attach to verb stems, using -으려던 for stems ending in a consonant and -려던 for stems ending in a vowel or ㄹ.
  • Reasons & Causes

    • V+아/어서

    because, so, and then, and (as a result)

    V+(으/이)니

    Since (you/it) are/is..., Seeing that..., Is it because...?

    V+(으)니까

    Because, Since, So, As, (Upon realizing that...)

    V+(으)ㄴ/는지

    perhaps because..., maybe because..., I guess it's because..., it seems that...

    V+(이)라서

    because it is..., since it is...

    V+거든(요)

    because (you see), if (you ask me), the thing is..., you know

    때문에

    because of, due to, on account of, since, as

    아/어 가지다

    to take/have [something] and do [something], to do [something] and proceed with [it], having done [something], [do something else]

    V+기에

    because, since, as, given that, in that, for the reason that, from the perspective of, to (do something)

    V+(ㄴ/는)다니까 / (이)라니까

    Because I heard that..., Since you said..., As I said..., I told you that...

    N+시키다

    to order (someone to do N), to make (someone do N), to have (someone do N)

    (으)ㄹ 테니(까)

    since I will/intend to..., as it will likely..., because I'm going to...

    V+느라(고)

    because of ~ing, due to ~ing, while ~ing (and thus...)

    V+길래

    because (I saw/heard/felt that...), since..., seeing that...

    -(으)므로

    since, as, because, therefore

    고 보니(까)

    Upon doing X, I realized Y; After doing X, I found out Y; It turns out that...

    는 바람에

    due to..., because of..., as a result of... (with a negative connotation)

    고 나니(까)

    After doing X, I realized/found that Y; Once X was done, Y happened.

    는 김에

    While I'm at it, Since I'm already doing X, On the occasion of, As long as I'm doing X.

    V+아/어서인지

    perhaps because; maybe because; it might be because; could it be that...

    V+거늘

    seeing that, given that, since, as, because (of the fact that)

    다(가) 보니(까)

    as I kept/continued doing X, I realized Y; it turns out that...; because I kept doing X, Y happened

    게 하다

    to make (someone do something), to cause (something to happen), to let, to allow

    V+더니

    after (having seen/experienced that), and then (as a result), but now (it's different)

    V+(았/었/했)더니

    And then; As a result of (doing X), (Y happened); After (doing X), I found that (Y)

    (으)로 인하다

    due to, owing to, because of, as a result of. Quick Usage: Attaches to nouns or noun phrases. The verb 인하다 conjugates normally.

    (으)ㄹ까 봐

    in case (something happens), for fear that, worried that, concerned that
  • Starting Points & Range

    • -까지

    Miscellaneous

    -부터

    from, starting from, since

    N+부

    "the initial part of N," "the beginning section of N," "the early phase of N."
  • States & Progress

    • V+(으)ㅁ

    -ing (nominalizer), the act of..., the fact that..., (formal declarative ending)

    중

    while, during, in the middle of, amidst

    V+더라고(요)

    I observed that..., I noticed that..., It turned out that..., I realized that...

    V+아/어다가

    "after doing X and bringing/taking it," "do X and then (use/bring) Y"

    아/어 버리다

    to finish doing, to end up doing, to do completely, to get it over with

    아/어 나가다

    to continue to do, to keep doing, to proceed with, to carry on

    N+당하다

    to be subjected to N, to suffer N, to undergo N, to be N-ed

    고 말다

    ended up ~ing, eventually ~ed, unfortunately ~ed, finally ~ed (with regret)

    V+(았/었/였)었

    had been, used to be, was (but no longer), double past tense

    N+이다

    to be, is/am/are

    는/(으)ㄴ/(으)ㄹ 것

    The act of ~ing, The fact that ~, What ~s/ed/will, ~ing (as a noun)

    V+기

    Miscellaneous

    아/어 가다

    Miscellaneous

    아/어 지다

    to become, to get, to turn (into), -ed (passive)

    -(이)야

    to be (informal), it is, it's

    아/어 오다

    "have been (doing) up until now," "to bring/carry (here)," "to come (doing something)."

    고 있다

    is/am/are -ing; to be in the process of; to be wearing/holding/sitting/standing

    아/어 있다

    to be in a state of having done something, to be V-ed

    V+(았/었/였)던

    "used to (do)", "that (one) did (and now it's over)", "the one who (did)"

    게 되다

    to come to be; to turn out that; to end up (doing); to get to (do)

    아/어 내다

    manage to do, succeed in doing, finally do (after difficulty), see through

    V+던

    used to; was/were ~ing; that I used to ~; that was ~ing

    V+다가

    while doing X, then Y; X-ing, and then Y; X-ing, but then Y.

    아/어 놓다

    to keep ~ing, to leave ~ed, to have ~ed and kept. Quick Usage: Attaches to the verb stem after 아/어 conjugation.

    N+하다

    to do N, to perform N, to be N-ing

    (으)ㄴ 적이 있다/없다

    Have (ever) done, Have never done, Have experience of doing

    (으)ㄹ 줄 알다/모르다

    to know how to / to not know how to; to be able to / to be unable to (in terms of skill)

    V+더

    I recall..., I remember..., It was (when I saw it)...

    (으)ㄴ 채로

    "while still...", "with... on/off/open/closed", "in the state of...", "as is"

    (으)ㄴ/는 편이다

    tend to, be on the side of, be rather, be somewhat

    N+되다

    to become, to turn into, to be made into

    는 길이다

    On one's way to/from, while going/coming, in the middle of a journey

    N+스럽다

    -like, -ish, resembling, characteristic of, feels like N

    기 일쑤이다

    It is common for...; often; frequently; tends to; prone to
  • Time Expressions

    • 때

    Time and Sequence

    전에

    before, prior to, ago

    동안

    while; during; for (a period of time)

    후에/뒤에

    Time and Sequence

    고 나서

    after (doing something); having done X, then Y

    V+고서

    after doing X; having done X; and then

    V+자마자

    as soon as; right after; the moment (that)

    는 길에

    on the way to..., while going to..., during one's journey to...

    N+경

    around, approximately, about, ~ish

    V+아/어/여

    Present tense ending, informal-polite ending

    V+았/었/였

    Past tense, did, was/were

    V+(스)ㅂ니다

    is/are/am doing, does/do, formal present tense ending

    V+(으)면서

    while; as; at the same time as

    N+간

    for (a period of time), during, throughout

    기도 하다

    sometimes; at times; even; also

    (으)ㄴ 지

    "It has been (time) since...", "since (time ago)"

    곤 하다

    often do, tend to do, used to do
  • Topic & Subjects

    • -은/는

    As for..., Speaking of..., Regarding..., The... (when emphasizing a specific noun)

    -을/를

    direct object marker, object particle, accusative case marker

    -이/가

    No direct English equivalent; functions as a subject identifier.

    -의

    's, of

    -께서

    honorific subject marker, respectful subject particle

    에 대해(서)

    about, regarding, concerning, on