Core Pattern Rule: -(으)ㄴ/는 셈 치고
This pattern expresses the idea of doing something "assuming that..." or "considering it as...". The speaker acknowledges the reality but decides to act as if a different assumption is true. It's a way to mentally reframe a situation to justify an action, take a risk, or motivate oneself.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "assuming...", "pretending that...", or "considering it as...".
Function: It connects a mental assumption (the 셈 part) to a subsequent action (the part after 치고). You're not just thinking it; you're acting on that thought.
Formation
The pattern attaches to verb and adjective stems, with different forms for tense.
Present Tense Verbs: Add -는 셈 치고.
가다 → 가는 셈 치고 (assuming I go)
먹다 → 먹는 셈 치고 (assuming I eat)
Past Tense Verbs: Add -(으)ㄴ 셈 치고.
Verbs ending in a vowel: -ㄴ 셈 치고 (e.g., 가다 → 간 셈 치고)
Verbs ending in a consonant: -은 셈 치고 (e.g., 먹다 → 먹은 셈 치고)
Adjectives & 있다/없다: Add -(으)ㄴ 셈 치고 for adjectives and 는 셈 치고 for 있다/없다.
없다 → 없는 셈 치고 (assuming it doesn't exist)
죽다 (verb used like an adjective here) → 죽은 셈 치고 (assuming I'm dead)
속는 셈 치고 샀어. / 운동하는 셈 치고 걸어. / 밥 한 끼 먹은 셈 치고 샀어요.
Common Usage Scenarios
This pattern is highly situational and often used to manage one's own or others' psychology. Here are some common scenarios where it shines.
Taking a Risk or Justifying a Loss
Use it when you're uncertain about an outcome but decide to proceed anyway, or when you want to frame a potential loss in a more acceptable way.
Example: 속는 셈 치고 샀어. (I bought it, assuming I might be getting tricked/duped.)
Example: 돈 버리는 셈 치고 샀어요. (I bought it, considering the money thrown away.)
Reframing for Motivation or Comfort
Use it to turn a mundane or difficult task into something beneficial, or to find a silver lining in a disappointing situation.