Learning grammar is one of the most difficult things for Korean language learners. On this blog, we will try to help you learn Korean grammar in the quickest and easiest way possible. This blog will be helpful for those who are studying Korean and want to improve their grammar skills.
Today, we’ll see how to form sentences with the grammar pattern “Noun + 동안” and “Verb + 는 동안” with some example sentences.
This pattern is used to express the duration or period of time during which something happens.
It has the meaning of “during,” “for,” or “while” in English.
- 동안 is used with nouns.
- 는 동안 is used with verbs.
The rule to conjugate:
- In the case of nouns like 방학 (vacation) and 점심 (lunch time), 동안 is added after the noun.
It becomes:
- 방학 - 방학 동안 – During vacation
- 점심 - 점심 동안 – During lunch time
Noun + 때
- 질문 시간 동안 - During question time
- 시작 동안 - During the start (period)
- 시험 동안 - During the exam / For the exam period
- 수업 동안 - During class / For the class period
- In the case of verbs like 먹다 (to eat), 자다 (to sleep), etc., you add 는 동안 after the verb stem.
- Remove 다 from the verb to get the stem.
- Add 는 동안 to express "during the time of doing [verb]" or "while [verb] is happening."
It becomes :
- 먹다 - 먹는 동안 - During eating / While eating
- 자다 - 자는 동안 - While sleeping
Noun + 동안
- 질질문 시간 동안 다 주의 깊게 들어야지. - Listen carefully during the question time.
- 그 컴퓨터는 작동 시작 동안 삐 하는 소리가 나나요? - Does the computer beep during startup?
- 그 동안이 내 인생에서 가장 행복한 시절이었다. - That period was the happiest time of my life.
- 그녀는 시험 동안 많은 양을 썼다. - She wrote a lot during the exam.
- 지난번 수업 동안 진도가 어디까지 나갔지요? - How far did we get during our last class?
Verb +는 동안
- 밥을 먹는 동안 TV를 봤어요.
I watched TV while eating. - 공부하는 동안 음악을 들었어요.
I listened to music while studying. - 걷는 동안 친구와 이야기했어요.
I talked with my friend while walking - 잠자는 동안 꿈을 꿨어요.
I dreamed while sleeping. - 운동하는 동안 땀이 많이 났어요.
I sweated a lot while exercising. - 버스를 기다리는 동안 책을 읽었어요.
I read a book while waiting for the bus.
Related Korean grammar posts :
To understand TOPIK Test structure, application process, Levels and Passing scores etc. check these pages:
- TOPIK – The Complete Guide & 2. TOPIK Levels and Passing Marks. You can also Practice Online with TOPIK GUIDE Mock Tests.
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This post explains a few patterns. Our Grammar Masterclasses teach every pattern the exam uses, in a clear order, with practice in every lesson.
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Learning Korean can be tricky, especially when the goal of your learning is conversation. If you’ve ever attempted to speak Korean but were unable to, then hopefully you’ll find this post helpful.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or suggestions. Comment down below.
