V~ ㄴ/는 다는 것 [Korean Grammar]

Today we'll be looking at the usage of "V ~ㄴ/는 다는 것" with some example sentences.

Usage:

An expression used to indicate that a result not intended during the preceding act appears in the following statement. This expression can have the meaning of " instead ended up (doing something)" or "but instead". 

It is used with verbs only.

The conjugation rule is simple :

1. If the verb stem ends with a consonant then ~는다는 것 is used.

For ex : 일을 돕는다는 것이 오히려 방해가 되었어요.

I was trying to help but instead I got up in the way.

2. If the verb stem ends with a vowel then ~ㄴ나는 것 is used. 

For ex : 공책에 쓴다는 것이 책에 쓰고 말았네요.

I said I would write in the notebook but instead wrote in the book.

Let's try to understand the usage with the following examples :

1) 출발하기 전에 전화한다는 것이 깜빡했어요.

I was going to call before departure but forgot.

2) 쓰레기를 버린다는 것이 중요한 서류까지 같이 쓰레기통에 넣었어요.

I was throwing the waste but instead threw important documents in the trash can as well.

3) 국수를 삶는다는 것이 라면을 끓였어요.

I was boiling noodles but instead boiled ramen.

4) 창문을 닫는다는 것이 그대로 열어 두었네요.

I was closing the window but instead opened. 

5) 설탕을 친다는 것이 소금을 쳤어요.

I thought I was putting sugar but instead I added salt. 

6) 한 번 초대한다는 것이 바빠서 못 했지요.

I was going to invite them but instead I got busy. 

7) 쉽게 설명한다는 것이 잘못해서 어려워졌습니다.

I wanted to give a simple explanation but instead I ended up with a difficult explanation.

8) 비밀로 한다는 것이 모든 사람에게 알려졌나 봐요.

He was going to keep it a secret but I think everyone knows.

To understand TOPIK Test structure, application process, Levels and Passing scores etc. check these pages:

1. TOPIK – The Complete Guide & 2. TOPIK Levels and Passing Marks. You can also Practice Online with TOPIK GUIDE Mock Tests.

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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.