← Previous Full Grammar List Next → ~던: Used to recall a habitual action or behavior that “used to” happen regularly – but hasn’t continued Equivalent to “used to” Usage: Use in front of NOUNS Use #1: to express something that no longer happens, but once did (여러 번, 자주, 가끔, 항상) Use #2: to recall […]
Month: May 2014
Stories Describe Numerous Character Types in Korea – Which One Are You? (Expressions #14)
As always, click any of the images to be taken to the page with the story on our Tumblr site. Here are the basic types: MIA (someone who’s always “Missing In Action”) A rascal who’s bad to his parents A flat out idiot An outcast An indispensable person A childhood buddy Someone who won’t compromise […]
April 2014 In Review
In April, I read both of Darren Hardy’s Success books: The Compound Effect and Living Your Best Year Ever. Thanks to some of the advice from these books (as well as some I’ve read in David Allen’s Getting Things Done), I’ve determined that it’s a good idea to set a limited number of goals at different levels. Here […]
Intermediate Grammar #31: ~지 그래요? “Why don’t you…?”
← Previous Full Grammar List Next → ~지 그래요?: Used to suggest someone do something Equivalent to “Why don’t you…?” or “Why not…?” Usage: Weaker than ~도록 하다 NO: ~아/어서 for reasons, rather use ~(으)니까 Past tense (~지 그랬어요?) expresses disapproval, pity, or regret over some suggested action having not been taken Tenses: Verb: ~지 […]
Intermediate Grammar #30: ~도록 하다 “Please do…”
← Previous Full Grammar List Next → ~도록 하다: Used to instruct or suggest someone do something Equivalent to “Please do…” Usage: Stronger than ~아/어 보세요 (“Why don’t you try…”) Weaker than ~(으)세요 (“Do, please”) ONLY: imperative/propositive sentences so cannot use ~아/어서 to give a reason in first clause Can answer with: ~도록 하겠습니다 “I […]
Auction.co.kr Plays with Animals and Korean in New Commercials
Original (animal spellings) 불편한 쇼핑왕국 Uncomfortable Shopping Kingdom 쥐: 불편하쥐 Mouse: Uncomfortable Mouse 개: 귀찮개… Dog: Annoying Dog… 지렁이: 짜증나지렁~~ Worm: Crappy Worm~~ 양: 이게 다 뭐양? Sheep: What is all this Sheep? 돼지: 해도 해도 안 돼지 Pig: Try, try, can’t Pig 새: 포기하새! Bird: Abandon Bird! 불편했던 쇼핑 Used to be uncomfortable shopping […]
Intermediate Grammar #29: ~(으)ㄹ 만하다 “Worth doing”
← Previous Full Grammar List Next → ~(으)ㄹ 만하다: Used to indicate something is “worth doing” Also used when the speaker is not totally satisfied with something, but it’s still worth doing or paying attention to Usage: Give recommendations to others Tenses: Verbs: 과거: ~(으)ㄹ 만했다 현재: ~(으)ㄹ 만하다 미래/추측: ~(으)ㄹ 만할 것이다 (어떤 ____이/가 […]
Intermediate Grammar #28: ~아/어야지요 “I’ll have to… / You ought to…”
← Previous Full Grammar List Next → ~아/어야지요: Use when the speaker is making a promise to themselves Or use when reprimanding someone else for not doing something they should have Equivalent to “I’ll have to…” OR “You ought to…” Usage: ~아/어야지 = shortened form for speaking to oneself ~아/어야죠 = another shortened form Tenses: […]