What is “-는다”?

“-는다” is a terminal ending attached to verbs and adjectives to describe situations or state opinions. Its form changes depending on the preceding word’s final consonant (받침).

For Verbs

• Without a final consonant (받침 없음): Use -ㄴ다
  Example: 그리다 → 그린다 (to draw → draws)
• With a final consonant (받침 있음): Use -는다
  Example: 웃다 → 웃는다 (to laugh → laughs)

For Adjectives

The same form, -다, is used regardless of the presence of a final consonant.

• 크다 → 크다 (to be big → is big)
• 작다 → 작다 (to be small → is small)

Usage

1) To State Opinions in Speech

“-는다” is used in spoken Korean to explain situations or express opinions. It is mostly used in informal settings or when speaking to someone of equal or lower status.

• 오늘 나 늦게 일어났다. (I got up late today.)
• 야, 아프겠다. 괜찮아? (Hey, that must hurt. Are you all right?)
• 진짜 맛있다. 너도 한번 먹어봐. (This tastes really good. Try some.)
• 사람이 너무 많다. (There are too many people.)

2) To State Facts in Writing

“-는다” is used to state facts or opinions in contexts where the reader is not specifically identified. It is commonly found in newspapers, books, and diaries.

• 이 영화는 유명하다. (This film is well-known.)
• 오늘 비가 많이 올 것이라고 한다. (They say it will rain a lot today.)
• 이번 달에 체중이 늘었다. (This month, my weight have increased.)
• 저 나무는 크다. (That tree is large.)

Practice Quiz

Complete the sentences with the correct form of “-는다.”

1. 오늘 비가 많이 올 것이라고 ___ (하다).
   (They say it will rain a lot today.)
2. 이 영화는 ______ (유명하다).
   (This film is well-known.)
3. 진짜 _____ (맛있다). 너도 한번 먹어봐.
   (This tastes really good. Try some.)
4. 야, _______ (아프다). 괜찮아?
   (Hey, that must hurt. Are you all right?)
5. 사람이 너무 _____ (많다).
   (There are too many people.)

Answers

• 오늘 비가 많이 올 것이라고 한다.
• 이 영화는 유명하다.
• 진짜 맛있다. 너도 한번 먹어봐.
• 야, 아프겠다. 괜찮아?
• 사람이 너무 많다.