What is “-는”?
“-는” is an adnominal ending in Korean that combines with verbs, as well as “있다” and “없다,” to form a modifier. It describes actions or events that are happening in the present tense.
Grammar Information
A. Preceding Verbs
“-는” attaches to verbs or “있다/없다” to create the adnominal form.
Example: 내가 먹는 바나나 (Verb + “-는”) → Describes the banana I’m eating.
B. Following Nouns
A noun that the modifier describes follows “-는.”
- 내가 먹는 과자예요. (This is the snack I am eating.)
- 아빠가 읽는 신문이에요. (This is the newspaper my father is reading.)
Usage
1) Present Tense Modifier
“-는” is used to modify nouns by describing actions or events happening currently.
- 이건 내가 요새 자주 보는 드라마야. (This is a drama that I watch often.)
- 저기 오는 버스를 타도록 하자. (Let’s get on that bus coming near.)
- 가: 너는 어떤 음식점이 좋아?
나: 나는 매운 요리를 잘하는 음식점이 좋아. - 이곳은 아버지가 다니는 병원입니다. (This is the hospital that my father goes to.)
Special Note
Even when describing past events, “-는” can still be used if the perspective is based on the moment of observation rather than the time of speaking.
Example: 어제 선생님이 뛰는 모습을 봤어요. (I saw my teacher running yesterday.)
Other Related Expressions
1) “-을, ㄹ”
Similar to “-는,” but it modifies nouns to describe future actions, possibilities, or plans.
- 내가 내일 먹을 과자는 초콜릿이다. (The snack I will eat tomorrow is chocolate.)
- 친구가 줄 선물은 자켓이다. (The present my friend will give is a jacket.)
2) “-은, ㄴ”
Similar to “-는,” but it modifies nouns to describe past actions or adjectives indicating current states.
- 저건 어제 내가 읽은 책이야. (That’s a book I read yesterday.)
- 저기 있는 책은 얇은 책이야. (That book is a thin book.)
Practice Quiz
Fill in the blanks with the correct adnominal ending to complete the sentences.
- 이곳은 아버지가 _______ (다니다) 병원입니다.
- 이건 내가 요새 자주 ____ (보다) 드라마야.
- 저기 ____ (오다) 버스를 타도록 하자.
- 나는 매운 요리를 ______ (잘하다) 음식점이 좋아.
- 어제 선생님이 ____(뛰다) 모습을 봤어요.
Answers (with Translations)
- 이곳은 아버지가 다니는 병원입니다. (This is the hospital that my father goes to.)
- 이건 내가 요새 자주 보는 드라마야. (This is a drama that I watch often.)
- 저기 오는 버스를 타도록 하자. (Let’s get on that bus coming near.)
- 나는 매운 요리를 잘하는 음식점이 좋아. (I like restaurants that cook spicy food well.)
- 어제 선생님이 뛰는 모습을 봤어요. (I saw my teacher running yesterday.)