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elementary · freeInteractive lesson

-(으)ㄴ (past/state modifier)

Explanation

For action verbs, -(으)ㄴ often marks past relative clauses: 어제 본 영화.

For descriptive verbs, -(으)ㄴ is the basic modifier: 큰 집, 예쁜 꽃.

This dual job confuses learners — separate “adjective modifier” from “past action modifier”.

Future relative clauses use -(으)ㄹ: 내일 갈 곳.

Level: elementary. Read the pattern, say each example out loud, then write two new sentences of your own before moving on.

After you can produce the form, open related Chamelingo pages (vocabulary, conjugator, particles) so the pattern connects to words you actually study.

This page focuses on “-(으)ㄴ (past/state modifier).” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.

After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.

Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.

When you can explain “-(으)ㄴ (past/state modifier)” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.

Examples

이 표현을 문장에서 써 보세요.

Practice putting “-(으)ㄴ (past/state modifier)” into a full polite sentence.

비슷한 말과 비교해서 말해 보세요.

Say a near-miss pair out loud and notice the meaning shift.

오늘 배운 걸 한 번 더 복습해요.

Review once more today so the pattern sticks.

Common mistakes

  • Do not translate English word-for-word into “-(으)ㄴ (past/state modifier)” — match Korean order and speech level.
  • Do not treat near-miss patterns as free synonyms of “-(으)ㄴ (past/state modifier)” without checking meaning and register.

How to practice

  1. Register: learn the polite 요 form first unless this page is specifically about formal 습니다 style.
  2. Production tip: use the pattern in a short dialogue (question + answer) the same day you study it.

Check yourself

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