-음Korean modifier ending · TOPIK 2

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TOPIK 2 2급 Modifier Endings 전성 어미nominalizer 명사형

An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as a noun.

형태Forms

-음-ㅁ

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as a noun.

앞말이 명사의 기능을 하게 하는 어미.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ, the past -었- or the future -겠-.

‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 또는 ‘-었-’, ‘-겠-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

가을 하늘의 맑음이 내 기분을 가볍게 하였다.

The clarity of the autumn sky lifted my spirits.

김 씨는 이번 사건을 자신이 저질렀음을 자백했다.

Mr. Kim confessed that he had committed this incident himself.

따뜻한 바람을 맞으며 나는 겨울이 가고 봄이 왔음을 느꼈다.

Feeling the warm breeze, I sensed that winter had passed and spring had arrived.

대화In conversation

네가 이번에 이직을 하는 거 사람들이 다 알고 있더라.

Everyone knows you're changing jobs this time.

정말? 지수 씨가 사람들한테 다 말했음이 틀림없어.

Really? It must be that Jisu told everyone.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other modifier endings you will meet alongside this one.

-기 -gi An ending of a word used to make the preceding word function as a noun. TOPIK 2 -는 -neun -은 · -ㄴ An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as an adnominal phrase and implies that an event or action is happening in the… TOPIK 2 -은 -eun -ㄴ An ending of a word that makes the preceding word function as an adnominal phrase and indicates an event or action having occurred in the past. TOPIK 2 -은 -eun An ending of word that makes the preceding word function as an adnominal phrase and implies that an action has been completed and its state continues. TOPIK 2 -을 eul -ㄹ An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as an adnominal phrase. TOPIK 2

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -음 mean in Korean?

-음 is a modifier ending introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as a noun.

When do you use -음?

Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ, the past -었- or the future -겠-. The other shape is -ㅁ — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -음 and -ㅁ?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same modifier ending, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -음?

2급 — TOPIK 2, elementary. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.