전성 어미Korean Modifier Endings — All 7
The endings that turn a whole clause into something that modifies a noun. Korean's answer to the relative clause, and it goes in front of the noun, not after it.
7 modifier endings across every TOPIK level, easiest first.
2급 전성 어미TOPIK 2 — 6 modifier endings
-기
An ending of a word used to make the preceding word function as a noun.
-는
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…
-은
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.
-은
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.
-을
An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as an adnominal phrase.
-음
An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as a noun.
3급 전성 어미TOPIK 3 — 1 modifier ending
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
How many Korean modifier endings are there?
The dictionary grades 7 of them across the six TOPIK levels, 6 at 2급, 1 at 3급. That is the graded set, not the complete set — but a learner who knows these has met every one that appears on a TOPIK paper.
What is a modifier ending in Korean?
The endings that turn a whole clause into something that modifies a noun. Korean's answer to the relative clause, and it goes in front of the noun, not after it.
Grammar definitions, usage notes and examples from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.