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-나 싶다Korean expression · TOPIK 4

-na sipda

TOPIK 4 4급Expressions 표현2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

An expression used to indicate that the speaker is making a subjective and uncertain guess about the preceding statement.

앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 내용을 말하는 사람이 다소 주관적이고 불확실하게 추측함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Usually used as -지 않나 싶다, -지 않았나 싶다 or -지 않겠나 싶다.

주로 ‘-지 않나 싶다’, ‘-지 않았나 싶다’, ‘-지 않겠나 싶다’로 쓴다.

예문Examples

같은 내용이지만 영화보다는 소설이 더 재미있지 않았나 싶다.

I think the novel was more interesting than the movie, even though it's the same content.

아무래도 내가 선배이니 후배를 도와줘야 하지 않겠나 싶어서 후배에게 전화를 걸었다.

I called my junior because I thought I should help them since I'm the senior.

내 생각에는 이번에는 네가 양보해야 되지 않나 싶다.

In my opinion, I think you should be the one to give in this time.

대화In conversation

오늘 승규가 지수한테 지나치게 화를 낸 것 같아.

I think Seunggyu got too angry at Jisu today.

맞아. 그렇게 화를 낼 필요까지는 없지 않았나 싶더라.

Right. I think he didn't need to get that angry.

An expression used to indicate that the speaker regrets or worries about the act mentioned in the preceding statement.

앞에 오는 말이 나타내는 행동에 대해 말하는 사람이 후회하거나 걱정함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs, the honorific -으시-, the past -었- or the future -겠-.

동사 또는 ‘-으시-’, ‘-었-’, ‘-겠-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

경기에서 큰 실수를 한 선수는 내가 왜 그랬나 싶다며 아쉬워했다.

The player who made a big mistake in the game expressed regret, wondering why he did that.

방학이 끝날 때가 되자 방학 동안 난 뭘 했나 싶어서 괜히 의기소침해졌다.

As the vacation was ending, I felt down, wondering what I had done during the break.

조금만 참을 것을 내가 괜히 먹었나 싶어서 후회가 된다.

I regret eating it for no reason when I could have held back a little.

대화In conversation

너 요새 지수랑 어색한 것 같더라.

You seem awkward with Jisu these days.

응. 나도 내가 뭘 잘못했나 싶어서 말을 걸어도 지수가 대답도 안 해.

Yeah. I wonder what I did wrong, but even when I talk to her, she doesn't answer.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-고 들다 -go deulda An expression used to press someone to do the preceding act. TOPIK 4 -고 보다 -go boda An expression indicating that the action implied by the preceding word is done first and the subsequent events are thought about later. TOPIK 4 -고 해서 -go haeseo An expression used to state that the content of the preceding statement is one of several reasons for doing the act mentioned in the following… TOPIK 4 -는 김에 -neun gime -ㄴ 김에 · -은 김에 An expression used to indicate that one is doing a certain act, after the act mentioned in the preceding statement or while doing a similar behavior… TOPIK 4 -는 대로 -neun daero -ㄴ 대로 · -은 대로 An expression used to indicate that something is the same as the present act or state mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 4 -는 듯 -neun deut -ㄴ 듯 · 은 듯 -ㄹ 듯 · -을 듯 An expression used to guess that something said might be similar to the preceding state or situation. TOPIK 4

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -나 싶다 mean in Korean?

-나 싶다 is a expression introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). An expression used to indicate that the speaker is making a subjective and uncertain guess about the preceding statement. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -나 싶다?

Usually used as -지 않나 싶다, -지 않았나 싶다 or -지 않겠나 싶다.

What TOPIK level is -나 싶다?

4급 — TOPIK 4, upper intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.

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