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-는 듯Korean expression · TOPIK 4

-neun deut

TOPIK 4 4급Expressions 표현2 senses

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

형태Forms

-는 듯-ㄴ 듯은 듯 -ㄹ 듯-을 듯

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

An expression used to guess that something said might be similar to the preceding state or situation.

뒤에 오는 말의 내용과 관련하여 짐작할 수 있거나 비슷하다고 여겨지는 상태나 상황을 나타낼 때 쓰는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after 있다, 없다, 계시다, verbs, the honorific -으시- or the future -겠-.

‘있다’, ‘없다’, ‘계시다’, 동사 또는 ‘-으시-’, ‘-겠-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

갑자기 배가 찌르는 듯 아팠다.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain as if something was stabbing my stomach.

지수는 아무 일도 없는 듯 태연한 얼굴이었다.

Jisu had a calm face as if nothing had happened.

삼촌은 더 이상 못 참겠는 듯 크게 고함을 질렀다.

My uncle shouted loudly as if he couldn't take it anymore.

대화In conversation

승규는 어디 갔어?

Where did Seunggyu go?

글쎄. 급한 일이 있는 듯 뛰어가더라.

I don't know. He ran off as if he had something urgent.

An expression used to indicate that something is in a state which could be one of two possibilities.

그런 것 같기도 하고 그렇지 않은 것 같기도 한 상태를 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

주로 '-는 듯 마는 듯'으로 쓴다.

예문Examples

가랑비가 옷을 적시는 듯 마는 듯 그렇게 내린다.

A drizzle was falling, barely wetting the clothes.

승규는 인사를 하는 듯 마는 듯 그냥 지나가 버렸다.

Seunggyu passed by as if he was about to greet but didn't.

아이는 고개를 끄덕이는 듯 마는 듯 어정쩡하게 대답했다.

The child answered ambiguously, as if nodding and then not.

대화In conversation

밥상 앞에서 먹는 듯 마는 듯 깨작거리지 마렴.

Don't pick at your food at the table as if you're barely eating.

네, 죄송해요.

Yes, I'm sorry.

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 -나 싶다 -na sipda An expression used to indicate that the speaker is making a subjective and uncertain guess about the preceding statement. 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

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -는 듯 mean in Korean?

-는 듯 is a expression introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). An expression used to guess that something said might be similar to the preceding state or situation. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -는 듯?

Attaches after 있다, 없다, 계시다, verbs, the honorific -으시- or the future -겠-. The other shape is -ㄴ 듯, 은 듯 -ㄹ 듯, -을 듯 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -는 듯 and -ㄴ 듯?

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

What TOPIK level is -는 듯?

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.