-는 것Korean expression · TOPIK 2

-neun geot

TOPIK 2 2급 Expressions 표현

An expression used to enable a non-noun word to be used as a noun in a sentence or to be used in front of '이다' (be).

형태Forms

-는 것-은 것-ㄴ 것-을 것-ㄹ 것

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 enable a non-noun word to be used as a noun in a sentence or to be used in front of '이다' (be).

명사가 아닌 것을 문장에서 명사처럼 쓰이게 하거나 ‘이다’ 앞에 쓰일 수 있게 할 때 쓰는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after 있다, 없다, 계시다, adjectives and verbs ending in 있다 or 없다, the honorific -으시- or the future -겠-.

'있다', '없다', '계시다'나 '있다', '없다'로 끝나는 형용사, 동사 또는 '-으시-', '-겠-' 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

지금 보는 것은 가족 사진입니다.

What I'm looking at now is a family photo.

저는 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요.

I like singing.

출퇴근 시간에는 지하철을 타는 것이 편리하다.

During rush hour, taking the subway is convenient.

대화In conversation

지금 읽고 있는 것은 뭐예요?

What are you reading now?

새로 나온 잡지예요.

It's a new magazine.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-게 되다 -ge doeda An expression used to indicate that something will become the state or situation mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 2 -기 때문에 -gi ttaemun -기 때문이다 An expression used to indicate that the preceding statement is the reason or cause for the following incident. TOPIK 2 -기로 하다 -giro hada An expression used to decide or promise the performance of the act mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 2 -는 것 같다 -neun geot gatda -ㄴ 것 같다 · -은 것 같다 · -ㄹ 것 같다 An expression used to indicate that the statement is a guess. TOPIK 2 -는 동안에 -neun dong-an -는 동안 An expression used to indicate the time, for which the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement lasts. TOPIK 2 -어 보다 -eo boda -아 보다 · -여 보다 An expression used to indicate that one does the act mentioned in the preceding statement, as a test. TOPIK 2

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -는 것 mean in Korean?

-는 것 is a expression introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). An expression used to enable a non-noun word to be used as a noun in a sentence or to be used in front of '이다' (be).

When do you use -는 것?

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

What is the difference between -는 것 and -은 것?

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 것?

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.