-는Korean modifier ending · TOPIK 2

-neun

TOPIK 2 2급 Modifier Endings 전성 어미noun modifier, present 관형사형(현재)

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 present.

형태Forms

-는-은-ㄴ

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 an adnominal phrase and implies that an event or action is happening in the present.

앞말이 관형어의 기능을 하게 만들고 사건이나 동작이 현재 일어남을 나타내는 어미.

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

여기가 제가 다니는 학교예요.

This is the school I attend.

맛있는 한국 음식을 먹고 싶어요.

I want to eat delicious Korean food.

모르겠는 것은 다음 시간에 질문하세요.

If there's anything you don't understand, ask during the next class.

대화In conversation

승규 씨가 어느 분이세요?

Which person is Seunggyu?

저기 서 계시는 분이 승규 씨예요.

He's the one standing over there.

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 -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 -음 -eum -ㅁ An ending of a word that makes the preceding statement function as a noun. TOPIK 2

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -는 mean in Korean?

-는 is a modifier ending introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). 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 present.

When do you use -는?

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, -ㄴ — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -는 and -은?

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 -는?

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.