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-는다니Korean expression · TOPIK 5

-neundani

TOPIK 5 5급Expressions 표현asking what was ordered 명령 내용 질문3 senses

One expression with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-는다니-다니-라니-으라니-자니

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

(informal addressee-lowering) An expression used to ask the listener about what another person said.

(두루낮춤으로) 다른 사람이 말한 내용에 대해 듣는 사람에게 물어볼 때 쓰는 표현.

쓰임Usage

A contracted form of -는다고 하니.

'-는다고 하니'가 줄어든 말이다.

예문Examples

우리 저녁은 언제쯤 먹는다니?

What time are we having dinner?

승규는 요새 무슨 책을 읽는다니?

What book is Seunggyu reading these days?

보통 면접에서는 뭐를 많이 묻는다니?

What do they usually ask in interviews?

대화In conversation

왜 오늘은 치료를 못 받는다니?

Why can't I get treatment today?

이 병원은 미리 예약을 하고 와야 한대요.

You need to make an appointment in advance at this hospital.

An expression used to indicate that the speaker is surprised or impressed by what another person explained or stated.

다른 사람에게 들은 설명이나 서술에 대해 말하는 사람이 놀라거나 감탄함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

A contracted form of -는다고 하다니.

‘-는다고 하다니’가 줄어든 말이다.

예문Examples

영수가 이제 그 사람을 잊는다니 마음이 많이 상한 모양이다.

If Yeongsu is forgetting that person now, he must be really hurt.

이런 더러운 곳에 앉는다니 다리가 많이 아픈가 봐요.

If he's sitting in this dirty place, his legs must really hurt.

지수가 그 사람 말을 믿는다니 천지가 개벽할 일이지요.

If Jisu believes what that person says, it's a miracle.

대화In conversation

승규가 직접 가게 문을 닫는다니 놀랍구나.

I'm surprised Seunggyu is closing the store himself.

승규가 전보다 얼마나 부지런해졌는데요.

You wouldn't believe how much more diligent Seunggyu has become.

An expression used to indicate that someone's explanation or statement is the basis for the speaker's judgment.

다른 사람에게 들은 설명이나 서술이 판단의 근거임을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

A contracted form of -는다고 하니.

‘-는다고 하니’가 줄어든 말이다.

예문Examples

네가 집안일을 돕는다니 내가 이제 많이 편해지겠구나.

Since you're helping with the housework, things will be much easier for me now.

딸아이가 장학금을 받는다니 한결 마음이 놓였다.

I was relieved to hear that my daughter got a scholarship.

승규가 지금이라도 일자리를 찾는다니 믿고 기다려 봅시다.

Since Seunggyu is looking for a job even now, let's trust him and wait.

대화In conversation

할머니, 아버지가 어제부터 죽을 드시기 시작했어요.

Grandma, Father started eating porridge yesterday.

그래? 이제 죽이라도 먹는다니 정말 다행이구나.

Really? I'm so glad he's eating porridge now.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-게 마련이다 -ge maryeonida -기 마련이다 An expression used to indicate that it is natural for something to occur or become a certain state. TOPIK 5 -게 생겼다 -ge saengyeotta An expression used to indicate that someone is facing the situation expressed by the preceding statement. TOPIK 5 -기 나름이다 -gi nareumida -을 나름이다 An expression used to indicate that something depends on how the act mentioned in the preceding statement is done. TOPIK 5 -기가 바쁘게 -giga bappeuge An expression used to indicate that something happens as soon as the act mentioned in the preceding statement is completed. TOPIK 5 -기가 쉽다 -giga swipda An expression used to state that the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement is likely to occur. TOPIK 5 -기만 하다 -giman hada An expression used to state that one does only one act without doing anything else. TOPIK 5

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -는다니 mean in Korean?

-는다니 is a expression introduced at 5급 (TOPIK 5). (informal addressee-lowering) An expression used to ask the listener about what another person said. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -는다니?

A contracted form of -는다고 하니. The other shape is -다니, -라니, -으라니, -자니 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -는다니 and -다니?

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 -는다니?

5급 — TOPIK 5, advanced. It is one of 56 grammar points at that level.

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