Let's study the Korean grammar point "-(으)ㄴ 지" today! This expression is used to indicate how much time has passed since an action or event occurred. Although it can seem a bit tricky at first, by the end of this lesson, you'll know exactly how to use it properly.
Definition:
"-(으)ㄴ 지" is attached to the stem of a verb to indicate the amount of time that has passed since an action or event took place. It's often followed by expressions like "되다" (to become) or "지나다" (to pass) to specify how long it has been.
Usage:
You use "-(으)ㄴ 지" to talk about the duration or time passed since a particular event or action.
The structure is usually followed by time expressions like "한 달" (one month), "1년" (one year), etc., and then verbs like "되다" or "지나다" are used to complete the sentence.
Formation:
If the verb stem ends in a vowel or the consonant ㄹ, you attach -ㄴ 지.
Ex: 가다 (to go) → 간 지
If the verb stem ends in a consonant (except ㄹ), you attach -은 지.
Ex: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹은 지
Example Sentences:
한국에 온 지 3년 됐어요.
(It's been 3 years since I came to Korea.)
밥을 먹은 지 2시간이 지났어요.
(It has been 2 hours since I ate.)
우리는 결혼한 지 5년 됐어요.
(It has been 5 years since we got married.)
이 책을 읽은 지 오래됐어요.
(It has been a long time since I read this book.)
Common Expressions:
얼마나 됐어요?: How long has it been?
Example: "한국에 온 지 얼마나 됐어요?" (How long has it been since you came to Korea?)
Notes:
The verb "되다" is commonly used after "-(으)ㄴ 지" to express how much time has passed since the action.
It can be used to talk about both short and long periods of time.
Comparison with Other Time Expressions:
While "-(으)ㄴ 지" focuses on how long ago something happened, other expressions like "-고 나서" emphasize the sequence of actions, not the time elapsed.
Summary
Use -ㄴ 지 for verbs ending in vowels or ㄹ.
Use -은 지 for verbs ending in consonants.
It is followed by time expressions and verbs like "되다" or "지나다."
Now that you understand the grammar, try using "-(으)ㄴ 지" to describe how much time has passed since certain events in your life!