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Korean Language - Adnominal Endings

Adnominal endings follow verbs stems or verb suffixes and modify nouns. Adnominal endings also convey verb tense. Depending upon the verb type, the selection of adnominal ending varies.

The Chart of Adnominal Endings:

Action Verb

Adjectival Verb

Verb
"있다"

Verb
"이다"

Present (continuation)

-는

-(으)ㄴ

-ㄴ

Past ( completion)

-(으)ㄴ

 

 

Future (estimation)

-(으)ㄹ

-(으)ㄹ

-ㄹ

Past (reminiscence)

-던

-던

-던

1

1. –는

Used only with action verbs in present form.
저기  가는 분이 이 선생입니다.
    That person walking there is Mr. Lee.
이 책이 요즘은  많이 팔리고 있는 것 입니다.
    This is the book which is selling a lot these days.

2

2. - (으) ㄴ

When used with action verb, an action in past is conveyed. When used with adjectival verb a present form is explained.

어제 쓴  편지를  우체국에 가서 부쳤어요.
    I mailed the letter which I wrote yesterday.
그는 마음이 좋은  사람 입니다 He is a kind hearted person.

3

3. – (으) ㄹ        

An action which has not been completed is conveyed. It is used with an action verb.        

비가 오니까 쓰고  갈 우산을 준비해야 합니다
    Since it is raining, you must prepare an umbrella to use.
이번 주말에 여행 갈 계확을 세우고 있읍니다.
    We are making plans to travel this weekend.

4

4. –던

An action in the past is reminiscent; or an action in the past with continuous form( in English “used to be”)
여름에 푸르던 나뭇잎이 노랗게 단풍이  들었어요.
    Leaves that were green in summer have turned yellow.
여기 있던 책을 누가 가져 갔나요?   Who took the book that was here?