Home

Korean Language - Nominal Endings

Another special feature of Korean Language “Nominal Endings” make a verb into noun, by adding some predefined particles.

1

1. (으) ㅁ

It is used in three main occasions.
    a) It conveys the completedness of an action or a state stated by the verb. In spoken language, .(으)ㅁ is rarely used but it is replaced by “는(ㄴ)것”
밥을 빨리 먹음이 건강에 해로운 것입니다. Eating food fast is not good for health.
그 사람이 범인이 아님은 세상이 다 아는 바이다.
    The whole world knows that he is not a criminal.
    b)Used at the end of the sentence, it conveys a kind of fact being reported or a public announcement being carried out.
오늘은  수업이 없음. No class today 
입장권이 매진되었음. Tickets sold out
c) There are verbs which are permanently turned into nouns with 기.
걷다 – 걸음 (  to walk à step)
    웃다 – 웃음 ( to laughà laughter)

2

2.  –기

When added to the verb stem it turns the verb into noun, but remember the action is still represented by that “noun turned verb”

김산생은 내년에 미국에 가기 쉽습니다. Going to America is quite likely for Mr. Kim.
이 음식은 맵지 않아서 먹기(가) 좋아요. The food is not hot, so eating is easy.

3

 3.  –기 위해서 (위하여)

In this the verb the verb takes the ending “기” to represent a second action which is being carried out to complete the action in the first sentence.
공부하기 위해서 학교에 다닙니다. We go to school in order to study
건강에 유학 가기 위해서 매일 아침 운동을 합니다. In order to become healthy, I exercise daily morning.

4

4.  –기 때문에

In this the action in the second sentence is followed because of the first action.
머리가  이프기 때문에 좀 쉬어야겠어요. Since I have a headache, I’d better rest.
돈이 모자랐기 때문에 값을 깎아야 했읍나다.
    Because I didn’t have enough money I have to ask for a discount.

5

5.   기 전에

The second action place before the first is completed.
김선생이 오기 전에 일을 끝내야겠어요.  I will have to finish this before Mr. Kim comes.
식사를  하기 전에 기도합니다.   I pray before I eat.