How to Say “Had” in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express the past perfect tense, equivalent to “had” in English, is crucial for conveying sequences of events and complex timelines in Korean. This article provides a detailed exploration of the various grammatical structures used to express “had” in Korean, covering their nuances, usage rules, and common pitfalls.

It is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a foundational understanding to advanced students aiming for mastery.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition: Expressing “Had” in Korean
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories
  • Past Perfect Tense (았/었/였 + 었다)
  • Past Perfect Progressive (았/었/였 + 고 있었다)
  • Using “기 전에” (Before Doing)
  • Using “후에” (After Doing)
  • Using 더 (았/었/였었다) – Emphasis on Past Completion
• Examples
  • Past Perfect Tense Examples
  • Past Perfect Progressive Examples
  • “기 전에” Examples
  • “후에” Examples
  • 더 (았/었/였었다) Examples
• Usage Rules
  • Conjugation Rules
  • Formal vs. Informal Usage
  • Honorific Usage
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
  • Nuances in Meaning
  • Complex Sentence Structures
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

Expressing past actions and their relationship to other events is a fundamental aspect of any language. In English, we often use “had” to indicate an action completed before another point in the past.

Korean, with its distinct grammatical structure, employs various methods to convey the same concept. Mastering these methods is essential for constructing accurate and nuanced narratives in Korean.

This guide will break down the different ways to express “had” in Korean, providing clear explanations, examples, and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your Korean journey or an advanced learner seeking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights and practical tools to help you confidently express past perfect actions in Korean.

Definition: Expressing “Had” in Korean

The English “had” is primarily used in the past perfect tense, indicating an action completed before another action in the past. In Korean, there isn’t a direct one-to-one translation of “had.” Instead, the concept is conveyed through various grammatical structures that emphasize the sequence of events. These structures include the past perfect tense ending 았/었/였다 combined with other grammatical markers and sentence structures. The specific structure used depends on the context and the desired emphasis. Understanding these nuances is key to accurately expressing the “had” concept in Korean. Specifically, we focus on forms that indicate an action that was completed before another action in the past. These constructions help establish a clear timeline of events, which is critical for complex narratives and detailed explanations.

Structural Breakdown

The primary structure for expressing “had” in Korean involves the past perfect tense, formed by adding 았/었/였 to the verb stem, followed by 다 (for declarative sentences) or other sentence endings. The choice between 았, 었, and 였 depends on the vowel harmony of the verb stem. Verbs with ㅏ or ㅗ use 았, verbs with other vowels use 었, and 하다 verbs use 였. This simple structure indicates an action completed in the past. To further emphasize that the action occurred before another past action, additional grammatical elements are often used, such as adverbs of time or the use of constructions like “기 전에” (before) or “후에” (after). Understanding the base structure and its variations is crucial for constructing accurate and nuanced sentences.

Types and Categories

Past Perfect Tense (았/었/였 + 었다)

This is the most direct equivalent to the English past perfect tense. It signifies that an action was completed before another action in the past. The addition of 었다 after the standard past tense marker adds further emphasis to the past completion of the action.

Past Perfect Progressive (았/었/였 + 고 있었다)

This form describes an action that was in progress before another action occurred in the past. It combines the past tense marker 았/었/였 with the progressive form 고 있었다, indicating a continuous action that was ongoing at a specific point in the past.

Using “기 전에” (Before Doing)

The phrase “기 전에” (before doing) is used to indicate that one action happened before another. It is added to the verb stem to create a clause that precedes the main verb, clearly establishing the order of events.

Using “후에” (After Doing)

Similar to “기 전에,” “후에” (after doing) indicates that one action occurred after another. It’s attached to the verb stem to form a clause that follows the main verb, specifying the sequence of events.

Using 더 (았/었/였었다) – Emphasis on Past Completion

Adding “더” before the past perfect marker (았/었/였다) and then repeating it (았/었/였었다) provides an even stronger emphasis on the fact that the action was completed a long time ago or definitively completed before something else. This form adds a layer of finality to the past action.

Examples

Past Perfect Tense Examples

Here are some examples demonstrating the use of the past perfect tense (았/었/였다) to express “had” in Korean. Note how the verb conjugation changes based on the verb stem’s vowel.

English	Korean
I had already eaten when he arrived.	그가 도착했을 때 나는 이미 먹었었다. (Geuga dochakhaesseul ttae naneun imi meogeosseotda.)
She had finished her homework before going out.	그녀는 나가기 전에 숙제를 끝냈었다. (Geunyeoneun nagagi jeone sukjereul kkeunnaesseotda.)
They had lived in Seoul for five years before moving to Busan.	그들은 부산으로 이사하기 전에 서울에서 5년 동안 살았었다. (Geudeureun Busan-euro isahagi jeone Seoul-eseo 5nyeon dongan sarasseotda.)
I had studied Korean for a year before visiting Korea.	한국에 방문하기 전에 한국어를 1년 동안 공부했었다. (Hanguk-e bangmunhagi jeone hangugeoreul 1nyeon dongan gongbuhaesseotda.)
He had lost his keys before realizing he needed them.	그는 열쇠가 필요하다는 것을 깨닫기 전에 잃어버렸었다. (Geuneun yeol쇠ga piryohadaneun geoseul kkaedatgi jeone ileobeoryeosseotda.)
We had already seen that movie so we didn’t go.	우리는 이미 그 영화를 봤었기 때문에 가지 않았어요. (Urineun imi geu yeonghwareul bwasseotgi ttaemune gaji anasseoyo.)
She had met him before, but she didn’t remember.	그녀는 그를 전에 만났었지만 기억하지 못했어요. (Geunyeoneun geureul jeone mannasseotjiman gieokaji motaesseoyo.)
They had finished the project before the deadline.	그들은 마감일 전에 프로젝트를 끝냈었다. (Geudeureun magamil jeone peurojekteureul kkeunnaesseotda.)
I had never been to Europe before my trip last year.	작년 여행 전에 유럽에 가본 적이 없었어요. (Jangnyeon yeohaeng jeone yureobe gabon jeogi eopseosseoyo.)
He had studied hard, so he passed the exam.	그는 열심히 공부했었기 때문에 시험에 합격했어요. (Geuneun yeolsimhi gongbuhaesseotgi ttaemune siheome hapgyeokhaesseoyo.)
The train had already left when I arrived at the station.	제가 역에 도착했을 때 기차는 이미 떠났었어요. (Jega yeoge dochakhaesseul ttae gichaneun imi tteonasseosseoyo.)
She had practiced the piano for hours before the concert.	그녀는 콘서트 전에 몇 시간 동안 피아노를 연습했었어요. (Geunyeoneun konseoteu jeone myeot sigan dongan pianoreul yeonseuphaesseosseoyo.)
They had saved enough money to buy a house.	그들은 집을 사기 위해 충분한 돈을 모았었어요. (Geudeureun jibeul sagi wihae chungbunhan doneul moasseosseoyo.)
I had read that book before you recommended it.	당신이 추천하기 전에 그 책을 읽었었어요. (Dangsin-i chucheonhagi jeone geu chaegeul ilgeosseosseoyo.)
He had worked at that company for ten years.	그는 그 회사에서 10년 동안 일했었어요. (Geuneun geu hoesaeseo 10nyeon dongan ilhaesseosseoyo.)
We had planned the trip for months.	우리는 몇 달 동안 여행을 계획했었어요. (Urineun myeot dal dongan yeohaengeul gyehoeghaesseosseoyo.)
She had dreamed of becoming a doctor since she was a child.	그녀는 어렸을 때부터 의사가 되는 것을 꿈꿔 왔었어요. (Geunyeoneun eoryeosseul ttaebuteo uisaga doeneun geoseul kkumkkwowasseosseoyo.)
They had built the house with their own hands.	그들은 자신의 손으로 집을 지었었어요. (Geudeureun jasin-ui soneuro jibeul jieosseosseoyo.)
I had written the letter before I mailed it.	편지를 부치기 전에 썼었어요. (Pyeonjireul buchigi jeone sseosseoyo.)
He had already left when I called.	내가 전화했을 때 그는 이미 떠났었어요. (Naega jeonhwahaesseul ttae geuneun imi tteonasseosseoyo.)

Past Perfect Progressive Examples

The past perfect progressive (았/었/였 + 고 있었다) emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action before another action in the past. Here are some examples:

English	Korean
I had been waiting for an hour when the bus finally arrived.	버스가 마침내 도착했을 때 나는 한 시간 동안 기다리고 있었다. (Beoseuga machimnae dochakhaesseul ttae naneun han sigan dongan gidarigo isseotda.)
She had been studying all night when she finally fell asleep.	그녀는 밤새도록 공부하고 있다가 마침내 잠들었다. (Geunyeoneun bamsaedorok gongbuhago ittaga machimnae jamdeureotda.)
They had been playing soccer for hours when it started to rain.	비가 오기 시작했을 때 그들은 몇 시간 동안 축구를 하고 있었다. (Biga ogi sijakhaesseul ttae geudeureun myeot sigan dongan chukgureul hago isseotda.)
He had been working on the project for weeks when he finally finished it.	그는 몇 주 동안 프로젝트를 진행하고 있다가 마침내 끝냈다. (Geuneun myeot ju dongan peurojekteureul jinhaenghago ittaga machimnae kkeunnaetda.)
We had been driving for six hours when we decided to stop for the night.	우리는 여섯 시간 동안 운전하고 있다가 밤에 멈추기로 결정했다. (Urineun yeoseot sigan dongan unjeonhago ittaga bame meomchugiro gyeoljeonghaetda.)
I had been thinking about her all day before I called her.	그녀에게 전화하기 전에 하루 종일 그녀에 대해 생각하고 있었다. (Geunyeoege jeonhwahagi jeone haru jongil geunyeoe daehae saenggakhago isseotda.)
She had been practicing the song for months before the performance.	공연 전에 몇 달 동안 노래를 연습하고 있었다. (Gongyeon jeone myeot dal dongan noraereul yeonseuphago isseotda.)
They had been arguing for hours when I arrived.	내가 도착했을 때 그들은 몇 시간 동안 다투고 있었다. (Naega dochakhaesseul ttae geudeureun myeot sigan dongan datugo isseotda.)
He had been living in that city for years before he decided to move.	그는 이사하기로 결정하기 전에 몇 년 동안 그 도시에서 살고 있었다. (Geuneun isahagiro gyeoljeonghagi jeone myeot nyeon dongan geu dosieseo salgo isseotda.)
We had been planning the party for weeks before it was canceled.	파티가 취소되기 전에 몇 주 동안 파티를 계획하고 있었다. (Patiga chwisodoegi jeone myeot ju dongan patireul gyehoeghago isseotda.)
I had been saving money for a new car for years.	새 차를 사기 위해 몇 년 동안 돈을 모으고 있었다. (Sae chareul sagi wihae myeot nyeon dongan doneul moeugo isseotda.)
She had been teaching English for five years before she moved abroad.	해외로 이주하기 전에 5년 동안 영어를 가르치고 있었다. (Haeoe ro iju hagi jeone 5nyeon dongan yeongeoreul gareuchigo isseotda.)
They had been renovating the house for months before they could live in it.	그들은 그 집에서 살 수 있기 전에 몇 달 동안 집을 개조하고 있었다. (Geudeureun geu jibeseo sal su itgi jeone myeot dal dongan jibeul gaejohago isseotda.)
He had been writing the novel for years before it was published.	그는 그 소설이 출판되기 전에 몇 년 동안 쓰고 있었다. (Geuneun geu soseori chulpan doegi jeone myeot nyeon dongan sseugo isseotda.)
We had been practicing the dance for weeks before the competition.	대회 전에 몇 주 동안 춤을 연습하고 있었다. (Daehoe jeone myeot ju dongan chumeul yeonseuphago isseotda.)
I had been learning Korean for two years before I visited Seoul.	서울을 방문하기 전에 2년 동안 한국어를 배우고 있었다. (Seoul-eul bangmunhagi jeone 2nyeon dongan hangugeoreul baeugo isseotda.)
She had been working at the company for ten years before she retired.	그녀는 은퇴하기 전에 10년 동안 회사에서 일하고 있었다. (Geunyeoneun euntwehagi jeone 10nyeon dongan hoesaeseo ilhago isseotda.)
They had been traveling around the world for a year.	그들은 1년 동안 세계를 여행하고 있었다. (Geudeureun 1nyeon dongan segyereul yeohaenghago isseotda.)
He had been playing the guitar since he was a child.	그는 어렸을 때부터 기타를 치고 있었다. (Geuneun eoryeosseul ttaebuteo gitareul chigo isseotda.)
We had been waiting for the concert tickets to go on sale.	우리는 콘서트 티켓이 판매되기를 기다리고 있었다. (Urineun konseoteu tikesi panmaedoegireul gidarigo isseotda.)

“기 전에” (Before Doing) Examples

Using “기 전에” effectively illustrates that one action preceded another. Here are some examples:

English	Korean
Before I went to bed, I brushed my teeth.	자기 전에 이를 닦았어요. (Jagi jeone ireul dakkasseoyo.)
Before she left the house, she locked the door.	집을 나가기 전에 문을 잠갔어요. (Jibeul nagagi jeone muneul jamgasseoyo.)
Before we ate dinner, we washed our hands.	저녁을 먹기 전에 손을 씻었어요. (Jeonyeogeul meokgi jeone soneul ssiseosseoyo.)
Before he started working, he drank coffee.	일을 시작하기 전에 커피를 마셨어요. (Ireul sijakhagi jeone keopireul masyeosseoyo.)
Before they went on vacation, they packed their bags.	휴가를 가기 전에 가방을 쌌어요. (Hyugareul gagi jeone gabangeul ssasseoyo.)
Before I watch a movie, I usually get snacks.	영화를 보기 전에 보통 간식을 사요. (Yeonghwareul bogi jeone botong gansigeul sayo.)
Before she goes to school, she always eats breakfast.	학교에 가기 전에 항상 아침을 먹어요. (Hakgyoe gagi jeone hangsang achimeul meogeoyo.)
Before they started the meeting, they reviewed the agenda.	회의를 시작하기 전에 의제를 검토했어요. (Hoeuireul sijakhagi jeone uijereul geomtohaesseoyo.)
Before he took the test, he studied hard.	시험을 보기 전에 열심히 공부했어요. (Siheomeul bogi jeone yeolsimhi gongbuhaesseoyo.)
Before we went to the party, we bought a gift.	파티에 가기 전에 선물을 샀어요. (Patie gagi jeone seonmureul ssasseoyo.)
Before I start cooking, I check the recipe.	요리를 시작하기 전에 레시피를 확인해요. (Yorireul sijakhagi jeone resipireul hwaginhaeyo.)
Before she goes to work, she exercises.	출근하기 전에 운동을 해요. (Chulgeunhagi jeone undongeul haeyo.)
Before they left the country, they exchanged currency.	출국하기 전에 환전을 했어요. (Chulgukhagi jeone hwanjeoneul haesseoyo.)
Before he gives a presentation, he practices.	발표하기 전에 연습을 해요. (Balpyohagi jeone yeonseubeul haeyo.)
Before we start driving, we check the GPS.	운전을 시작하기 전에 GPS를 확인해요. (Unjeoneul sijakhagi jeone GPSreul hwaginhaeyo.)
Before I send an email, I proofread it carefully.	이메일을 보내기 전에 꼼꼼히 교정해요. (Imeireul bonaegi jeone kkomkkomhi gyojeonghaeyo.)
Before she makes a decision, she thinks about it carefully.	결정하기 전에 신중하게 생각해요. (Gyeoljeonghagi jeone sinjunghage saenggakaeyo.)
Before they invest money, they research thoroughly.	투자를 하기 전에 철저히 조사해요. (Tujareul hagi jeone cheoljeohi josahaeyo.)
Before he buys something expensive, he saves up for it.	비싼 것을 사기 전에 돈을 모아요. (Bissan geoseul sagi jeone doneul moayo.)
Before we go to sleep, we set our alarms.	잠자리에 들기 전에 알람을 맞춰요. (Jamjarie deulgi jeone allameul matchwoyo.)

“후에” (After Doing) Examples

The phrase “후에” (after doing) is used to indicate the sequence of events where one action follows another. Here are some examples:

English	Korean
After I ate dinner, I watched TV.	저녁을 먹은 후에 TV를 봤어요. (Jeonyeogeul meogeun hue TVreul bwasseoyo.)
After she finished her work, she went out with friends.	일을 끝낸 후에 친구들과 나갔어요. (Ireul kkeutnaen hue chingu deulgwa nagasseoyo.)
After they arrived at the hotel, they unpacked their luggage.	호텔에 도착한 후에 짐을 풀었어요. (Hotere dochakhan hue jimeul pureosseoyo.)
After he studied Korean for a year, he visited Korea.	한국어를 1년 동안 공부한 후에 한국을 방문했어요. (Hangugeoreul 1nyeon dongan gongbuhan hue hangugeul bangmunhaesseoyo.)
After we cleaned the house, we relaxed.	집을 청소한 후에 휴식을 취했어요. (Jibeul cheongsohan hue hyusigeul chwihaesseoyo.)
After I wake up, I drink a glass of water.	일어난 후에 물 한 잔을 마셔요. (Ireonan hue mul han janeul masyeoyo.)
After she finishes exercising, she takes a shower.	운동을 끝낸 후에 샤워를 해요. (Undongeul kkeutnaen hue syaweoreul haeyo.)
After they finished the project, they celebrated.	프로젝트를 끝낸 후에 축하했어요. (Peurojekteureul kkeutnaen hue chukhahaesseoyo.)
After he reads the newspaper, he goes to work.	신문을 읽은 후에 출근해요. (Sinmuneul ilgeun hue chulgeunhaeyo.)
After we finish the meeting, we’ll discuss the details.	회의를 끝낸 후에 세부 사항을 논의할 거예요. (Hoeuireul kkeutnaen hue sebu sahang eul nonuihal geoeyo.)
After I send the email, I’ll call you.	이메일을 보낸 후에 전화할게요. (Imeireul bonaen hue jeonhwahalkkeyo.)
After she makes dinner, we’ll eat together.	저녁을 만든 후에 함께 먹을 거예요. (Jeonyeogeul mandeun hue hamkke meogeul geoeyo.)
After they finish their homework, they’ll play games.	숙제를 끝낸 후에 게임을 할 거예요. (Sukjereul kkeutnaen hue geimeul hal geoeyo.)
After he finishes his studies, he’ll travel the world.	학업을 마친 후에 세계 여행을 할 거예요. (Hagabeul machin hue segye yeohaengeul hal geoeyo.)
After we visit the museum, we’ll go shopping.	박물관을 방문한 후에 쇼핑을 갈 거예요. (Bangmulgwaneul bangmunhan hue syopingeul gal geoeyo.)
After I finish reading this book, I’ll recommend it to you.	이 책을 다 읽은 후에 당신에게 추천할게요. (I chaegeul da ilgeun hue dangsin-ege chucheonhalkkeyo.)
After she finishes her presentation, she’ll answer questions.	발표를 끝낸 후에 질문에 답할 거예요. (Balpyoreul kkeutnaen hue jilmune daphal geoeyo.)
After they finish building the house, they’ll move in.	집을 다 지은 후에 이사할 거예요. (Jibeul da jieun hue isahal geoeyo.)
After he finishes writing the report, he’ll submit it.	보고서를 다 쓴 후에 제출할 거예요. (Bogoseoreul da sseun hue jechulhal geoeyo.)
After we watch the movie, we’ll go for a walk.	영화를 본 후에 산책하러 갈 거예요. (Yeonghwareul bon hue sanchaekharo gal geoeyo.)

더 (았/었/였었다) Examples

Using “더 (았/었/였다)” adds emphasis to the completion of a past action, often implying a sense of finality or distance from the present. Here are some examples:

English	Korean
I had known him for years before he moved away. (Emphasis on how long I knew him)	그가 이사 가기 전에 그를 오랫동안 알아왔었어. (Geuga isa gagi jeone geureul oraetdongan ara wasseosseo.)
She had already finished the book when I started reading it. (Emphasis on her finishing before I started)	내가 그 책을 읽기 시작했을 때 그녀는 이미 다 읽었었어. (Naega geu chaegeul ilgi sijakhaesseul ttae geunyeoneun imi da ilgeosseosseo.)
They had lived in that house for 20 years before they sold it. (Emphasis on the long duration of living there)	그들은 그 집을 팔기 전에 20년 동안 살았었어. (Geudeureun geu jibeul palgi jeone 20nyeon dongan sarasseosseo.)
He had studied abroad for a year before returning home. (Emphasis on the completion of his studies abroad)	그는 집으로 돌아오기 전에 1년 동안 해외에서 공부했었어. (Geuneun jibeuro doraogi jeone 1nyeon dongan haeoeeseo gongbuhaesseosseo.)
We had planned the trip for months, but it got canceled. (Emphasis on the extensive planning)	우리는 몇 달 동안 여행을 계획했었지만 취소되었어. (Urineun myeot dal dongan yeohaengeul gyehoeghaesseotjiman chwisodwieosseo.)
I had saved up for years to buy that car.	그 차를 사기 위해 몇 년 동안 저축했었어. (Geu chareul sagi wihae myeot nyeon dongan jeochukhaesseosseo.)
She had dreamed of becoming a dancer since she was a child.	그녀는 어렸을 때부터 댄서가 되는 것을 꿈꿔 왔었어. (Geunyeoneun eoryeosseul ttaebuteo daenseoga doeneun geoseul kkumkkwowasseosseo.)
They had worked tirelessly to build their company.	그들은 회사를 건설하기 위해 끊임없이 노력했었어. (Geudeureun hoesareul geonseolhagi wihae kkeunimeopsi noryeokhaesseosseo.)
He had dedicated his life to helping others.	그는 다른 사람들을 돕는 데 그의 삶을 바쳤었어. (Geuneun dareun saramdeureul domneun de geuui salmeul bachyeosseosseo.)
We had waited for this moment for a long time.	우리는 이 순간을 오랫동안 기다려 왔었어. (Urineun i sunganeul oraetdongan gidaryeo wasseosseo.)
I had always wanted to visit Japan.	나는 항상 일본을 방문하고 싶었었어. (Naneun hangsang ilboneul bangmunhago sipeosseosseo.)
She had always been a talented artist.	그녀는 항상 재능 있는 예술가였었어. (Geunyeoneun hangsang jaeneung inneun yesulga yeosseosseo.)
They had always supported each other through thick and thin.	그들은 항상 어려움 속에서도 서로를 지지해 왔었어. (Geudeureun hangsang eoryeoum sogeseodo seororeul jijihae wasseosseo.)
He had always believed in the power of education.	그는 항상 교육의 힘을 믿어 왔었어. (Geuneun hangsang gyoyugui himeul mideo wasseosseo.)
We had always cherished our friendship.	우리는 항상 우리의 우정을 소중히 여겨 왔었어. (Urineun hangsang uriui ujeongeul sojunghi yeogyeo wasseosseo.)
I had known that to be true for a long time.	나는 그것이 오랫동안 진실이라는 것을 알고 있었어. (Naneun geugeosi oraetdongan jinsirilaneun geoseul algo isseosseo.)
She had suspected something was wrong for weeks.	그녀는 몇 주 동안 뭔가 잘못되었다고 의심했었어. (Geunyeoneun myeot ju dongan mwonga jalmotdwieotdago uisimhaesseosseo.)
They had anticipated this outcome for months.	그들은 몇 달 동안 이 결과를 예상했었어. (Geudeureun myeot dal dongan i gyeolgwaleul yesanghaesseosseo.)
He had forgotten all about the appointment.	그는 약속에 대해 완전히 잊었었어. (Geuneun yaksoge daehae wanjeonhi ijeosseosseo.)
We had assumed everything would be alright.	우리는 모든 것이 괜찮을 것이라고 가정했었어. (Urineun modeun geosi gwaenchanheul geosirago gajeonghaesseosseo.)

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Usage Rules

Understanding the rules governing the usage of these “had” equivalents is essential for accurate and natural Korean communication. This section will cover conjugation rules, formal vs. informal usage, and honorific considerations.

Conjugation Rules

Korean verb conjugation can be complex, but mastering the basics is crucial for forming the past perfect tense correctly. Here are the key rules:

• Vowel Harmony: The choice between 았 and 었 depends on the last vowel of the verb stem. If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 았. Otherwise, use 었. For example:
  • 가다 (gada, to go) → 갔어요 (gasseoyo, went)
  • 먹다 (meokda, to eat) → 먹었어요 (meogeosseoyo, ate)
• 하다 Verbs: Verbs ending in 하다 (hada) change to 했어요 (haesseoyo). For example:
  • 공부하다 (gongbuhada, to study) → 공부했어요 (gongbuhaesseoyo, studied)
• Past Perfect Tense: To form the past perfect, add 었다 (eotda) to the past tense stem.
  • 먹었어요 (meogeosseoyo) → 먹었었다 (meogeosseotda)
  • 공부했어요 (gongbuhaesseoyo) → 공부했었다 (gongbuhaesseotda)

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Korean has distinct levels of formality, which affect verb endings and word choices. When expressing “had,” be mindful of the context and your relationship with the listener.

• Informal (해요체 – haeyoche): This is the most common form used in everyday conversation. It ends with -아요/어요.
  • Example: 먹었었어요 (meogeosseosseoyo, I had eaten – informal)
• Formal (합니다체 – hamnida-che): This is used in professional settings, presentations, and when speaking to elders or superiors. It ends with -습니다/ㅂ니다.
  • Example: 먹었었습니다 (meogeosseotseumnida, I had eaten – formal)

Honorific Usage

When speaking about someone older or of higher status, use honorific forms to show respect. This often involves adding -시- (si-) to the verb stem.

• Example:
  • 먹다 (meokda, to eat) → 드시다 (deusida, to eat – honorific)
  • 드셨어요 (deusyeosseoyo, ate – honorific, informal)
  • 드셨었습니다 (deusyeosseotseumnida, had eaten – honorific, formal)

Common Mistakes

Learners often make specific mistakes when trying to express “had” in Korean. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them.

• Incorrect Vowel Harmony: Forgetting to use the correct vowel harmony (았 vs. 었) in verb conjugation.
  • Mistake: 먹았어요 (meogeosseoyo) – should be 먹었어요 (meogeosseoyo)
• Direct Translation of “Had”: Trying to find a direct equivalent of “had” instead of using the appropriate Korean grammatical structure.
  • Mistake: 나는 가졌어요 책을 (naneun gajyeosseoyo chaegeul) – should be 나는 책을 읽었었어요 (naneun chaegeul ilgeosseosseoyo – I had read the book)
• Forgetting Formality Levels: Using informal language in formal situations or vice versa.
  • Using 해요체 with a CEO instead of 합니다체.
• Misunderstanding Sequence of Events: Not clearly indicating which action happened before the other when using “기 전에” or “후에.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Translate the following sentences into Korean, using the appropriate “had” equivalent.

Answers:

Advanced Topics

For those seeking a deeper understanding, this section explores nuances in meaning and complex sentence structures involving “had” in Korean.

Nuances in Meaning

The choice of which “had” equivalent to use can subtly alter the meaning of a sentence. Consider the following:

• Past Perfect vs. Past Perfect Progressive: The past perfect (았/었/였다) emphasizes the completion of an action, while the past perfect progressive (았/었/였 + 고 있었다) highlights the ongoing nature of the action.
• “기 전에” vs. “후에”: These phrases clearly establish the sequence of events, but “후에” can sometimes imply a causal relationship, while “기 전에” is more neutral.
• 더 (았/었/였다): This form should only be used when you want to emphasize the length of time, completion or finality of the action.

Complex Sentence Structures

Combining multiple clauses and grammatical structures can create complex sentences involving “had.” Here are some examples:

• “나는 어제 친구를 만나기 전에 숙제를 다 끝냈었기 때문에 마음이 편안했다.” (Naneun eoje chingureul mannagijeone sukjereul da kkeutnaesseotgi ttaemune maeumi pyeonanhaetda. – Because I had finished all my homework before meeting my friend yesterday, I felt relaxed.)
• “그녀는 여행을 떠나기 전에 모든 준비를 마쳤었고, 그래서 즐겁게 여행을 할 수 있었다.” (Geunyeoneun yeohaengeul tteonagijeone modeun junbireul machyeosseotgo, geuraeseo jeulgeopge yeohaengeul hal su isseotda. – She had finished all the preparations before leaving for the trip, so she could enjoy the trip.)

FAQ

Conclusion

Expressing “had” in Korean requires understanding various grammatical structures and their nuances. By mastering the past perfect tense, past perfect progressive, and constructions like “기 전에” and “후에,” you can effectively convey sequences of events and create more complex and nuanced narratives.

Pay attention to conjugation rules, formality levels, and common mistakes to refine your skills and communicate confidently in Korean. Continue practicing and exploring advanced topics to further deepen your understanding and achieve fluency.