Welcome, SKAPETOKOREA explorers! Strap in for another thrilling ride through the wondrous world of the Korean language. Today’s exciting destination? The engaging expression “대요” and “래요”
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about these little phrases?” Well, that’s like asking what’s special about kimchi in Korean cuisine—it’s everywhere, and it adds flavour to any conversation!
“대요” and “래요” is a spicy little grammar point that will let you share what you’ve heard, what others think, and even those juicy bits of gossip from your friend’s cousin’s neighbour’s dog’s friend. Okay, maybe not that last part, but you get the idea!
So grab your notebooks, sharpen those pencils, and put on your best detective hat, because we’re about to delve into the world of reported speech, Korean style. Are you ready to enhance your conversational skills? Let’s dive in, and soon, you’ll be using “ㄴ대요” as smoothly as spreading gochujang on bibimbap! 🕵️♂️
ㄴ/는 대요 and (으)래요
We have previously covered the -(ㄴ/는)다고 + 말하다 (this lesson) and -(으)라고 + 말하다(this lesson).
As you probably know by now, Koreans like to do everything 빨리 빨리 and so these phrases have been shortened.
- ㄴ/는 다고 + 말하다 –> ㄴ/는대요
- (으)라고 + 말하다 –> (으)래요
Think of it as shortening words in English i.e. What is up becomes What’s up.
ㄴ/는 대요 Conjugation
ACTION VERB + ㄴ/는대요
- Take a verb i.e. 가다
- Drop “다” i.e. 가
- Add appropriate ending based on the below rules (in this case it is 간대요)
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel, add -ㄴ대요
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add -는대요
- 먹다 –> 먹 + 는대요 –> 먹는대요 (eat)
- 보다 –> 보 + ㄴ대요 –> 본대요 (see)
- 하다 –> 하 + ㄴ대요 –> 한대요 (do)
- 듣다 –> 듣 + 는대요 –> 듣는대요 (hear)
- 웃다 –> 웃 + 는대요 –> 웃는대요 (laugh)
- 걷다 –> 걷 + 는대요 –> 걷는대요 (walk)
DESCRIPTIVE VERB STEM + 대요
- 크다 –> 크대요 (big)
- 예쁘다 –> 예쁘대요 (pretty)
- 빠르다 –> 빠르대요 (fast)
- 어렵다 –> 어렵대요 (difficult)
- 쉽다 –> 쉽대요 (easy)
- 좋다 –> 좋대요 (good)
- 춥다 –> 춥대요 (cold)
Understanding ㄴ/는 대요
The ㄴ/는대요 structure is quoting someone else. While ㄴ/는다고 하다 can be used to quote oneself it is not true with ㄴ/는대요. There are two rules to remember regarding this structure.
- Not used to quote oneself
- Someone talking about someone else, not me
To illustrate this, let’s have a look at some examples.
- 집에 간대요 – They said they are going home.
You cannot translate this as “I said I am going home”, the subject here cannot be “I”. Also, you cannot translate it as “They said I am going home” either. It depends on the context as to who is talking about who so the sentences can be translated few different ways.
- 밥을 먹는대요 – (Someone) said (someone) is eating.
- 내일 온대요 – (Someone) said (someone) is coming tomorrow.
You will know who the “someone” is from the context so don’t worry too much. I hope that by now you are used to Korean relying heavily on the context when it comes to the meaning of the sentences.
(으)래요 Conjugation
ACTION VERB STEM + (으)래요
- Take a verb i.e. 가다
- Drop “다” i.e. 가
- Add appropriate ending based on the below rules (in this case it is 가래요)
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel, add -래요
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add -으래요
- 가다 –> 가 + 래요 –> 가래요
- 먹다 –> 먹 + 으래요 –> 먹으래요
- 보다 –> 보 + 래요 –> 보래요
- 하다 –> 하 + 래요 –> 하래요
Understanding (으)래요
“(으)래요” is used to indicate reported speech or commands, often translating as “I was told that” or “they said that” in English. Just like with ㄴ/는대요, it is not used for oneself reported speech.
- 엄마가 저녁에 일찍 들어오래요. – Mom said to come home early in the evening.
- 친구가 내일 영화를 보러 가래요. – My friend said to come watch a movie tomorrow.
- 친구가 이 책을 읽어보래요. – My friend said to read this book.
Wrap up
And there we have it, dear SKAPETOKOREA explorers! You’ve ventured through the winding paths of “ㄴ/는대요” and “(으)래요” and emerged triumphantly. Who knew grammar could be such an exciting adventure?
These expressions are your new pals in the realm of hearsay and suggestions. So, the next time you want to share what you’ve heard or tell someone what to do in Korean, you’ll know exactly how to put your words together.
Don’t be shy! Dive into conversations, try using these structures, and see how they fit. You’ll be chatting like a native speaker in no time.
Got a question? A funny story to share using what you’ve learned? Leave a comment below! We love hearing from you. And remember, learning is an endless journey, so stay curious and keep exploring the wonderful world of Korean.
Happy learning, and until the next lesson! 🎉😄