📘 Understanding ~더라 and ~던 in Korean

Have you ever been confused by the endings ~더라 and ~던 in Korean? They both refer to the past, but they’re used in very different ways. Let’s clear up the mystery together! 🕵️‍♀️

This post is designed for intermediate and advanced learners who want to express nuanced past experiences and descriptions like native speakers. Let’s dive in! 🇰🇷

🧠 Core Differences at a Glance

Ending	Meaning	Time Reference	Perspective
~더라	Realized/experienced something in the past (new information)	Specific past event	Speaker's direct past observation or discovery
~던	Describing an action or state that was ongoing in the past	Habitual or incomplete past	Speaker's memory or description of past state

🔍 ~더라: Past Realization or Discovery

This ending is used when the speaker is recalling something they personally witnessed or experienced for the first time.

• 그 사람 정말 똑똑하더라!
  (I realized that person was really smart!)
• 어제 영화 봤는데 진짜 재밌더라.
  (I watched a movie yesterday — it was so good!)

⏳ ~던: Past Habit or Incomplete State

Use ~던 when describing something that used to happen regularly or was in progress before being interrupted.

• 내가 다니던 학교는 지금 없어졌어.
  (The school I used to attend is gone now.)
• 자주 가던 식당이었는데 문을 닫았어.
  (It was a restaurant I often went to, but it closed down.)

❌ Common Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake: 이 케이크 맛있던! ❌
Better: 이 케이크 맛있더라! ✅

Mistake: 예전에 갔더라 공원 기억나. ❌
Better: 예전에 가던 공원 기억나. ✅

🗣 Real-Life Dialogues

A: 어제 본 영화 어땠어?
B: 생각보다 무섭더라!

A: 여기는 예전에 네가 자주 오던 카페 아니야?
B: 맞아. 옛날 생각난다~

📓 Practice Quiz

1. 그 가수, 실제로 보니까 정말 멋있__!
   (Answer: 더라)
2. 내가 자주 읽__ 책이 여기 있었는데…
   (Answer: 던)
3. 예전에 우리 함께 다니__ 공원이야.
   (Answer: 던)
4. 그 음식 처음 먹어봤는데 맛있__.
   (Answer: 더라)

📌 Did You Know?

In Korean, emotions and observations often show up in verb endings like ~더라, ~구나, ~네. These aren't just grammar — they're how Koreans express their feelings and reactions in real time! If you want to sound more natural and expressive, mastering these endings is a must.

💌 Final Thoughts

Learning how to use ~더라 and ~던 can open up a new level of expression in Korean. Whether you're describing nostalgic memories or sharing something you just discovered, these endings help you sound more like a native. 💬

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that.
Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights! 😊