Observing Changes & Results (-더니)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -더니 to connect a past observation to a subsequent result or change in state.
- Use it when you personally witnessed an action or state in the past.
- The second clause must be a result or a new development following that observation.
- The subject of the first clause is usually someone other than the speaker.
Overview
-더니 is an upper-intermediate (CEFR B2) Korean connective ending that expresses a direct observation made by the speaker in the past, leading to a subsequent result, change, or action observed in the present. It functions to link a past event or state, which the speaker personally witnessed, to a current outcome or development. This grammatical pattern inherently carries a sense of 'I observed X, and as a result/then, Y happened/is happening.'
Its core utility lies in describing observed changes, consequences of past actions, or a sequence of events, almost always from an external perspective. Therefore, 더니 is predominantly used when the subject of the initial observed action is the second or third person. Using it with a first-person subject (i.e., observing your own past actions leading to a present result) is generally unidiomatic in most contexts, as it implies a detachment from one's own experience.
How This Grammar Works
-더니 is the speaker's direct and personal observation of an action, state, or event in the past. This observation serves as the premise for the subsequent clause, which describes what transpired as a direct or indirect consequence, contrast, or continuation of the initial observation. The -더- component itself carries the meaning of recalling a past experience or observation.-더니) is almost invariably the second or third person. The speaker is recounting what they saw someone else do or what something else was like, and then connecting that to a current situation. For instance, if you saw a friend studying diligently (친구가 열심히 공부하다), you might then observe their good grades (좋은 성적을 받다).-더니: 친구가 열심히 공부하더니 좋은 성적을 받았어요. (chin-gu-ga yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-ha-deo-ni jo-eun seong-jeok-eul bad-ass-eo-yo. | My friend studied hard, and (as a result) got good grades.)-더니 establishes between the clauses:- Cause or Reason: The past observed action or state directly led to the present result or situation. This is one of the most common applications. For example,
아이가 울더니 잠이 들었어요.(a-i-ga ul-deo-ni jam-i deul-eoss-eo-yo. | The child cried, and then fell asleep.) – The crying (observed) led to falling asleep. - Change or Contrast: The past observed state has transitioned into a different present state, often contrasting. This highlights a noticeable shift. For example,
날씨가 춥더니 따뜻해졌네요.(nal-ssi-ga chup-deo-ni ttat-teut-hae-jyeoss-ne-yo. | The weather was cold, but it has become warm.) – The cold weather changed to warm. - Sequential Action: One observed action was immediately followed by another, providing a narrative flow, particularly when describing someone's actions. For example,
그는 문을 열더니 방으로 들어갔어요.(geu-neun mun-eul yeol-deo-ni bang-eu-ro deul-eo-gass-eo-yo. | He opened the door, and then went into the room.) – A clear sequence of observed events.
-더니 can represent either an ongoing, habitual, or completed action/state in the past, as long as it was observed by the speaker. The result in the second clause is typically a present observation or conclusion drawn from the past observation.Formation Pattern
-더니 attaches directly to the verb stem, adjective stem, or to a noun. Unlike some other past tense connectors, the past tense marker -었/았- is generally not used directly before -더니 in its primary function, as the -더- suffix itself conveys the past observational aspect. The only exception is when forming -었더니 which carries a distinct meaning (see 'Common Mistakes').
-더니) | Romanization | Translation |
-더니 | 가다 (to go) | 가더니 | ga-deo-ni | (S/he) went, and then... |
-더니 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹더니 | meok-eo-ni | (S/he) ate, and then... |
ㄹ | Verb Stem + -더니 | 만들다 (to make) | 만들더니 | man-deul-eo-ni | (S/he) made, and then... |
-더니 | 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘더니 | ye-ppeo-ni | (It) was pretty, and then... |
-더니 | 춥다 (to be cold) | 춥더니 | chup-eo-ni | (It) was cold, and then... |
ㅂ | Adj Stem + -더니 | 덥다 (to be hot) | 덥더니 | deop-eo-ni | (It) was hot, and then... |
-더니 | 의사 (doctor) | 의사더니 | ui-sa-deo-ni | (S/he) was a doctor, and then... |
-이더니 | 학생 (student) | 학생이더니 | hak-saeng-i-deo-ni | (S/he) was a student, and then... |
ㄷ irregulars (e.g., 듣다, 걷다): These verbs behave regularly before -더니 because -더니 begins with a consonant. Thus, 듣다 (to listen) becomes 듣더니 (deut-eo-ni | (s/he) heard, and then...). This is distinct from vowel-initial endings where ㄷ changes to ㄹ.
ㅂ irregulars (e.g., 돕다, 아름답다): Similarly, ㅂ irregulars like 돕다 (to help) also behave regularly before -더니, resulting in 돕더니 (dop-eo-ni | (s/he) helped, and then...). For adjectives like 덥다 (to be hot), it also remains 덥더니 (deop-eo-ni | It was hot, and then...). This emphasizes the observed state rather than a transformation requiring the ㅜ change.
ㄹ irregulars (e.g., 살다, 알다): These verbs and adjectives attach -더니 directly to the stem without any irregular changes. For instance, 살다 (to live) becomes 살더니 (sal-deo-ni | (S/he) lived, and then...).
이다 (to be) is involved, it combines with the preceding noun. For consonant-ending nouns, it's Noun + 이다 → Noun + 이더니 (e.g., 학생이더니). For vowel-ending nouns, it's Noun + 이다 → Noun + 더니 (e.g., 의사더니).
When To Use It
-더니 is employed in situations where you, the speaker, have personally witnessed an event, state, or habit of a second or third person in the past, and you are now connecting that observation to a present outcome, change, or subsequent event. It's often used to provide context, explain a development, or even express subtle surprise or an 'I-told-you-so' sentiment.- 1To indicate a Result or Consequence of a Past Observation:
제 동생이 요즘 매일 밤늦게까지 공부하더니 드디어 원하는 대학에 합격했어요.(je dong-saeng-i yo-jeum mae-il bam-neut-kke-kka-ji gong-bu-ha-deo-ni deu-di-eo won-ha-neun dae-hak-e hap-gyeok-hae-ss-eo-yo. | My younger sibling studied until late every night recently, and finally got into their desired university.) Here, the diligent studying (observed) is the cause of the successful admission.그 식당은 손님이 너무 많더니 결국 확장 공사를 하네요.(geu sik-dang-eun son-nim-i neo-mu man-teo-ni gyeol-guk hwak-jang gong-sa-reul ha-ne-yo. | That restaurant had too many customers, and in the end, they are doing expansion construction.) The overwhelming number of customers (observed) led to the expansion.
- 1To describe a Change in State or Situation (Often Contrasting):
어제는 날씨가 흐리더니 오늘은 맑고 화창해요.(eo-je-neun nal-ssi-ga heu-ri-deo-ni o-neul-eun mal-kko hwa-chang-hae-yo. | Yesterday the weather was cloudy, but today it is clear and sunny.) This juxtaposes the past cloudy state with the present sunny state.그 아이는 어렸을 때 조용하더니 지금은 아주 활발해요.(geu a-i-neun eo-ryeoss-eul ttae jo-yong-ha-deo-ni ji-geum-eun a-ju hwal-bal-hae-yo. | That child was quiet when young, but now is very active.) The observed quietness of the past contrasts with the present activeness.
- 1To relate a Sequence of Actions (Predominantly with 2nd/3rd Person):
친구가 저를 보더니 활짝 웃었어요.(chin-gu-ga jeo-reul bo-deo-ni hwal-jjak us-eoss-eo-yo. | My friend saw me, and then smiled brightly.) The act of seeing (observed) is immediately followed by smiling (observed).경찰이 범인을 잡더니 수갑을 채웠어요.(gyeong-chal-i beom-in-eul jap-deo-ni su-gap-eul chae-woss-eo-yo. | The police caught the criminal, and then handcuffed him.) A clear sequence of law enforcement actions.
- 1To comment on Habitual Behavior and its Outcome:
-더니 is appropriate. It highlights the long-term observation.그 선수는 매일 새벽부터 훈련하더니 결국 금메달을 땄어요.(geu seon-su-neun mae-il sae-byeok-bu-teo hun-ryeon-ha-deo-ni gyeol-guk geum-me-dal-eul ttass-eo-yo. | That athlete trained every day from dawn, and eventually won a gold medal.) The consistent training (habitual observation) resulted in winning a medal.
Common Mistakes
-더니 is crucial to avoid common errors that can make your Korean sound unnatural. The most frequent pitfalls relate to subject usage and confusion with similar-sounding or related grammatical patterns.- 1Incorrect Subject Usage (1st Person):
-더니 is designed for the speaker to recount observations of others (second or third person), or external phenomena. Using it with a first-person subject (나, 저) implies observing your own actions from an external, detached perspective, which is generally unidiomatic and awkward in most conversational contexts.- Incorrect:
제가 어제 밤새 공부하더니 피곤해요.(je-ga eo-je bam-sae gong-bu-ha-deo-ni pi-gon-hae-yo. | I studied all night yesterday, and (as a result) I'm tired.) This is grammatically incorrect because the speaker is observing their own internal state/action. - Correct Alternative (
-었더니):제가 어제 밤새 공부했더니 피곤해요.(je-ga eo-je bam-sae gong-bu-haess-eo-ni pi-gon-hae-yo.) This uses-었더니, which is specifically for first-person subjects reflecting on their own past actions and their results. - Correct Alternative (Observing Others):
친구는 어제 밤새 공부하더니 피곤해 보여요.(chin-gu-neun eo-je bam-sae gong-bu-ha-deo-ni pi-gon-hae bo-yeo-yo. | My friend studied all night yesterday, and looks tired.) Here, the speaker observes the friend.
-더니 to describe their past self as if observing a different person. For example, 어릴 때 그렇게 개구쟁이였더니 지금은 모범생이 됐어. (eo-ril ttae geu-reoh-ge gae-gu-jaeng-i-yeoss-eo-ni ji-geum-eun mo-beom-saeng-i dwaess-eo. | I was such a mischievous child back then, but now I've become an exemplary student.) This usage is advanced and not for general learners initially.- 1Confusing
-더니with-었더니:
-더니: Speaker observes 2nd/3rd person's past action/state-었더니: Speaker personally performed a past action영수가 밥을 너무 많이 먹더니 배탈이 났어요.(yeong-su-ga bap-eul neo-mu man-i meok-eo-ni bae-tal-i nass-eo-yo. | Youngsu ate too much, and then got a stomach ache.) (Speaker observed Youngsu eating, then observed the stomach ache.)제가 밥을 너무 많이 먹었더니 배탈이 났어요.(je-ga bap-eul neo-mu man-i meok-eoss-eo-ni bae-tal-i nass-eo-yo. | I ate too much, and then got a stomach ache.) (Speaker ate, then experienced the stomach ache themselves.)
- 1Using for non-observed or inferred facts:
-더니 implies direct observation. If you are merely inferring something or heard it from someone else, -더니 is inappropriate. Use expressions like -나 봐요 (it seems), -다고 하던데 (I heard that X, and by the way...). For example, if you heard it rained but didn't see it:- Incorrect:
어제 비가 오더니 길이 미끄럽네요.(eo-je bi-ga o-deo-ni gil-i mi-kkeu-reop-ne-yo. | Yesterday it rained (I observed), and the road is slippery.) (Incorrect if you didn't see it rain.) - Correct Alternative:
어제 비가 왔나 봐요. 길이 미끄럽네요.(eo-je bi-ga wann-na bwa-yo. gil-i mi-kkeu-reop-ne-yo. | It seems it rained yesterday. The road is slippery.)
- 1Confusing
-더니with-던데:
-더- (recall), but their functions differ significantly.-더니: Connects a past observation (by speaker) of an action/state (2nd/3rd person) directly to its consequence, change, or sequence. It forms a direct cause-and-effect or sequential link.-던데: Recalls a past observation or experience (by speaker) as background information to introduce a new topic, make a suggestion, ask a question, or express mild surprise. It doesn't necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship with the second clause but provides context.
민수 씨가 열심히 공부하더니 좋은 성적을 받았어요.(Min-su-ssi-ga yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-ha-deo-ni jo-eun seong-jeok-eul bad-ass-eo-yo. | Minsu studied hard, and (as a result) got good grades.) (Direct cause-effect.)민수 씨가 요즘 열심히 공부하던데, 시험이 있어요?(Min-su-ssi-ga yo-jeum yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-ha-deon-de, si-heom-i iss-eo-yo? | Minsu has been studying hard lately (I observed), does he have an exam?) (Background information to ask a question.)
- 1Confusing
-더니with-는데(or-은/는데):
-는데 (and its variations) is a very broad connective that provides background, contrast, or explanation without the specific nuance of 'past observation leading to present result' inherent in -더니.-더니: Stronger implication of direct observation and subsequent outcome/change.-는데: General background information, contrast, or mild cause/reason. The speaker's observation is less central; it's more about setting the scene.
그는 어릴 때 부자였더니 지금은 가난해요.(geu-neun eo-ril ttae bu-ja-yeoss-eo-ni ji-geum-eun ga-nan-hae-yo. | He was rich when he was young, but now he is poor.) (Speaker observed him being rich, now observes him being poor.)그는 어릴 때 부자였는데 지금은 가난해요.(geu-neun eo-ril ttae bu-ja-yeoss-neun-de ji-geum-eun ga-nan-hae-yo. | He was rich when he was young, but now he is poor.) (Sets the background of his past wealth, then states his present poverty. The observation aspect is less emphasized, more like 'while' or 'but'.)
- 1Temporal mismatch in the second clause:
-더니) is in the past, the result or change in the second clause is typically observed in the present or immediately following the past observation. Using future tense in the second clause is generally unidiomatic, as -더니 connects to an already observed outcome.- Incorrect:
영수가 숙제를 안 하더니 내일 선생님께 혼날 거예요.(yeong-su-ga suk-je-reul an ha-deo-ni nae-il seon-saeng-nim-kke hon-nal geo-yeo-yo. | Youngsu didn't do his homework (I observed), so he will be scolded by the teacher tomorrow.) The 'will be scolded' is a prediction, not an observed result yet. For predictions based on observation, one would use-아서/어서or other logical connectors. - Correct Alternative:
영수가 숙제를 안 하더니 선생님께 혼이 났어요.(yeong-su-ga suk-je-reul an ha-deo-ni seon-saeng-nim-kke hon-i nass-eo-yo. | Youngsu didn't do his homework (I observed), so he got scolded by the teacher.)
Real Conversations
In modern Korean communication, -더니 is frequently used in both casual and semi-formal contexts to share observations and their subsequent implications. It adds a natural flow to conversations, allowing speakers to connect past events they witnessed to current situations or judgments. It's common in storytelling, explaining personal experiences about others, and even in written communication like online reviews or social media updates.
Casual Conversation/Text Messaging:
- Scenario: Commenting on a friend's appearance change.
A: 야, 민준이 요즘 운동 열심히 하더니 몸 진짜 좋아졌다? (ya, min-jun-i yo-jeum un-dong yeol-sim-hi ha-deo-ni mom jin-jja joh-a-jyeot-da? | Hey, Minjun's been exercising hard lately, and his body got really good, didn't it?)
B: 응, 나도 어제 봤는데 깜짝 놀랐어. (eung, na-do eo-je bwass-neun-de kkam-jjak nol-lass-eo. | Yeah, I saw him yesterday too, and I was surprised.)
- Scenario: Observing someone's behavior and its consequence.
A: 어제 걔 그렇게 늦게까지 게임하더니 오늘 수업 시간에 코 골더라. ㅋㅋㅋ (eo-je gyae geu-reoh-ge neut-kke-kka-ji ge-im-ha-deo-ni o-neul su-eop si-gan-e ko gol-deo-ra. keu-keu-keu. | That kid played games until so late yesterday, and today was snoring in class. LOL.)
B: 진심? 그럼 시험 망했겠네. (jin-sim? geu-reom si-heom mang-haess-gett-ne. | Seriously? Then he must have messed up the exam.)
Online Reviews/Social Media Comments:
- Scenario: Reviewing a changing restaurant.
이 식당, 주인이 바뀌더니 맛이 변했어요. 예전엔 진짜 맛있었는데 아쉽네요. (i sik-dang, ju-in-i ba-kkwi-deo-ni mas-i byeon-hae-ss-eo-yo. ye-jeon-en jin-jja mas-iss-eoss-neun-de a-swip-ne-yo. | This restaurant, the owner changed, and the taste changed. It was really delicious before, it's a shame.)
- Scenario: Commenting on a public figure's career.
그 배우 무명 시절에 연기 연습 정말 많이 하더니 이제는 대스타가 됐네. 역시 노력은 배신하지 않아. (geu bae-u mu-myeong si-jeol-e yeon-gi yeon-seup jeong-mal man-i ha-deo-ni i-je-neun dae-seu-ta-ga dwaess-ne. yeok-si no-ryeok-eun bae-sin-ha-ji anh-a. | That actor really practiced acting a lot during his unknown days, and now he's become a huge star. Indeed, effort doesn't betray you.)
Semi-Formal/Workplace Context (Observing colleagues/situations):
- Scenario: Noticing a colleague's improvement.
김대리님 요즘 영어 공부 열심히 하시더니 외국인 바이어랑 능숙하게 대화하시더라고요. (gim-dae-ri-nim yo-jeum yeong-eo gong-bu yeol-sim-hi ha-si-deo-ni oe-gu-gin ba-i-eo-rang neung-suk-ha-ge dae-hwa-ha-si-deo-ra-go-yo. | Assistant Manager Kim has been studying English diligently lately, and I saw him conversing skillfully with foreign buyers.)
- Scenario: Discussing a project's development.
처음에는 다들 어려워하더니 이제는 제법 능숙하게 다루네요. (cheo-eum-e-neun da-deul eo-ryeo-wo-ha-deo-ni i-je-neun je-beop neung-suk-ha-ge da-ru-ne-yo. | At first, everyone found it difficult, but now they handle it quite skillfully.)
These examples illustrate how -더니 is seamlessly integrated into everyday Korean to report observations and their subsequent outcomes, often carrying subtle emotional or evaluative undertones depending on the context.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can
-더니be used with inanimate objects or natural phenomena like the weather?
Yes, absolutely. You can observe changes in inanimate objects or the weather. For instance, 하늘이 맑더니 갑자기 비가 와요. (ha-neul-i malg-eo-ni gap-ja-gi bi-ga wa-yo. | The sky was clear, but suddenly it's raining.) or 내 차가 어제 잘 달리더니 오늘은 시동이 안 걸려요. (nae cha-ga eo-je jal dal-li-deo-ni o-neul-eun si-dong-i an geol-lyeo-yo. | My car ran well yesterday, but today it won't start.) The key is the observable change or state.
- Q: Is there a difference between
-더니and-더니만?
Yes, the addition of -만 makes the expression more emphatic, often implying a sense of mild surprise, disappointment, or an 'I-told-you-so' vibe, especially when the outcome is contrary to expectations. For example, 그렇게 공부를 안 하더니만 시험에 떨어졌네. (geu-reoh-ge gong-bu-reul an ha-deo-ni-man si-heom-e tteo-reo-jyeot-ne. | He didn't study at all, and (as expected/surprise) he failed the exam.) It adds a slightly stronger rhetorical flourish.
- Q: What is the formality of
-더니?
-더니 itself is a connective ending, so its formality depends on the ending of the entire sentence. It can be used in highly formal (e.g., -더니 ~습니다), polite (-더니 ~어요/아요), or casual (-더니 ~어/아) speech. The choice of the sentence-final ending determines the overall level of politeness.
- Q: Can the second clause be in the past tense?
Yes, frequently. The observed action (-더니) is in the past, and its result or consequence can also be a past event. For example, 그는 매일 연습하더니 대회에서 우승했어요. (geu-neun mae-il yeon-seup-ha-deo-ni dae-hoe-e-seo u-seung-hae-ss-eo-yo. | He practiced every day, and (as a result) won the competition.) Both the practice and the winning are in the past relative to the current speaking moment. However, the first clause's action (practice) must precede the second clause's action (winning).
- Q: Are there any situations where a first-person subject can be used with
-더니?
While rare and generally best avoided by learners, a first-person subject can be used in specific literary, retrospective, or narrative contexts where the speaker is reflecting on their past self as if observing a different person or character. This creates a sense of detachment or objectivity. For example, 내가 어렸을 때는 그렇게 내성적이었더니 지금은 사람들 앞에서 말하는 것을 즐겨요. (nae-ga eo-ryeoss-eul ttae-neun geu-reoh-ge nae-seong-jeok-i-eot-eo-ni ji-geum-eun sa-ram-deul ap-e-seo mal-ha-neun geos-eul jeul-gyeo-yo. | When I was young, I was so introverted, but now I enjoy speaking in front of people.) This usage is complex and not part of the standard application of -더니.
- Q: Is
-더니always negative?
Not at all. While it can be used for negative outcomes, it is equally common for positive changes or neutral sequences. Examples show it used for good grades, improved health, and winning competitions. Its tone is dictated by the context and the nature of the consequence.
- Q: Can
-더니connect to future predictions or intentions?
No. -더니 explicitly links a past observation to a presently observed result or change. It is not used for future predictions or intentions based on past observations. For such cases, other grammatical patterns that express inference or intention would be appropriate.
Conjugation of -더니
| Verb Type | Stem | Form |
|---|---|---|
|
Action Verb
|
먹다
|
먹더니
|
|
Action Verb
|
가다
|
가더니
|
|
Descriptive Verb
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘더니
|
|
Descriptive Verb
|
춥다
|
춥더니
|
|
Past Verb
|
먹었다
|
먹었더니
|
|
Negative
|
안 먹다
|
안 먹더니
|
Meanings
This connective ending is used to report a past observation and link it to a subsequent result or a change in state that occurred after that observation.
Observation-Result
Connecting a past observation to a later result.
“아이가 울더니 잠이 들었어요.”
“공부를 열심히 하더니 성적이 올랐어요.”
Contrastive Observation
Contrasting a past state with a current, different state.
“그 친구는 예전에는 조용하더니 요즘은 아주 활발해요.”
“어제는 춥더니 오늘은 덥네요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 더니
|
공부하더니
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 지 않더니
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먹지 않더니
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Past
|
Past Stem + 더니
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갔더니
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|
Adjective
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Adj Stem + 더니
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좋더니
|
|
Contrast
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Stem + 더니
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춥더니 덥다
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Result
|
Stem + 더니
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울더니 잤다
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Formality Spectrum
그는 공부하더니 합격했습니다. (Academic success)
그는 공부하더니 합격했어요. (Academic success)
걔 공부하더니 합격했어. (Academic success)
걔 공부하더니 붙었네. (Academic success)
The -더니 Flow
Observation
- 과거 Past
Result
- 결과 Result
Examples by Level
아기가 울더니 잤어요.
The baby cried, then slept.
어제는 춥더니 오늘은 따뜻해요.
It was cold yesterday, but today it is warm.
그가 공부하더니 합격했어요.
He studied, and then he passed.
비가 오더니 그쳤어요.
It rained, then it stopped.
친구가 먹더니 맛있다고 했어요.
My friend ate it and said it was delicious.
그는 운동을 하더니 건강해졌어요.
He exercised, and then he became healthy.
가게가 비싸더니 결국 문을 닫았네요.
The shop was expensive, and eventually, it closed.
그녀는 연습하더니 실력이 늘었어요.
She practiced, and her skills improved.
어제는 조용하더니 오늘은 시끄럽네요.
It was quiet yesterday, but today it is noisy.
그는 그렇게 열심히 하더니 결국 성공했군요.
He worked so hard, and in the end, he succeeded.
어제는 날씨가 흐리더니 오늘은 화창하네요.
The weather was cloudy yesterday, but today it is sunny.
그 식당은 손님이 없더니 요즘은 줄을 서요.
That restaurant had no customers, but these days there is a line.
그 아이는 책을 읽더니 생각이 깊어졌어요.
That child read books, and their thinking became deeper.
그는 평소에 말이 없더니 오늘은 웬일로 말을 많이 하네요.
He is usually quiet, but today for some reason he is talking a lot.
그 정책은 처음에는 반대가 많더니 지금은 환영받고 있어요.
That policy had much opposition at first, but now it is welcomed.
그는 오랫동안 고민하더니 결국 결정을 내렸습니다.
He agonized for a long time, and finally made a decision.
그 지역은 개발이 안 되더니 갑자기 땅값이 올랐어요.
That area wasn't developed, but suddenly land prices rose.
그는 그토록 오만하더니 결국 몰락하고 말았군요.
He was so arrogant, and in the end, he met his downfall.
그는 줄곧 침묵을 지키더니 마침내 입을 열었습니다.
He kept silent all along, and finally opened his mouth.
그는 예전에는 냉소적이더니 이제는 꽤 낙관적인 사람이 되었네요.
He used to be cynical, but now he has become quite an optimistic person.
그는 그토록 갈망하더니 마침내 꿈을 이루었습니다.
He longed for it so much, and finally achieved his dream.
Easily Confused
Both indicate sequence/cause.
Common Mistakes
내가 먹더니 배가 불렀다.
내가 먹었더니 배가 불렀다.
내일 비가 오더니...
어제 비가 오더니...
그는 공부하더니 시험을 본다.
그는 공부하더니 시험에 합격했다.
그가 오더니 내가 나갔다.
그가 오더니 나는 나갔다.
Sentence Patterns
___하더니 ___했어요.
Real World Usage
걔 어제 술 마시더니 오늘 아프대.
The 'I' Exclusion
Teasing Friends
Subjective Observation
Smart Tips
Use -더니 to show you witnessed the change.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄴ' sound is pronounced clearly.
Falling
그는 공부하더니↘
Reporting a fact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '더니' as 'The-knee' (the knee). You saw someone fall on their knee (observation), and then they started crying (result).
Visual Association
Imagine a split screen: Left side shows a person doing something in the past. Right side shows the result of that action. The word '더니' is the bridge connecting the two screens.
Rhyme
I saw it happen, then it changed, -더니 is the word that's arranged.
Story
My friend was lazy. I observed him sleeping all day. Then, he failed the exam. I say: '그는 자더니 시험에 떨어졌어요.'
Word Web
Challenge
Observe a friend or the weather for 5 minutes and write 3 sentences using -더니.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in gossip or when sharing observations about others.
Derived from the retrospective marker -더- and the connective -니.
Conversation Starters
어제 날씨가 어땠어요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
그는 연습을 ___ 실력이 늘었다.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises그는 연습을 ___ 실력이 늘었다.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercises매일 / 운동을 / 몸이 / 제니가 / 하더니 / 좋아졌어요.
He was quiet, and then he suddenly started dancing.
Match the following:
Choose the most natural sentence:
그 아이가 작년에는 (초등학생)___ 이제 중학생이네요.
어제는 날씨가 좋더니만 오늘은 비가 오겠어요.
그 사람이 (유명하다)___ 갑자기 활동을 중단했어요.
Which one describes growth?
커피를 / 마시더니 / 세 잔이나 / 잠을 / 친구가 / 못 자요.
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
No, use -았/었더니.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
〜たら
Observation vs. Condition.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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