TOPIK 2Modifiers

-(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ

Noun Modifiers -(으)ㄴ/는/(으)ㄹ

Convert verbs/adjectives to modify nouns

Description

These endings allow verbs and adjectives to modify nouns, like 'the person who eats' or 'delicious food'. Different forms for past, present, and future.

Usage

Use -는 for present action verbs, -(으)ㄴ for past action or present state (adjectives), -(으)ㄹ for future/unrealized.

Formation Rules

  • 1Action verb present: stem + 는 (먹는 사람 = person who eats)
  • 2Action verb past: stem + (으)ㄴ (먹은 음식 = food that was eaten)
  • 3Adjective present: stem + (으)ㄴ (예쁜 꽃 = pretty flower)
  • 4Future: stem + (으)ㄹ (먹을 음식 = food to eat)

Tips

  • 💡Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ for present, not -는
  • 💡있다/없다 use -는 in present: 있는, 없는
  • 💡This is essential for natural Korean expression

Example Sentences

책을 읽는 사람이 누구예요?

Chaegeul ingneun sarami nuguyeyo?

Who is the person reading a book?

어제 먹은 음식이 맛있었어요.

Eoje meogeun eumsigi masissesseoyo.

The food I ate yesterday was delicious.

예쁜 꽃을 샀어요.

Yeppeun kkocheul sasseoyo.

I bought a pretty flower.

Related Patterns

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