-는 듯
-neun deut
as if; seem to
Attaches to a verb or adjective stem to guess that something is similar to what follows, or to describe a state that seems to be one thing and yet not quite -- similar to English 'as if' or 'seem to.'
Form
- Attaches to
- Verb, Adjective, 이다, Auxiliary
- Other shapes
- -ㄴ 듯 · 은 듯 -ㄹ 듯 · -을 듯
Meanings
- 1
An expression used to guess that something said might be similar to the preceding state or situation.
뒤에 오는 말의 내용과 관련하여 짐작할 수 있거나 비슷하다고 여겨지는 상태나 상황을 나타낼 때 쓰는 표현.
- 2
An expression used to indicate that something is in a state which could be one of two possibilities.
그런 것 같기도 하고 그렇지 않은 것 같기도 한 상태를 나타내는 표현.
※ 주로 '-는 듯 마는 듯'으로 쓴다.
Examples
갑자기 배가 찌르는 듯 아팠다.
My stomach suddenly hurt as if it were being stabbed.
지수는 아무 일도 없는 듯 태연한 얼굴이었다.
Jisu had a calm expression, as if nothing had happened.
삼촌은 더 이상 못 참겠는 듯 크게 고함을 질렀다.
My uncle shouted loudly, as if he couldn't stand it any longer.
광고에서는 인기 스타가 정말 맛있는 듯 과자를 먹고 있었다.
In the ad, the popular star was eating the snack as if it were really delicious.
승규는 어디 갔어? 글쎄. 급한 일이 있는 듯 뛰어가더라.
Where did Seunggyu go? Not sure. He ran off as if he had some urgent business.
가랑비가 옷을 적시는 듯 마는 듯 그렇게 내린다.
The drizzle falls so lightly it's as if it barely wets your clothes at all.
Examples: 한국어기초사전, CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.
Quick check
1. What does ‘-는 듯’ mean?
2. Which form means “as if; seem to”?