📝 Grammar B2

-더니

-deoni

And then / Turns out (contrast or sequence)

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What it means

A connective ending with two main uses: (1) expressing a contrast between past observation and present result, (2) describing a sequence where an observed past action leads to a current outcome. Typically used when the speaker directly observed the first event.

Nuance & when to use

The speaker must have directly witnessed the first clause. Common in storytelling. Often implies surprise or contrast with the current situation.

⚠ Common mistake

Using -더니 for situations the speaker did not personally observe is awkward. It cannot easily be used in first-person for one's own past actions.

Example sentences

아까는 맑더니 지금은 비가 와요. Akkaneun makddeoni jigeumeun biga wayo. It was clear earlier but now it's raining.
그 분이 열심히 공부하더니 합격했어요. Geu buni yeolsimhi gongbuhadeoni hapgyeokhaesseoyo. That person studied hard and then passed the exam.
말이 없더니 갑자기 울었어요. Mali eomdeoni gapjagi ureosseoyo. They were quiet and then suddenly started crying.

See also

-았/었는데 -고 나서
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B2 lessons

아우르다 aureurda To encompass / Bring together / Unite 흑역사 heukyeoksa dark history / embarrassing past -고서야 -goseonya Only after doing / Not until
← -는 한 -도록 →

FAQ

When is this used?

The speaker must have directly witnessed the first clause. Common in storytelling. Often implies surprise or contrast with the current situation.

What's a common mistake?

Using -더니 for situations the speaker did not personally observe is awkward. It cannot easily be used in first-person for one's own past actions.

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