-는 양
Used to describe a situation where someone acts as if something were true when it is not, or when an appearance resembles something else.
Summary
Equivalent
As if..., As though...
Also: -는 척하다 · -는 듯이
Example
He nodded his head as if he already knew everything.
그는 이미 다 알고 있는 양 고개를 끄덕였다.
Grammar rules
- It is more literary and formal than '-는 척하다'.
- It emphasizes the assumed appearance or behavior.
Patterns
V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -는 양
V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)
과거 (Past) · -(으)ㄴ 양
Example sentences
He nodded his head as if he already knew everything.
그는 이미 다 알고 있는 양 고개를 끄덕였다.
She acted while shedding tears as if she were sad.
그녀는 슬픈 양 눈물을 흘리며 연기했다.
You're spending money like water as if you were a rich person.
부자라도 되는 양 돈을 펑펑 쓰는구나.
Conversation
A: Why is that person getting so angry?
저 사람이 왜 저렇게 화를 내요?
B: He's putting on airs as if he were someone important.
자기가 대단한 사람이라도 되는 양 거드름을 피우네요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'as if' phrase.
Fake ignorance.
Exaggeration.