-는 듯이
Used when describing an action or state that appears to be just like another situation. Often used with exaggerated expressions to emphasize the intensity of the following clause.
Summary
Equivalent
As if..., Like...
Also: -는 듯
Example
My shoulder hurts so much it feels like it's going to fall off; I should go to the hospital.
어깨가 빠질 듯이 아파서 병원에 가 봐야겠어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'X is happening in a way that looks exactly like Y.' Often used in idioms like '쥐 죽은 듯이' (as quiet as a dead mouse/pin drop).
- Can be shortened to '-는 듯'.
- Commonly used in idioms for emphasis.
씻은 듯이 나았다 (Healed completely, as if washed away). / 쥐 죽은 듯이 조용하다 (Dead quiet).
Patterns
A (Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄴ 듯이
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -는 듯이
V (Verbs)
과거 (Past) · -(으)ㄴ 듯이
V (Verbs)
미래 (Future / Speculation) · -(으)ㄹ 듯이
Example sentences
My shoulder hurts so much it feels like it's going to fall off; I should go to the hospital.
어깨가 빠질 듯이 아파서 병원에 가 봐야겠어요.
He looked around here and there as if everything was incredibly curious.
그는 무엇이 신기한 듯이 여기저기 둘러보았다.
The sky is so dark it looks like there's about to be a downpour.
폭우가 쏟아질 듯이 하늘이 어둡네요.
Conversation
A: How are you feeling? You looked really sick yesterday.
몸은 좀 어때요? 어제 많이 아파 보였는데.
B: I took some medicine and slept well, and now I've healed completely (as if washed clean). Thanks for worrying.
약 먹고 푹 잤더니 씻은 듯이 나았어요. 걱정해 줘서 고마워요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'as if...' phrase for emphasis.
Very quiet.
Hurts extremely bad.