-(느)ㄴ다는 듯이
Used to describe someone's behavior that suggests they are thinking or saying something, even if they haven't explicitly said it.
Summary
Equivalent
In a way that says..., As if to say...
Also: -(느)ㄴ다는 듯
Example
The two were laughing affectionately as if to say 'when did we ever fight?'
둘은 언제 싸웠냐는 듯이 다정하게 웃고 있었어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'Their action clearly says [X].' While '-는 듯이' focuses on appearance, '-(느)ㄴ다는 듯이' focuses on the *message* or *implied speech* behind an action.
- The phrase '보란 듯이' (as if to show/prove) is a shortened form of '보라는 듯이' and is used when doing something proudly to show others.
그는 성공해서 고향에 보란 듯이 나타났다. (He succeeded and appeared in his hometown as if to show everyone.)
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(느)ㄴ다는 듯이
A (Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -다는 듯이
Example sentences
The two were laughing affectionately as if to say 'when did we ever fight?'
둘은 언제 싸웠냐는 듯이 다정하게 웃고 있었어요.
He patted my shoulder as if to say 'don't worry'.
그는 걱정 말라는 듯이 내 어깨를 두드려 주었다.
He acted normally, as if to say nothing had happened.
아무 일도 없었다는 듯이 그는 평소처럼 행동했다.
Conversation
A: I heard Junho got first place on the exam?
준호 씨가 이번 시험에서 1등을 했다면서요?
B: Yes, he took first place as if to show/prove something to the people who ignored him and said he didn't study.
네, 그동안 공부 안 한다고 무시하던 사람들에게 보란 듯이 1등을 차지했대요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'as if to say/show X' phrase.
Waiting for someone.
Saying don't worry.