-(으)ㄴ/는데요
A very common conversational ending used to provide background information, express disagreement softly, or naturally expect a response from the listener.
Summary
Equivalent
Well... / But... / I'm telling you this, so...
Also: -지만 (But - strictly for contrast, whereas -는데요 has a broader conversational use)
Example
I like these shoes... (How much are they? - expecting a response)
이 구두가 마음에 드는데요. (얼마예요?)
Grammar rules
- It is related to the mid-sentence connector '-(으)ㄴ/는데', but used at the END of a sentence to leave the thought slightly open-ended for the listener to react.
- Often used on the phone to introduce oneself ('I am... but who are you/what do you want?').
여보세요, 수미 씨 집이지요? -> 네, 맞는데요. (Hello, is this Sumi's house? -> Yes, it is... [who is calling?])
Patterns
Verbs (Present)
Present Background/Contrast · Verb Stem + 는데요
Adjectives (Present)
Present Background/Contrast · Adjective Stem + (으)ㄴ데요
Nouns
Present Background/Contrast · Noun + 인데요
All Verbs/Adjectives (Past)
Past Background/Contrast · Stem + 았/었/했는데요
Example sentences
I like these shoes... (How much are they? - expecting a response)
이 구두가 마음에 드는데요. (얼마예요?)
Well, I don't have time today. (Soft refusal)
저는 오늘 시간 없는데요.
But I didn't go there yesterday. (Correcting an assumption)
어제 그곳에 가지 않았는데요.
Conversation
A: Shall we eat lunch together today?
오늘 같이 점심 먹을까요?
B: What should we do? I have a lunch appointment... (So I can't)
어쩌죠? 제가 점심 약속이 있는데요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct pattern for leaving the sentence open/soft.
Adjective.
Verb (Present).