Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-(으)ㄴ/는데 (Background Info)

Used to introduce a certain situation, establishing background context before making a suggestion, request, or asking a question in the second clause.

Summary

Equivalent

So... / Given that... (Background Information)

Example

I'm going to the market now; do you need anything?

제가 지금 시장에 가는데 뭐 필요한 것 있어요?

Grammar rules

  • The first clause sets the scene.
  • For example, 'I am going to the store (background), so do you need anything?
  • (request)'.
  • It is structurally the same as the 'but' usage of '-(으)ㄴ/는데' but functions differently in context.
  • Avoid using sentences that just state facts with no follow-up relation. The second clause must naturally follow from the context set in the first.

    비가 오는데 우산을 가져가세요. (It's raining, so please take an umbrella.)

Patterns

1

Adjectives (Consonant)

Present · Stem + 은데

2

Adjectives (Vowel/ㄹ)

Present · Stem + ㄴ데

3

All Verbs

Present · Stem + 는데

4

All Past Tense / Nouns

Past / Copula · 았/었는데 / Noun + 인데

Example sentences

All Verbs · Present · Stem + 는데

I'm going to the market now; do you need anything?

제가 지금 시장에 가는데 뭐 필요한 것 있어요?

Adjectives (Consonant) · Present · Stem + 은데

The weather is nice, so shall we go for a walk together?

날씨가 좋은데 같이 산책할까요?

All Verbs · Present · Stem + 는데

These clothes are pretty, so try putting them on.

이 옷이 예쁜데 한번 입어 보세요.

Conversation

A: I'm going to Seoul tomorrow, do you want to go together?

제가 내일 서울에 가는데 같이 갈래요?

B: Yes, I happened to have something to do in Seoul too. Let's go together.

네, 저도 마침 서울에 갈 일이 있었어요. 같이 가요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form to provide background context before a suggestion.

Eating.

Waiting.