Intermediate (JSON) Estimated read: 3 mins

-던데요

Combines recollection with background/contrast context. Presents a past personal observation as the basis for a contrast, question, or suggestion.

Summary

Equivalent

But from what I saw... / I recall that... (implying contrast)

Also: -더라고요 (Direct past observation - without contrast) · -(으)ㄴ/는데요 (Background + contrast - but present, not past)

Example

When I went, the door was open. Why is it closed now?

제가 갔을 때는 문이 열려 있던데요. 지금은 왜 닫혔지요?

Grammar rules

  • Sets up a contrast: 'From what I noticed, X was the case...
  • [but here's what might surprise you]'.
  • Can also be a gentle recommendation based on past experience.

Patterns

1

Verbs (Recollected Background + Contrast)

Past (with implied contrast) · Verb Stem + 던데요

2

Adjectives

Past · Adjective Stem + 던데요

Example sentences

Adjectives · Past · Adjective Stem + 던데요

When I went, the door was open. Why is it closed now?

제가 갔을 때는 문이 열려 있던데요. 지금은 왜 닫혔지요?

Verbs (Recollected Background + Contrast) · Past (with implied contrast) · Verb Stem + 던데요

You weren't answering the phone earlier. Were you busy?

아까 전화를 받지 않던데요. 바쁘셨어요?

Adjectives · Past · Adjective Stem + 던데요

The food at that restaurant was quite good from what I found. Why did you say it wasn't?

그 식당 음식이 꽤 맛있던데요. 왜 안 좋다고 했어요?

Conversation

A: Is James busy these days?

제임스 씨가 요즘 바빠요?

B: Yes, I saw him yesterday and from what I noticed, he looked really worn out.

네, 어제 봤는데 정말 힘들어 보이던데요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Express past observation as background context using '-던데요'.

Noticed earlier.

Observed weather.