V/A + -던 + N – Retrospective Noun Modifier (Habitual / Incomplete Past)
Meaning: N that one used to do; N that was being done (unfinished)
Conjugation & Pattern
- Verb / Adjective stem (V/A) + -던 + Noun (N) (regardless of batchim)
Detailed Usage
Modifies a following noun by recalling the past, with two main nuances: (1) An action or state that occurred repeatedly or habitually in the past ('used to...'); (2) An action that was in progress and left unfinished in the past (e.g., an apple one was eating).
Example Sentences
- 1
식탁 위에 아까 제가 먹던 사과가 있어요.
Siktak wie akka jega meokdeon sagwaga isseoyo.
The apple I was eating earlier is on the dining table.
- 2
떡볶이는 제가 한국에 살 때 자주 먹던 음식이에요.
Tteokbokkineun jega hanguge sal ttae jaju meokdeon eumsigieyo.
Tteokbokki is a food I used to eat often when I lived in Korea.
- 3
어제 읽던 책을 어디에 두었는지 기억이 안 나요.
Eoje ikdeon chaegeul eodie dueonneunji gieogi an nayo.
I can't remember where I put the book I was reading yesterday.
Important Notes
Contrast: '내가 마시던 커피' means the specific cup of coffee I was in the middle of drinking, whereas '내가 마신 커피' simply refers to the coffee I drank.
