In Korean grammar, both ‘-기’ and ‘-는 것’ are noun forms of verbs, but they have different nuances and usages. Understanding their differences is essential for speaking and writing naturally in Korean. While ‘-기’ is often used for listing actions, making general statements, or forming fixed expressions, ‘-는 것’ is more descriptive and commonly used when referring to ongoing or habitual actions. This guide will explain the key differences, provide practical examples, and help you use them correctly in real-life situations.
Contents
1. Definition
‘-기’ and ‘는 것’ are both nominalizers in Korean, meaning they turn verbs or adjectives into noun phrases. However, they serve different purposes:
- ‘-기’: Functions as a gerund (similar to ‘-ing’ in English) or an abstract noun form.
- ‘는 것’: Functions as a relative clause noun form (similar to “the act of” or “the thing that” in English).
For example:
- 공부하기 (studying) vs. 공부하는 것 (the act of studying)
2. Form (Structure)
‘-기’ and ‘는 것’ are formed by adding specific suffixes to the verb or adjective stem. Here’s how you can form them:
- Vowel-ending adjectives: Add -ㄴ 것
- ‘-기’ Form: Add ‘-기’ to the verb stem. Not commonly used with adjectives.
- ‘는 것’ Form:
- For verbs: Add ‘-는 것’ to the verb stem.
- For adjectives: Add ‘-(으)ㄴ 것’ to the adjective stem.
- Consonant-ending adjectives: Add -은 것
- Vowel-ending adjectives: Add -ㄴ 것
| Type | ‘-기’ Form | ‘는 것’ Form |
| Verbs | Verb stem + -기 | Verb stem + -는 것 |
| Adjectives | Not commonly used | Adjective stem + -(으)ㄴ 것 |
Examples:
- 가다 (to go):
- ‘-기’: 가기 (going)
- ‘는 것’: 가는 것 (the act of going)
- 먹다 (to eat):
- ‘-기’: 먹기 (eating)
- ‘는 것’: 먹는 것 (the act of eating)
- 좋다 (to be good):
- ‘-기’: 좋기 (being good; abstract concept)
- ‘는 것’: 좋은 것 (something that is good)
- 크다 (to be big):
- ‘는 것’: 큰 것 (something big)
📌 Note: With adjectives, ‘-(으)ㄴ 것’ is used to express “something that is [adjective]” or “the [adjective] thing.”
3. Meaning & Usage
Both ‘-기’ and ‘-는 것’ are grammatical structures that turn verbs into noun-like forms in Korean. While they have overlapping uses, they often differ in nuance and context:
- General Concept vs. Specific Action
- ‘-기’ often refers to actions as abstract ideas or general concepts.
- ‘-는 것’ tends to emphasize specific actions or concrete events.
Example Comparison:
- 운동하기는 건강에 좋아요. → Exercising (as a concept) is good for health.
- 아침에 운동하는 것이 습관이에요. → Exercising in the morning is my habit. (Refers to a specific routine)
- Habitual Action vs. Particular Situation
- ‘-기’ is commonly used for habits or general activities.
- ‘-는 것’ often describes particular instances or ongoing situations.
Example Comparison:
- 책 읽기를 좋아해요. → I like reading books. (Reading as a general activity)
- 밤에 책을 읽는 것이 좋아요. → I like reading books at night. (Refers to a specific situation)
- Instructions & Guidelines
- ‘-기’ is frequently used in instructions or general guidelines.
- ‘-는 것’ is less common in this context but can be used in more descriptive instructions.
Example Comparison:
- 식사 전에 손 씻기! → Wash hands before meals! (Common in concise instructions)
- 식사 전에 손을 씻는 것이 중요해요. → It’s important to wash hands before meals. (More descriptive)
- Describing Ongoing Actions
- ‘-는 것’ is often used to describe specific actions that are happening or have happened.
- ‘-기’ can be used in similar contexts but may sound more abstract.
Example Comparison:
- 요즘 제가 배우기로 한 것은 한국어예요. → What I’ve decided to learn these days is Korean. (Emphasizes the decision)
- 요즘 제가 배우는 것은 한국어예요. → What I am learning these days is Korean. (Emphasizes the ongoing action)
- Abstract vs. Concrete Meaning
Both forms can express abstract and concrete meanings, but ‘-기’ tends towards the abstract while ‘-는 것’ often feels more concrete.
Example Comparison:
- 외국어를 잘하기는 어렵습니다. → Being good at a foreign language is difficult. (Emphasizes the concept)
- 외국어를 잘하는 것은 어렵습니다. → Speaking a foreign language well is difficult. (Can emphasize the act itself)
4. Key Points to Remember
- Use ‘-기’ for general actions, habits, or abstract concepts.
- Use ‘는 것’ to describe specific actions or states.
- ‘-기’ is more formal and often paired with certain verbs like 좋아하다 and 쉽다.
- ‘는 것’ is more conversational and often functions as a subject or object.
5. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with either ‘-기’ or ‘는 것’:
- 저는 한국어 _______를 시작했어요. (공부하다)
(I started studying Korean.) - 그는 매일 아침 _______ 좋아해요. (조깅하다)
(He likes exercising every morning.) - 친구와 함께 영화 _______이 재미있어요. (보다)
(Watching movies with friends is fun.) - 우리는 내일 _______로 결정했어요. (떠나다)
(We decided to leave tomorrow.) - 그는 음악 _______으로 통해 스트레스를 풀어요. (듣다)
(He relieves stress through listening to music.) - 아이들은 공원에서 _______을 즐거워해요. (놀다)
(Children enjoy playing in the park.) - 그녀는 매일 일기 _______이 습관이 있어요. (쓰다)
(She has a habit of writing a diary every day.) - 저는 한국 요리 _______을 배우고 싶어요. (만들다)
(I want to learn how to make Korean dishes.) - 그는 매일 아침 _______으로 시작해요. (하다)
(He starts with jogging every morning.) - 우리는 함께 _______를 계획하고 있어요. (가다)
(We are planning to travel together.)
6. Answers
- 공부하기
- 조깅하는 것
- 보는 것
- 떠나기
- 듣는 것
- 노는 것
- 쓰는 것
- 만드는 것
- 하는 것
- 여행가기
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Confusing ‘기’ and ‘는 것’ in Personal Preferences
Incorrect: 저는 한국어 배우기가 좋아요. ❌ (I like learning Korean.)
Correct: 저는 한국어 배우는 것이 좋아요. ✅ (I like learning Korean.)
💡 Tip: ‘는 것’ is more natural when expressing personal preferences or experiences. It emphasizes the act itself. While ‘배우기’ is not entirely incorrect, it sounds more abstract and less commonly used in this context.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Misusing ‘는 것’ in General Statements
Incorrect: 운동하는 것은 건강에 좋아요. ❌ (Exercising is good for health.)
Correct: 운동하기는 건강에 좋아요. ✅ (Exercising is good for health.)
💡 Tip: ‘기’ is often preferred for general statements or abstract concepts. However, ‘운동하는 것은 건강에 좋아요’ can also be correct, especially when emphasizing the act of exercising.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Using ‘기’ for Specific, Ongoing Actions
Incorrect: 제가 지금 공부하기가 바빠요. ❌ (I’m busy studying right now.)
Correct: 제가 지금 공부하는 것이 바빠요. ✅ (I’m busy studying right now.)
💡 Tip: For describing specific, ongoing actions, ‘는 것’ is more appropriate. It focuses on the current act of studying.
⚠️ Mistake 4: Using ‘는 것’ in Commands or Instructions
Incorrect: 밥 먹는 것 전에 손 씻으세요! ❌ (Wash your hands before eating!)
Correct: 밥 먹기 전에 손 씻으세요! ✅ (Wash your hands before eating!)
💡 Tip: In instructions or commands, ‘기’ is typically used. ‘는 것’ is not natural in imperative sentences.
Understanding the difference between ‘-기’ and ‘-는 것’ is key to making your Korean sound more natural. While both nominalize verbs, ‘-기’ is better for general statements, rules, and abstract ideas, whereas ‘-는 것’ is used for specific actions, experiences, and descriptions. By applying these distinctions, you can avoid common mistakes and express yourself more accurately in Korean!