Abstract Dependent Nouns 1. 것, 바, and 데

In Korean, there are several dependent nouns that need other words or phrases to modificate them. 

 

Let's take a look at some examples.

 

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Some dependent nouns represent somewhat abstract concepts. I'll show you some nouns that are frequently used.

 

것

것[걷].

1. refers to an object, an event, or a phenomenon abstractly.

= thing, one

 

마실 것을 준비하세요.

Prepare something to drink.

 

저는 밀가루로 된 것은 다 좋아해요.

I like anything that is made from wheat.

 

같은 크기인 다른 것은 없어요?

Do you have another one in the same size?

 

 

2. behind a person, it represents that an item belongs to that person.

= someone's, belong to

 

이 아이폰은 내 것이야.

This iPhone is mine.

 

이 치마는 언니 것이다.

This skirt belongs to my sister.

 

 

 

바

1. refers to the very thing that is mentioned just before. = 것

 

네가 느낀 바를 나에게 말해 줘.

Tell me what you felt.

 

그건 내가 알 바가 아냐.That's not my business. (More direct translation: That's not something I need to know)

 

 

2. refers to a way or a method.

 

너무 당황스럽네. 어찌할 바를 모르겠어.

I'm panicked. I don't know what to do.

 

 

데

1. refers to a place.

 

근처에 놀러갈 데가 있어?

Is there anywhere to go for an excursion near here?

 

여기가 내가 작년에 살았던 데야.

Here is the place I lived in last year.

 

 

 

2. refers to a thing or an event.

 

그 책을 읽는 데 일주일이나 걸렸어.

It took a whole week for me to read the book.

 

그는 오로지 친구와 노는 데 정신이 팔렸다.

He is absorbed in hanging out with his friends.