Background & Contrast: -(으)ㄴ/는데

Explanation

-(으)ㄴ/는데 gives background or sets the scene before you get to your main point, which is often a question, a request, or a suggestion. It can also show contrast, like -지만, but it sounds softer. Ending a sentence with -는데요 leaves things open and invites the listener to respond.

How to form it

• Verb stem or 있다/없다 stem + 는데

  가다 → 가는데, 맛있다 → 맛있는데

• Adjective stem + (으)ㄴ데

  좋다 → 좋은데, 예쁘다 → 예쁜데

• Past: stem + 았/었는데; noun + 인데

  먹다 → 먹었는데, 학생 + 인데 → 학생인데

Examples

• 지금 마트에 가는데 필요한 거 있어요?

  I'm going to the supermarket now. Do you need anything?

• 이 옷은 예쁜데 너무 비싸요.

  These clothes are pretty, but they're too expensive.

• 어제 그 식당에 갔는데 음식이 정말 맛있었어요.

  I went to that restaurant yesterday, and the food was really delicious.

• 오늘은 제 생일인데 같이 저녁 먹을래요?

  Today is my birthday. Would you like to have dinner together?