던 (deon) · 았/었던 (ass, eoss-deon, eossdeon)
던 (deon) is used for recalling repeated past experiences naturally, while 았/었던 (at/eotdeon) emphasizes completed experiences or states at specific past moments.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Used to recall past repeated or habitual actions or memories naturally
When to use
Past habit recall, Repeated experience mention, Past situation description
The nuance
- Mainly used to recall past habits or repeated experiences. - Attached at the end of clauses to describe past situations or evoke reminiscence. - Suitable for past experiences linked to the present.
Used to emphasize completed experiences or states at a specific past time
When to use
Specific past experience emphasis, Completed past state, Disconnected past fact
The nuance
- Indicates experiences or states completed or existing at a specific past time. - Suitable to emphasize completed actions or states. - Mainly used for past facts disconnected from the present.
어릴 때 자주 놀던 공원이 아직도 있어요.
eo-ril ttae ja-ju nol-deon gong-won-i a-jik-do iss-eo-yo., eo ril ttae ja ju nol deon gong won i a jik do iss eo yo.
던 is appropriate for naturally recalling past habitual or repeated actions.
어릴 때 자주 놀았었던 공원이 아직도 있어요.
eo-ril ttae ja-ju nol-ass-eoss-deon gong-won-i a-jik-do iss-eo-yo., eo ril ttae ja ju nol ass eoss deon gong won i a jik do iss eo yo.
았/었던 emphasizes completed experiences, but 던 is more natural for past habit recall here.
그때 먹던 음식이 정말 맛있었어요.
geu-ttae meok-deon eum-sik-i jeong-mal mas-iss-eoss-eo-yo., geu ttae meok deon eum sik i jeong mal mas iss eoss eo yo.
던 suits recalling past repeated actions.
그때 먹었었던 음식이 정말 맛있었어요.
geu-ttae meok-eoss-eoss-deon eum-sik-i jeong-mal mas-iss-eoss-eo-yo., geu ttae meok eoss eoss deon eum sik i jeong mal mas iss eoss eo yo.
았/었던 is appropriate to emphasize eating experience at a specific past time.
그 사람이 자주 하던 말이 기억나요.
geu sa-ram-i ja-ju ha-deon mal-i gi-eok-na-yo., geu sa ram i ja ju ha deon mal i gi eok na yo.
던 is natural for recalling repeated past actions.
그 사람이 자주 했었던 말이 기억나요.
geu sa-ram-i ja-ju haess-eoss-deon mal-i gi-eok-na-yo., geu sa ram i ja ju haess eoss deon mal i gi eok na yo.
했었던 suits emphasizing single completed experiences, not repeated action recall.
지난주에 봤던 영화가 정말 재미있었어요.
ji-nan-ju-e bwass-deon yeong-hwa-ga jeong-mal jae-mi-iss-eoss-eo-yo., ji nan ju e bwass deon yeong hwa ga jeong mal jae mi iss eoss eo yo.
던 is natural for describing past specific situations.
지난주에 봤었던 영화가 정말 재미있었어요.
ji-nan-ju-e bwass-eoss-deon yeong-hwa-ga jeong-mal jae-mi-iss-eoss-eo-yo., ji nan ju e bwass eoss deon yeong hwa ga jeong mal jae mi iss eoss eo yo.
았/었던 is appropriate to emphasize completed experience at a specific past time.
Which expression do you use to naturally recall repeated past actions?
Which expression is appropriate to emphasize completed experiences at a specific past time?
What is the role of '가던' in "그때 자주 가던 가게"?
What does '살았었던' mean in "전에 살았었던 집"?
