Pattern: -(으)ㄴ/는 거
-(으)ㄴ/는 거 (-(eu)ㄴ, (eu)ㄴ, neungeo)
-(으)ㄴ/는 거 turns verbs into nouns to describe actions or states, common in daily speech and writing.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
Turns verbs/adjectives into nouns meaning 'thing' or 'fact'.
When to use
Everyday conversation, Expressing thoughts/opinions, Describing actions
The nuance
Attach '-는 거' to verb stems for present/general actions as nouns. Use '-(으)ㄴ 거' for past actions. Future uses '-(으)ㄹ 거'. Common in spoken Korean as a casual substitute for '것'.
나는 지금 공부하는 거야.
na-neun ji-geum gong-bu-ha-neun geo-ya., na neun ji geum gong bu ha neun geo ya.
'-는 거' correctly nominalizes the present progressive action.
어제 먹은 거 맛있었어.
eo-je meok-eun geo mas-iss-eoss-eo., eo je meok eun geo mas iss eoss eo.
Past action is nominalized properly with '-(으)ㄴ 거'.
내일 갈는 거야.
nae-il gal-neun geo-ya., nae il gal neun geo ya.
Future tense requires '-(으)ㄹ 거', so '갈는 거' is incorrect.
그 사람이 한 거 맞아.
geu sa-ram-i han geo maj-a., geu sa ram i han geo maj a.
Correct use of past nominalizer to confirm fact.
나는 책 읽는 거 좋아해.
na-neun chaek ik-neun geo joh-a-hae., na neun chaek ik neun geo joh a hae.
Proper nominalization of present action to express preference.
먹은는 거 아니야?
meok-eun-neun geo a-ni-ya?, meok eun neun geo a ni ya?
'-은는' is not a valid combined form; must choose one suffix.
Which is correct to nominalize a past action?
How do you nominalize a present progressive action?
What is the correct form to nominalize a future action?
