예전에는 그랬었어
yeojeoneneun geuraesseosseo
In Korean, "I used to" is expressed as 예전에는 그랬었어 (yeojeoneneun geuraesseosseo).
This phrase is used to describe a habit or a state that existed in the past but no longer exists now. It is often used as a complete sentence to respond to a question about whether a past habit or state has changed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase starts with 예전에는 (yeojeoneneun), which literally means 'in the past' or 'in former times'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 예전에는 그랬었어 uses the informal/casual ending '-어', making it appropriate for friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
yeojeoneneun geuraesseosseo
Did you know?
- While English uses the verb 'to use' to express a past habit, Korean uses the verb 그랬다 (geuraetda), which means 'to do so' or 'to be so'. Instead of saying 'I used to do X', Koreans often say 'In the past, it was so'.
- When talking about past habits, Koreans often use the word 예전 instead of 과거 (past). While 과거 refers to history or a chronological timeline, 예전 evokes a nostalgic feeling of 'the old days'.
- In Korean, the concept of 'used to' is often expressed through a change in particles. By adding 는 to 예전에 (in the past), the speaker creates a contrast, implying that things are different now without needing to say it.
Examples in context
- 예전에 그곳에 살았어요.I used to live there.
- 예전에 공부했었어요.I used to study.
- 예전에 많이 먹었어요.I used to eat a lot.
- 예전에 여행 다녔어요.I used to travel.
- 예전에 축구를 했었어요.I used to play soccer.
- 예전에 많이 웃었어요.I used to laugh a lot.
- 예전에는 그랬었어.yejeon-eneun geuraet-eosseo.I used to be that way.
- 나도 예전에는 그랬었어.nado yejeon-eneun geuraet-eosseo.I used to be like that, too.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about their old habits.
- 민준 Min-jun너는 원래 이렇게 꼼꼼해?neo-neun won-rae i-reoh-ge kkom-kkom-hae?Have you always been this meticulous?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니, 예전에는 그랬었어.a-ni, ye-jeon-e-neun geu-raet-eot-eo.No, I used to be (careless), but not now.
- 민준 Min-jun정말? 믿기지 않아.jeong-mal? mit-gi-ji ana.Really? I can't believe it.
- 수빈 Su-bin진짜야. 많이 변했지?jin-jja-ya. ma-ni byeon-haet-ji?It's true. I've changed a lot, right?
