In Korean, certain nuances in sentence structure can be subtle but important. One common point of confusion is the difference between using ‘아’ and ‘이’ after certain words. In this article, we will explore the difference in meaning between two sentences that use these structures, focusing on the use of ‘아’ vs. ‘이’ and their impact on the overall meaning of the sentence.
The Two Sentences: A Comparison
The two sentences in question are:
- 그의 어머니는 어릴 적부터 막연하게나마 자신은 평생 혼자 살아갈 거라는 생각을 하곤 했다.
- 그의 어머니는 어릴 적부터 막연하게 자신은 평생 혼자서 살아갈 거라는 생각하고 있었다.
Both sentences describe the same basic scenario but use slightly different grammatical constructions. Let’s break down the differences and what they imply.
Understanding the Use of ‘하곤 했다’ vs. ‘하고 있었다’
The first sentence uses ‘하곤 했다,’ which is a combination of ‘하다’ (to do) and ‘곤 하다,’ a phrase that suggests a habitual action or something that was regularly done in the past. This implies that the mother often thought that she would live alone in her lifetime as a recurring thought. The phrase emphasizes the repetitive, habitual nature of the thought.
In contrast, the second sentence uses ‘하고 있었다,’ which indicates an ongoing action in the past. This suggests that the mother was actively having the thought at that particular moment in time, focusing more on a specific instance of the thought rather than a recurring one.
The Impact of ‘서’ in ‘혼자서 살아갈 거라는’
Another important distinction between the sentences is the use of ‘서’ in the second sentence (‘혼자서 살아갈’). The ‘서’ is used here to indicate the means or method by which something happens. It implies that living alone is the way she expects to live, as opposed to simply ‘living alone’ without the extra nuance of how she sees it happening.
The absence of ‘서’ in the first sentence (‘혼자 살아갈’) makes the sentence less specific and simply states that the mother thinks she will live alone, without emphasizing the method or reasoning behind it.
Summary: Which One to Use?
Both constructions are grammatically correct but convey different nuances. ‘하곤 했다’ suggests a habitual or repetitive thought, while ‘하고 있었다’ focuses on a specific past instance. Meanwhile, ‘서’ adds more specificity to the method or reasoning behind living alone. Understanding these subtle differences helps in conveying the exact meaning you intend in Korean sentences.
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