I_L13_032008_kclass101

GRAMMAR

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Grammar Point #1 - May I... - ?

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- (do doeda) is a grammatical construction that asks for, or gives permission to conduct a certain activity. This construction can be translated as "May I... (verb)?" or "Is it alright to (verb)," when it is used as a question. When it is used to give someone permission, it can be translated as "You may (verb)" or "It's alright if you (verb)." It is used in conjunction with action verbs. The final verb, expresses tense and politeness level.

Construction:

Action Verb Stem + / / Conjugation +

remember

The conjugation of in different politeness levels

-Intimate : + =

-Standard : + + = =

-Formal : + = . ( X)

(jada) - to sleep

+ +

+ ( + = - contraction)- To be allowed to sleep.

. ... . ? (Teacher. I have a headache. May I sleep?)

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♣ Sample Sentences ♣

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1. , . ? (Dad, I finished eating. May I use the computer?)

2. . (Jiyun may also come.)

3. ? (May I call tomorrow?)

4. ?

(Is it alright if I don't drink this?)

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In This Conversation --------------------------------

(12) : ?...

(12)Inseong: May I come?...

(This can also be translated as "Is it alright if I come?"

(15) : .

(15)Soyeon: You don't have to buy a present.

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Vocabulary Focus #1 - - By Any Chance

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1. (hoksi) is a speech softener that is often used to approach a stranger. It is seen as a less direct approach to a person, and thus seen as more polite. Typically what follows (hoksi) is a question (i.e. asking for directions, asking for the time.).

2.It can also be used in situations where one sees someone on the street that they think they may know. Instead of approaching that person and saying their name, using this speech softener acts as a safety net, and is less direct, just in case that person is not who they think they are. Or just in case that person is not on familiar terms with the speaker.

3.Another usage of this word is when a statement is made by someone, and the speaker wishes to take a guess about that statement.

This word always comes at the front of a statement or question, and in all three situations, can be translated as "by any chance."

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♣ Sample Sentences

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1. ?

(By any chance, do you know where Hyundai Apartment is?)

2. , ?

(By any chance, are you Ji Min Kyeong?)

3. , ?

(By any chance, is it this street?)

CULTURAL INSIGHT

It is common for a Korean person to have numerous birthday parties for their single birthday. This is because each party is dedicated to each group of friends an individual may have. Typically, groups of friends (who all know each other) from one group (university, high school, junior high school, work, family, etc.) will have a birthday party on one day, then another group of friends (who all know each other) from another group will have another birthday party. It is not common for a person to have several birthday parties for one day out of the year.