Since/Time Elapsed (-(으)ㄴ 지)
-(으)ㄴ 지
Expresses how much time has passed since an event occurred.
Pattern
Verb stem + -(으)ㄴ 지 + Time duration + 되다/지나다
Explanation
-(으)ㄴ 지 is used to express the amount of time that has elapsed since something happened. It follows the past tense modifier form of the verb and is typically followed by a time duration and 되다 or 지나다 (to pass).
For example, 한국에 온 지 3년이 됐어요 means 'It has been 3 years since I came to Korea.' The pattern is: Verb stem + -(으)ㄴ 지 + time period + 되다/지나다/넘다. The -(으)ㄴ here is the past tense modifier: use -ㄴ after vowels and -은 after consonants.
This is an essential pattern for discussing duration and life events. It is frequently tested on TOPIK exams and commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about experiences, how long you have been doing something, or how long ago something happened.
Examples
한국에 온 지 3년이 됐어요.
Hanguge on ji samnyeoni dwaesseoyo.
It has been 3 years since I came to Korea.
밥을 먹은 지 두 시간이 지났어요.
Babeul meogeun ji du sigani jinasseoyo.
Two hours have passed since I ate.
졸업한 지 얼마 안 됐어요.
Joreopan ji eolma an dwaesseoyo.
It hasn't been long since I graduated.
결혼한 지 10년이 넘었어요.
Gyeolhonan ji sipnyeoni neomeosseoyo.
It has been over 10 years since I got married.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
한국에 오는 지 3년이 됐어요.
Correct
한국에 온 지 3년이 됐어요.
Use the past tense modifier -(으)ㄴ, not the present -는. The event has already occurred.
Wrong
한국에 온지 3년이 됐어요.
Correct
한국에 온 지 3년이 됐어요.
There should be a space before 지. 지 is a bound noun, not a suffix.
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