Surprised Exclamation (-다니)
-다니
Expresses surprise or disbelief at a fact or action: 'I can't believe that...!'
Pattern
Action verb: -ㄴ/는다니 / Descriptive verb: -다니 / Noun: -(이)라니
Explanation
-다니 expresses the speaker's surprise or disbelief about something they heard or learned: 그렇게 비싸다니 믿을 수 없어요 (I can't believe it's that expensive!). It's often used as a sentence ender showing emotional reaction.
The form varies: -다니 for descriptive verbs and past tense, -ㄴ/는다니 for present action verbs, -(이)라니 for nouns. Examples: 간다니! (I can't believe they're going!), 학생이라니! (I can't believe they're a student!).
This pattern frequently appears in reaction to news: 합격했다니 축하해요! (I can't believe you passed — congratulations!). It can convey positive or negative surprise.
Examples
벌써 졸업한다니 시간이 빠르네요.
Beolsseo joreopandani sigani ppareune yo.
I can't believe you're already graduating — time flies!
이렇게 맛있다니!
Ireoke masitdani!
I can't believe it's this delicious!
시험에 떨어졌다니 정말 안타깝네요.
Siheme tteoreojyeotdani jeongmal antakkampneyo.
I can't believe you failed the exam — that's really unfortunate.
저한테 거짓말을 하다니!
Jeohante geojinmareul hadani!
I can't believe you lied to me!
Common Mistakes
Wrong
예쁘는다니!
Correct
예쁘다니!
Descriptive verbs use -다니, not -ㄴ/는다니. Only action verbs use the latter.
Wrong
학생다니!
Correct
학생이라니!
Nouns use -(이)라니, not -다니.
Related Grammar Points
Practice vocabulary from these grammar patterns
Build your vocabulary with science-backed spaced repetition — 30 days free.
Start Practicing