目錄
「영화를 보는 것이 재미있어요」「어제 산 것을 환불했어요」「내일 할 게 많아요」. All three sentences contain 「것」, but they would be translated as “watching movies,” “the thing I bought yesterday,” and “the things I need to do tomorrow.” In Korean, 「것」 is a dependent noun that originally means “thing,” “matter,” or “content.” When preceded by the adnominal form of a verb or adjective, it turns an action, state, or piece of content into a noun that can occupy the subject, object, or topic position.
The real distinction to learn is not simply “것 = thing,” but whether the preceding form should be 「-는」「-(으)ㄴ」 or 「-(으)ㄹ」. Use 「-는 것」 for an action in progress or something done habitually, 「-(으)ㄴ 것」 for a completed action, and 「-(으)ㄹ 것」 for something that has not happened yet. Adjectives follow another set of rules. Once this layer is clear, 「거、게、걸、건」 no longer look like four entirely new patterns.
What Does Korean 「것」 Mean? It Can Mean “Something” and Replace a Concrete “Thing”
「것」 is a dependent noun. It cannot be used entirely on its own like an ordinary noun and usually needs preceding content that modifies it. Depending on context, it can mean “thing,” “matter,” “content,” or “that one.”
For example, 「한국어를 배우는 것」 refers to “learning Korean,” while 「어제 산 것」 may mean “the thing bought yesterday.” The two instances of 「것」 look the same, but whether they refer to an abstract event or a concrete item depends on the preceding verb and the context of the full sentence.
- Example: 한국어를 배우는 것은 재미있어요.
Romanization: han-gu-geo-reul bae-u-neun geo-seun jae-mi-i-sseo-yo.
Translation: Learning Korean is interesting.
「배우는 것」 turns the entire action of learning Korean into something that can be evaluated, and the following 「은」 makes it the topic of the sentence. - Example: 어제 산 것이 생각보다 컸어요.
Romanization: eo-je san geo-si saeng-gak-bo-da keo-sseo-yo.
Translation: The thing I bought yesterday was bigger than expected.
Here, 「산 것」 does not mean “the act of buying something.” The specific product name has been omitted, so it means something close to “that thing bought yesterday.” - Example: 내일 준비할 것이 많아요.
Romanization: nae-il jun-bi-hal geo-si ma-na-yo.
Translation: There are many things to prepare tomorrow.
「준비할 것」 refers to content that has not yet been prepared and needs to be handled next, so it uses the future adnominal form 「-(으)ㄹ」.
How Does Korean 「것」 Attach? Rules for 「-는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ」
You cannot place 「-는」 before every instance of 「것」. Verbs are divided by time into present 「-는」, completed 「-(으)ㄴ」, and future 「-(으)ㄹ」 forms. Adjectives generally use 「-(으)ㄴ」 to describe a current state, while a noun combined with 「이다」 becomes 「인 것」.
| Preceding Type | Form | Example | Meaning |
| Present／habitual verb | stem＋는 것 | 먹는 것 | the act of eating／what someone is eating |
| Past／completed verb | stem＋은／ㄴ 것 | 먹은 것 | what someone ate／something already done |
| Future／planned verb | stem＋을／ㄹ 것 | 먹을 것 | something to eat／something to do next |
| Present adjective | stem＋은／ㄴ 것 | 좋은 것 | a good thing |
| Noun＋이다 | noun＋인 것 | 학생인 것 | the fact that someone is a student／the one who is a student |
| 아니다 | 아닌 것 | 학생이 아닌 것 | the one who is not a student／the fact that someone is not a student |
How Is the Verb Form 「-는 것」 Used? It Expresses Habits and General Actions, Not Just Ongoing Actions
The Korean present adnominal form 「-는」 covers a wider range than the English progressive. It can describe an action happening before the speaker’s eyes, but it can also express a habit, repeated activity, or general action.
This means 「운동하는 것」 can refer to “exercising” and does not necessarily mean that someone is exercising right now. Only 「지금 먹는 것」 clearly becomes “what someone is eating now” because of 「지금」.
- Example: 아침에 걷는 것을 좋아해요.
Romanization: a-chi-me geot-neun geo-seul jo-a-hae-yo.
Translation: I like walking in the morning.
「걷는 것」 expresses a repeated habit, not only an action of walking at the present moment. - Example: 지금 먹는 것이 뭐예요?
Romanization: ji-geum meong-neun geo-si mwo-ye-yo?
Translation: What are you eating now?
「지금」 limits 「먹는 것」 to the action currently in progress. - Example: 사람들 앞에서 발표하는 것이 아직 어려워요.
Romanization: sa-ram-deul a-pe-seo bal-pyo-ha-neun geo-si a-jik eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
Translation: Presenting in front of people is still difficult.
The sentence evaluates the act of presenting in public itself, so it uses 「발표하는 것」.
The Three Time Uses of Korean 「것」: How to Distinguish 「-는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ」
The adnominal form before a verb carries a time relationship. 「먹는 것、먹은 것、먹을 것」 differ only slightly in appearance, but they divide the content into present／general, completed, and not-yet-occurred.
Using 「-는 것」｜An Action in Progress, Done Habitually, or General
Verb＋「-는 것」 is most often used to discuss an activity, habit, or something currently happening. After the whole phrase is nominalized, it can combine with expressions such as 「좋아하다」「싫어하다」「어렵다」「중요하다」「보이다」.
- Example: 혼자 여행하는 것을 좋아해요.
Romanization: hon-ja yeo-haeng-ha-neun geo-seul jo-a-hae-yo.Translation: I like traveling alone.
「혼자 여행하다」 describes a habit or preference, and the nominalized phrase becomes the object of 「좋아하다」. - Example: 매일 조금씩 복습하는 것이 중요해요.
Romanization: mae-il jo-geum-ssik bok-seup-ha-neun geo-si jung-yo-hae-yo.
Translation: Reviewing a little every day is important.
「복습하는 것」 is the action being evaluated as important. - Example: 창밖에 눈이 오는 것이 보여요.
Romanization: chang-bak-kke nu-ni o-neun geo-si bo-yeo-yo.
Translation: I can see that it is snowing outside the window.
「눈이 오는 것」 expresses what is happening before the speaker’s eyes, and the whole phrase becomes the object of perception.
Using 「-(으)ㄴ 것」｜A Completed Action or a State Described by an Adjective
「-(으)ㄴ 것」 has two common sources. With a verb, it generally looks back at a completed action. With an adjective, it describes a thing or content that currently has a certain characteristic.
The two forms look the same, so you cannot see 「은／ㄴ」 and immediately classify it as past tense. First check whether the preceding word is a verb or an adjective.
- Example: 어제 산 것을 환불했어요.
Romanization: eo-je san geo-seul hwan-bul-hae-sseo-yo.
Translation: I returned the thing I bought yesterday.
「사다」 is a verb, and 「산 것」 indicates that the buying action has been completed. - Example: 제가 들은 것은 사실과 달랐어요.
Romanization: je-ga deu-reun geo-seun sa-sil-gwa dal-la-sseo-yo.
Translation: What I heard was different from the facts.
「들은 것」 is information already heard, so it uses the completed form. - Example: 이 중에서 가장 예쁜 것을 골라 주세요.
Romanization: i jung-e-seo ga-jang ye-ppeun geo-seul gol-la ju-se-yo.
Translation: Please choose the prettiest one from these.
「예쁘다」 is an adjective, so the present state uses 「예쁜 것」. It does not mean that the item “used to be pretty.”
Using 「-(으)ㄹ 것」｜Something Yet to Happen, Planned, or Needing to Be Handled Next
Verb＋「-(으)ㄹ 것」 usually points to something not yet completed. It may mean “something to…,” “something to do next,” or “content that will…”
- Example: 오늘 해야 할 것이 많아요.
Romanization: o-neul hae-ya hal geo-si ma-na-yo.
Translation: There are many things I need to do today.
「해야 할 것」 refers to tasks that are not yet complete and need to be handled today. - Example: 여행 가기 전에 챙길 것을 적어 봤어요.
Romanization: yeo-haeng ga-gi jeo-ne chaeng-gil geo-seul jeo-geo bwa-sseo-yo.
Translation: Before traveling, I tried writing down the things I need to bring.
「챙길 것」 refers to items that need to be prepared next. - Example: 다음 주에 발표할 것이 있어요.
Romanization: da-eum ju-e bal-pyo-hal geo-si i-sseo-yo.
Translation: I have something to present next week.
The presentation has not happened yet, so the sentence uses 「발표할 것」.
What Is the Difference Between Korean 「-(으)ㄹ 것」 and 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」? Noun vs Future Expression
When 「할 것」 functions independently as a noun, it can mean “something to do.” When 「이다」 follows and produces 「할 것이다」, the result often expresses the future, intention, or conjecture.
The two look very similar, but their sentence functions differ.
- Example: 오늘 할 것이 많아요.
Romanization: o-neul hal geo-si ma-na-yo.
Translation: There are many things to do today.
「할 것」 is genuine nominal content and can combine directly with 「많다」. - Example: 오늘은 집에서 일할 거예요.
Romanization: o-neu-reun ji-be-seo il-hal geo-ye-yo.
Translation: I will work from home today.
「일할 거예요」 is the conversational form of 「일할 것이에요」 and expresses a future arrangement as a whole, not “a thing to work.” - Example: 내일은 비가 올 거예요.
Romanization: nae-i-reun bi-ga ol geo-ye-yo.
Translation: It will probably rain tomorrow.
Here, 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」 expresses a future prediction and is already a complete pattern.
How Do Korean Adjectives Attach to 「것」? Why Is It 「좋은 것」 Rather Than 「좋는 것」?
Adjectives generally use the adnominal form 「-(으)ㄴ」 to describe a present state, producing 「좋은 것」「예쁜 것」「큰 것」「작은 것」.
You cannot apply the verb rule and say 「좋는 것」.
- 좋다 → 좋은 것
- 예쁘다 → 예쁜 것
- 작다 → 작은 것
- 크다 → 큰 것
- 어렵다 → 어려운 것
- 맛있다 → 맛있는 것
Some adjectives undergo irregular changes based on their form, such as 「어렵다→어려운」.
- Example: 조금 더 큰 것이 있어요?
Romanization: jo-geum deo keun geo-si i-sseo-yo?
Translation: Do you have a slightly bigger one? 「큰 것」 omits the name of the specific item and means “a bigger one／thing.” - Example: 저는 매운 것보다 담백한 것을 좋아해요.
Romanization: jeo-neun mae-un geot-bo-da dam-baek-han geo-seul jo-a-hae-yo.
Translation: I prefer mild food to spicy food.
Both 「매운 것」 and 「담백한 것」 stand in for specific foods, with the adjectives directly describing 「것」. - Example: 가장 중요한 것은 시간이에요.
Romanization: ga-jang jung-yo-han geo-seun si-ga-ni-e-yo.
Translation: The most important thing is time.
「중요한 것」 makes “the important part／matter” the topic of the sentence.
How Do Korean Nouns Attach to 「것」? Using 「인 것／아닌 것」
A noun cannot directly attach to 「것」 to express “the fact of being a certain identity／thing.” It normally uses the adnominal form 「인」 of 「이다」.
- 학생이다 → 학생인 것
- 사실이다 → 사실인 것
- 문제이다 → 문제인 것
The negative 「아니다」 becomes 「아닌 것」.
- Example: 그가 학생인 것은 알고 있었어요.
Romanization: geu-ga hak-saeng-in geo-seun al-go i-sseo-sseo-yo.
Translation: I knew that he was a student.
「학생인 것」 nominalizes the identity information that “he is a student.” - Example: 문제는 가격이 비싼 것이 아니라 시간이 부족한 것이에요.
Romanization: mun-je-neun ga-gyeo-gi bi-ssan geo-si a-ni-ra si-ga-ni bu-jo-kan geo-si-e-yo.
Translation: The problem is not that the price is high, but that there is not enough time.
The two instances of 「것」 turn different states into content that can be compared. - Example: 그 사람이 담당자가 아닌 것을 나중에 알았어요.
Romanization: geu sa-ra-mi dam-dang-ja-ga a-nin geo-seul na-jung-e a-ra-sseo-yo.
Translation: I later found out that the person was not in charge.
「아닌 것」 expresses the information that the person is not in charge.
What Is the Difference Between Korean 「것이／것을／것은」? Subjects, Objects, and Topics
Once content has been nominalized with 「것」, it can take particles just like an ordinary noun. 「것이」 often serves as a subject, 「것을」 as an object, and 「것은」 often makes the whole matter a topic or a point of contrast.
| Form | Sentence Function | Example | Meaning |
| 것이 | subject | 운동하는 것이 좋아요 | Exercising is good |
| 것을 | object | 운동하는 것을 좋아해요 | I like exercising |
| 것은 | topic／contrast | 운동하는 것은 힘들어요 | As for exercising, it is hard |
| 것에 | target／location, etc. | 여행하는 것에 익숙해요 | I am used to traveling |
| 것으로 | means, judgment, etc. | 이것으로 정했어요 | I decided on this one |
▌「것이」 Marks the Subject, While 「것은」 Marks a Topic or Contrast
「것이」 makes nominalized content the subject of a sentence, while 「것은」 commonly introduces a topic or comparison.
- Example: 매일 운동하는 것이 중요해요.
Romanization: mae-il un-dong-ha-neun geo-si jung-yo-hae-yo.
Translation: Exercising every day is important.
It directly answers “what is important,” so 「운동하는 것이」 is the subject. - Example: 매일 운동하는 것은 쉽지 않아요.
Romanization: mae-il un-dong-ha-neun geo-seun swip-ji a-na-yo.
Translation: As for exercising every day, it is not easy.
「것은」 raises daily exercise as the topic and readily creates a sense of contrast with other situations.
What Are Korean 「거／게／걸／건」? Common Contractions of 「것」
In everyday Korean, 「것」 very often contracts to 「거」. When it combines with particles, forms such as 「게、걸、건」 appear.
These are not four new nominalization patterns. They are the conversational forms created when 「것」 combines with particles.
| Conversational Form | Full Form | Main Function | Example |
| 거 | 것 | thing／matter | 먹는 거 |
| 게 | 것이 | subject | 먹는 게 좋아요 |
| 걸 | 것을 | object | 먹는 걸 좋아해요 |
| 건 | 것은 | topic／contrast | 중요한 건 시간이에요 |
| 거를 | 것을 | object; also seen in conversation | 먹는 거를 좋아해요 |
▌「것이→게」: Making the Whole Matter the Subject
- Example: 혼자 여행하는 게 편해요.
Romanization: hon-ja yeo-haeng-ha-neun ge pyeon-hae-yo.
Translation: Traveling alone is more comfortable.
「여행하는 게」 is 「여행하는 것이」, and the whole phrase is the subject of 「편하다」. - Example: 일찍 자는 게 건강에 좋아요.
Romanization: il-jjik ja-neun ge geon-gang-e jo-a-yo.
Translation: Going to bed early is good for your health.
The contracted 「게」 is entirely natural in everyday conversation. - Example: 지금 출발하는 게 나을 것 같아요.
Romanization: ji-geum chul-bal-ha-neun ge na-eul geot ga-ta-yo.
Translation: I think it would be better to leave now.
「출발하는 게」 turns “leaving now” into an option that can be compared.
▌「것을→걸」: Making Something the Object
- Example: 저는 사진 찍는 걸 좋아해요.
Romanization: jeo-neun sa-jin jjik-neun geol jo-a-hae-yo.
Translation: I like taking photos.
Restoring 「찍는 걸」 gives 「찍는 것을」, and the whole phrase is the object of 「좋아하다」. - Example: 약속 시간이 바뀐 걸 몰랐어요.
Romanization: yak-sok si-ga-ni ba-kkwin geol mol-la-sseo-yo.
Translation: I did not know the appointment time had changed.
「바뀐 걸」 is the already-changed fact and serves as what was not known. - Example: 그 사람이 이사한 걸 알고 있었어요.
Romanization: geu sa-ra-mi i-sa-han geol al-go i-sseo-sseo-yo.
Translation: I knew that the person had moved.
The move has already happened, so the sentence uses 「이사한 것」, contracted to 「이사한 걸」.
▌「것은→건」: Raising Content as a Topic or Contrast
- Example: 제가 좋아하는 건 조용한 카페예요.
Romanization: je-ga jo-a-ha-neun geon jo-yong-han ka-pe-ye-yo.
Translation: What I like is a quiet café.
「좋아하는 건」 raises the preferred content first, and the answer follows. - Example: 어려운 건 발음이에요.
Romanization: eo-ryeo-un geon ba-reu-mi-e-yo.
Translation: What is difficult is the pronunciation.
「어려운 건」 means “as for the difficult part,” with a sense of selecting one item. - Example: 중요한 건 포기하지 않는 거예요.
Romanization: jung-yo-han geon po-gi-ha-ji an-neun geo-ye-yo.
Translation: The important thing is not giving up.
The first 「건」 comes from 「것은」, while the later 「거예요」 comes from 「것이에요」.
What Is Korean 「거예요」? Distinguishing Nominalized 「것이에요」 From Future 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」
「것이에요」 normally contracts to 「거예요」 in conversation. Depending on the preceding content, it may simply mean “it is the thing／matter that…,” or it may be part of a future expression such as 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」.
- Example: 제가 만든 거예요.
Romanization: je-ga man-deun geo-ye-yo.
Translation: It is what I made.／This is something I made.
「만든 것」 refers to an item already made, and 「이에요」 is then added to explain its source. - Example: 중요한 건 서로 이야기하는 거예요.
Romanization: jung-yo-han geon seo-ro i-ya-gi-ha-neun geo-ye-yo.
Translation: The important thing is talking to each other.
Here, 「거예요」 is still the nominalized 「것이에요」, not a future form. - Example: 내일 다시 전화할 거예요.
Romanization: nae-il da-si jeon-hwa-hal geo-ye-yo.
Translation: I will call again tomorrow.
When the verb 「전화하다」 takes 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」, the whole expression forms a future arrangement.
What Is the Difference Between Korean 「-는 것」 and 「-기」? A Full Comparison of Nominalization
Both 「-는 것」 and 「-기」 can nominalize verbs, but their focus is not entirely the same.
「-기」 often treats an action as an activity, item, or concept. It appears in textbook categories such as 「읽기、듣기、쓰기」 and in fixed patterns such as 「-기로 하다」「-기 때문에」.
「-는 것」 more readily preserves an actual event, its time, and concrete content. It can also distinguish present, completed, and future content through 「-는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ」.
| Comparison | 「-는 것／-(으)ㄴ 것／-(으)ㄹ 것」 | 「-기」 |
| Basic function | Treats an action, state, or content as “one event／piece of content” | Treats an action as a “behavior, activity, or item” |
| Core nuance | More readily preserves the event quality and concrete context of the original sentence | More readily treats the action as a name, activity, or concept |
| Time expression | Directly distinguishes present, completed, and future with 「-는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ」 | 「-기」 itself does not mark present, past, or future; time is normally conveyed by context, another ending, or a pattern |
| Present／general action | 먹는 것: eating／what someone is eating | 먹기: the act of eating |
| Completed action | 먹은 것: what someone ate／something that happened | 「먹기」 alone does not mean “having eaten” |
| Future／planned action | 먹을 것: something to eat／something to do next | 「먹기」 alone does not mean “going to eat” |
| Can replace a concrete item | Yes. Example: 「어제 산 것」 = the thing bought yesterday | Usually not. 「어제 사기」 cannot mean “the thing bought yesterday” |
| Can express a complete event | Very naturally. Example: 「그 사람이 이사한 것」 = the fact that the person moved | Can nominalize an action, but is not normally used to stand directly for the same complete event |
| Activity name | Possible, but not necessarily the most natural choice | Very common, as in 「읽기、쓰기、듣기、말하기」 |
| Textbook item／skill category | Less common | Very common, as in 「읽기 연습」 reading practice and 「듣기 시험」 listening test |
| To-do item／rule | Possible, as in 「오늘 할 것」 = things to do today | Common in headings, rules, and lists, as in 「일찍 자기」 = going to bed early |
| Expressing preferences | 「사진 찍는 것을 좋아해요」 is natural | 「사진 찍기를 좋아해요」 is also valid, but sounds more like “taking photos” is being treated as an activity |
| Evaluating a concrete action | Very natural, as in 「혼자 여행하는 것이 편해요」 | May occur depending on the combination; not every 「것」 can be replaced directly with 「기」 |
| With 「쉽다／어렵다」 | 「한국어로 말하는 것이 어려워요」 naturally evaluates the actual act of speaking Korean | 「한국어로 말하기가 어려워요」 is also natural and sounds more like an evaluation of the activity “speaking Korean” |
| Fixed patterns | Includes 「것 같다」「-(으)ㄹ 것이다」, but each has a different function | Has many fixed patterns, including 「-기로 하다」「-기 때문에」「-기 전에」「-기 위해서」 |
| Deciding to do something | The basic decision pattern is not replaced with a general 「-는 것으로 하다」 | 「-기로 하다」 is the fixed pattern meaning “decide to…” |
| Expressing a reason | 「-는 것 때문에」 is possible, but its structure and nuance differ | 「-기 때문에」 is a common fixed pattern meaning “because…” |
| Before doing something | Other structures may be used, but it cannot directly substitute for 「-기 전에」 | 「-기 전에」 is the fixed pattern meaning “before…” |
| Particles | Can take 「것이、것을、것은、것에、것으로」 and others | Can take 「기가、기를、기는、기에」 and others |
| Conversational contractions | Very common: 「것→거」「것이→게」「것을→걸」「것은→건」 | Does not have a corresponding set of 「거／게／걸／건」 contractions |
| Everyday conversation | Very common, especially 「거／게／걸／건」 | Also very common, especially in fixed patterns |
| Written register | Used in ordinary writing and formal settings | Also common in ordinary writing, especially for rules, item names, and fixed patterns |
| Directly interchangeable | No. Both may work in some sentences, but the nuance or pattern structure changes | Not every 「-는 것」 can be replaced directly with 「-기」 |
| Simplest guideline | When discussing “which event, content, or thing,” normally consider 「것」 first | When treating an action as an “activity name, item, or rule,” or using a fixed pattern, normally consider 「-기」 first |
▌「-는 것」 Is Closer to Discussing an Actual Action
- Example: 한국어로 말하는 것이 아직 어려워요.
Romanization: han-gu-geo-ro mal-ha-neun geo-si a-jik eo-ryeo-wo-yo.
Translation: Speaking in Korean is still difficult.
The sentence directly evaluates the actual act of speaking Korean. - Example: 사람들 앞에서 노래하는 것을 별로 좋아하지 않아요.
Romanization: sa-ram-deul a-pe-seo no-rae-ha-neun geo-seul byeol-lo jo-a-ha-ji a-na-yo.
Translation: I do not particularly like singing in front of people.
「노래하는 것」 is the specific thing the speaker does not like doing.
▌「-기」 Works Well for Activity Names and Fixed Patterns
- Example: 매일 듣기를 연습해요.
Romanization: mae-il deut-gi-reul yeon-seup-hae-yo.
Translation: I practice listening every day.
「듣기」 functions like the name of a learning category and combines naturally with 「연습하다」. - Example: 주말에는 운동하기로 했어요.
Romanization: ju-ma-re-neun un-dong-ha-gi-ro hae-sseo-yo.
Translation: I decided to exercise on weekends.
「-기로 하다」 is a fixed pattern and cannot be freely replaced with the general 「-는 것」.
What Is the Difference Between Korean 「-는 것」 and 「-(으)ㅁ」? Everyday vs Written Nominalization
「-(으)ㅁ」 is also a nominalization form, but it has a distinctly written quality and commonly appears in announcements, notices, records, official documents, or brief notes. 「-(으)ㄴ/는 것」 is common from conversation to ordinary writing and sounds much more natural in everyday expression.
| Comparison | 「-는 것／-(으)ㄴ 것／-(으)ㄹ 것」 | 「-(으)ㅁ」 |
| Basic function | Turns an action, state, or content into a noun | Turns an action, state, or fact into a noun |
| Basic nuance | Discusses “this event, this content, this thing” | Organizes content as “a fact, item, or record” |
| Common registers | Very common in everyday speech, ordinary writing, and formal settings | Especially common in written language, announcements, notices, reports, and records |
| Naturalness in conversation | Very high | Relatively low; used alone in ordinary conversation, it can sound like written language or a record |
| Naturalness in writing | Very natural | Very natural, and more concise and formal than 「것」 |
| Present verb | 먹는 것、가는 것、공부하는 것 | 먹음、감、공부함 |
| Past／completed verb | 먹은 것、간 것、공부한 것 | 먹었음、갔음、공부했음 |
| Future verb | 먹을 것、갈 것、공부할 것 | 「-(으)ㅁ」 itself does not mean future; future or intention normally requires tense, another ending, or context |
| Adjective | 좋은 것、예쁜 것、어려운 것 | 좋음、예쁨、어려움 |
| Can take particles after nominalization | Yes: 것이、것을、것은、것에 | Yes: -ㅁ이、-ㅁ을、-ㅁ은、-ㅁ에 |
| Can refer to a concrete item | Yes | Usually no |
| Concrete-item example | 어제 산 것 = the thing bought yesterday | ❌ 어제 샀음 cannot mean “the thing bought yesterday” |
| Can express a whole event | Yes | Yes |
| Expressing facts／information | Very common | Especially common in formal records or notices |
| Expressing general activities | Very natural | Possible, but often sounds like a heading, note, or item name |
| Everyday preferences | 운동하는 것을 좋아해요 is natural | 운동함을 좋아해요 is usually unnatural |
| Formal notice | 변경된 것을 알려드립니다 can be used | 변경되었음을 알려드립니다 is typical |
| Reports／official documents | Possible | Especially common |
| Memos／meeting notes | Possible, but closer to a complete sentence | Very common, as in 「일정 변경됨」「확인했음」 |
| Heading／item name | Possible | Very common, as in 「사용 방법 변경됨」 |
| Conversational contractions | Yes: 것→거、것이→게、것을→걸、것은→건 | No corresponding 「거／게／걸／건」 contractions |
| Ability to mark time | Directly shows time through 「-는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ」 | Time is normally added to the verb itself, as in 「했음、변경되었음」 |
| With adjectives | Present adjectives generally use 「-(으)ㄴ 것」 | Uses 「-(으)ㅁ」 directly |
| Directly interchangeable | Possible in some sentences, but the tone normally changes | Not every 「것」 can be replaced directly with 「-(으)ㅁ」 |
| Simplest guideline | Prefer 「것」 for ordinary conversation, actual events, or “a particular thing” | Use 「-(으)ㅁ」 for announcements, records, reports, or formal statements of fact |
▌How Do the Attachment Rules for 「-는 것」 and 「-(으)ㅁ」 Differ?
「-는 것」 changes with the preceding part of speech and time. Verbs can take 「-는 것／-(으)ㄴ 것／-(으)ㄹ 것」, while present adjectives generally take 「-(으)ㄴ 것」. In contrast, 「-(으)ㅁ」 mainly selects 「-음」 or 「-ㅁ」 based on whether the stem has a final consonant, as in 「먹다→먹음」「가다→감」. Both forms nominalize the preceding content, but their conjugation rules are not the same.
| Part of Speech／Form | 「것」 | 「-(으)ㅁ」 |
| Present verb | 먹는 것 | 먹음 |
| Present verb | 가는 것 | 감 |
| Past verb | 먹은 것 | 먹었음 |
| Past verb | 간 것 | 갔음 |
| Adjective | 좋은 것 | 좋음 |
| Adjective | 예쁜 것 | 예쁨 |
| ㄹ ending | 사는 것 | 삶 |
| ㄹ ending | 만드는 것 | 만듦 |
- Example: 회의 시간이 변경되었음을 알려드립니다.
Romanization: hoe-ui si-ga-ni byeon-gyeong-doe-eo-sseu-meul al-lyeo-deu-rim-ni-da.
Translation: We would like to inform you that the meeting time has changed.
「-었음을 알려드립니다」 is a common form in formal notices. - Example: 회의 시간이 변경된 것을 확인했어요.
Romanization: hoe-ui si-ga-ni byeon-gyeong-doen geo-seul hwa-gin-hae-sseo-yo.
Translation: I confirmed that the meeting time had changed.
「변경된 것」 is natural in ordinary conversation or a workplace explanation. - Example: 신청이 마감되었음을 안내드립니다.
Romanization: sin-cheong-i ma-gam-doe-eo-sseu-meul an-nae-deu-rim-ni-da.
Translation: We would like to inform you that applications have closed.
「-(으)ㅁ」 condenses a fact into the content of a formal notice.
▌How Do 「-는 것」 and 「-(으)ㅁ」 Differ in the Same Situation?
Even when discussing the same matter, 「-는 것」 tends to bring up an actual action, event, or piece of content directly and is very common in everyday conversation. 「-(으)ㅁ」 more readily organizes the content as a fact, record, or formal piece of information, so it often appears in announcements, reports, notices, and written explanations. The English translations may be nearly identical, but the Korean tone is clearly different.
| 「것」 | 「-(으)ㅁ」 | Difference |
| 회의 시간이 변경된 것을 확인했어요. | 회의 시간이 변경되었음을 확인했습니다. | Both mean that the change to the meeting time was confirmed. The first is natural in ordinary workplace conversation; the second is more formal, like a report, notice, or official document |
| 그 사람이 떠난 것을 알았어요. | 그 사람이 떠났음을 알았습니다. | Both mean “I learned that the person had left.” The second is more written and sounds more like a formal statement of a confirmed fact |
| 신청이 마감된 것을 알려드려요. | 신청이 마감되었음을 알려드립니다. | The first is more general; the second is common in notices and announcements |
| 한국어로 말하는 것이 어려워요. | 한국어로 말함이 어려워요. △ | In ordinary speech, 「것」 is normally used to say that speaking Korean is difficult. The latter can be grammatically analyzed but is quite unnatural in everyday Korean |
| 어제 산 것을 환불했어요. | ❌ 어제 샀음을 환불했어요. | 「산 것」 can represent the actual product bought; 「-(으)ㅁ」 nominalizes only a matter or fact and cannot stand in for the product |
| 제가 좋아하는 것은 커피예요. | ❌ 제가 좋아함은 커피예요. | 「것」 can stand in for “the thing I like,” while 「-(으)ㅁ」 cannot replace a concrete object this way |
▌How Can You Quickly Choose Between 「-는 것」 and 「-(으)ㅁ」?
Both nominalize preceding content, but their usage contexts differ. 「것」 is usually more natural in everyday conversation, when describing something that actually happened, or when referring to a particular object. 「-(으)ㅁ」 often appears in announcements, reports, records, or formal explanations, where a matter is presented as a fact or item.
| Intended Content | Better Choice |
| Discussing something in everyday conversation | 「-는 것」 |
| Referring to “the thing someone made／bought” | 「것」 |
| Referring to “something to do／use” | 「-(으)ㄹ 것」 |
| Evaluating an actual behavior | 「-는 것」 |
| Formally stating a confirmed fact | 「-(으)ㅁ」 |
| Content of an announcement, notice, or report | 「-(으)ㅁ」 |
| A brief work record or memo | 「-(으)ㅁ」 |
| Everyday speech requiring 「거／게／걸／건」 | 「것」 |
What Is the Difference Between Korean 「-는 것」 and 「-다는 것」? Actions vs Complete Statements
「한국에서 사는 것」 discusses “the act／way of living in Korea,” while 「그가 한국에 산다는 것」 discusses a complete piece of information: “he lives in Korea.”
When expressing that someone knows, hears, believes, or confirms a complete statement, Korean often uses the quotation forms 「-다는 것／-라는 것」. These meanings cannot all be handled through 「-는 것」 alone.
| Comparison | 「-는 것／-(으)ㄴ 것／-(으)ㄹ 것」 | 「-다는 것」 Series |
| Basic function | Nominalizes an action, state, or modifying content | Nominalizes a complete statement, report, claim, or fact |
| Core sense | “doing something,” “something that happened,” “a particular thing” | “the fact that…”／“the information that…” |
| Underlying structure | adnominal form＋것 | indirect quotation form＋것 |
| Preserves a complete statement | Not necessarily; often focuses on the action or event itself | Yes; normally preserves the full proposition of who／what is in what state |
| Best suited to answer | “What are you doing?” “Which event?” “Which thing?” | “What do you know?” “What did you hear?” “What is true?” |
| Can express a concrete object | Yes | Usually no |
| Concrete-object example | 어제 산 것 = the thing bought yesterday | ❌ 어제 샀다는 것 cannot directly mean “the thing bought yesterday” |
| Can express the action itself | Very naturally | Usually not its primary function |
| Can express information／a proposition | Yes, but does not necessarily foreground “the statement” | Very typically |
| Often retains the subject | Can | Often does, because it normally states “who did what” |
| Time expression | -는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ mark present／general, completed, and future respectively | Tense appears inside the quoted content, as in 「왔다는 것」「간다는 것」「갈 거라는 것」 |
| Present verb | 먹는 것 | 먹는다는 것 |
| Past verb | 먹은 것 | 먹었다는 것 |
| Present adjective | 예쁜 것 | 예쁘다는 것 |
| Noun | 학생인 것 | 학생이라는 것 |
| Negation | 아닌 것、하지 않는 것 | 아니라는 것、하지 않는다는 것 |
| Everyday conversation | Very common and frequently contracts to 거／게／걸／건 | Also common, especially when discussing reports, opinions, and facts |
| Directly interchangeable | No | No |
| Simplest guideline | Consider 「것」 first when discussing an “action, event, or object itself” | Consider a quotation form＋「것」 when discussing whether “a complete statement is true, known, or heard” |
▌How Do the Attachment Rules for 「-는 것」 and 「-다는 것」 Differ?
The greatest difference is how the preceding content attaches. With 「-는 것」, a verb or adjective first takes an adnominal form and then modifies the dependent noun 「것」. 「-다는 것」 comes from indirect quotation: it retains the content of the original complete sentence and then adds 「것」. Consequently, the forms change for verbs, adjectives, and nouns, as in 「먹는다는 것」「좋다는 것」「학생이라는 것」.
| Preceding Element | Ordinary 「것」 | Complete Statement＋「것」 |
| Present verb | 먹는 것 | 먹는다는 것 |
| Past verb | 먹은 것 | 먹었다는 것 |
| Verb 「살다」 | 사는 것 | 산다는 것 |
| Adjective 「좋다」 | 좋은 것 | 좋다는 것 |
| Adjective 「비싸다」 | 비싼 것 | 비싸다는 것 |
| Noun 「학생이다」 | 학생인 것 | 학생이라는 것 |
| Negative noun | 학생이 아닌 것 | 학생이 아니라는 것 |
| Negative verb | 하지 않는 것 | 하지 않는다는 것 |
- Example: 한국에서 사는 것은 편리해요.
Romanization: han-gu-ge-seo sa-neun geo-seun pyeol-li-hae-yo.
Translation: Living in Korea is convenient.
The sentence directly evaluates the experience of living there. - Example: 그가 한국에 산다는 것을 알고 있어요.
Romanization: geu-ga han-gu-ge san-da-neun geo-seul al-go i-sseo-yo.
Translation: I know that he lives in Korea.
“He lives in Korea” is a complete proposition, so the sentence uses 「산다는 것」. - Example: 내일 비가 온다는 말을 들었어요.
Romanization: nae-il bi-ga on-da-neun ma-reul deu-reo-sseo-yo.
Translation: I heard that it will rain tomorrow.
What was heard was a complete piece of information, so the quotation form is used instead of simple 「비가 오는 것」.
▌Comparing the Same Context Makes the Difference Between 「-는 것」 and 「-다는 것」 Clearer
The two forms often have similar English translations, so looking only at the English meaning can make them easy to confuse. Their difference becomes clearer in similar contexts: 「-는 것」 tends to discuss an action or event itself, while 「-다는 것」 preserves a complete statement and often appears when someone knows, hears, believes, or confirms a piece of information.
| 「것」 | 「-다는 것」 Series | Difference |
| 한국에서 사는 것은 편해요. | 그가 한국에 산다는 것을 알고 있어요. | The first evaluates “living in Korea”; the second knows the information that “he lives in Korea” |
| 혼자 여행하는 것이 좋아요. | 민수가 혼자 여행한다는 것을 들었어요. | The first discusses the activity of traveling alone; the second discusses the report that Minsu travels alone |
| 어제 산 것을 환불했어요. | 그가 어제 샀다는 것을 알았어요. | 「것」 in the first means the item bought yesterday; the second means knowing that “he bought it yesterday,” though the latter normally needs fuller context |
| 그 사람이 이사한 것을 알고 있었어요. | 그 사람이 이사했다는 것을 알고 있었어요. | Both can mean knowing that the person moved, but the first directly treats the completed event as the object of knowledge; the second more explicitly treats “the person moved” as a statement／piece of information |
| 가격이 비싼 것이 문제예요. | 가격이 비싸다는 것이 문제예요. | The first directly treats the high price as the problem; the second more readily carries the statement-like sense of “the fact／situation that the price is high” |
| 그 사람이 학생인 것을 알았어요. | 그 사람이 학생이라는 것을 알았어요. | Both can mean learning that the person is a student; the second explicitly uses a quotation structure and treats “the person is a student” as complete information |
▌How Can You Quickly Choose Between 「-는 것」 and 「-다는 것」?
Both can place preceding content in a noun position, but first check whether the sentence is discussing “the action itself” or “a complete piece of information.” 「-는 것」 is commonly used for doing something, an event that happened, or concrete content. 「-다는 것」 often occurs with knowing, hearing, believing, or confirming, where a complete statement is treated as information.
| Intended Meaning | Consider First |
| Liking to do something | 「-는 것」 |
| Something is difficult／important | 「-는 것」 |
| Seeing／hearing an action in progress | 「-는 것」 |
| Referring to a concrete item | 「것」 |
| Knowing a complete report | 「-다는 것」 series |
| Hearing that something happened | 「-다는 것」／quotation form |
| Believing a claim or fact | 「-다는 것」 series |
| Confirming information | 「-다는 것」 series |
| Emphasizing the fact that “X is Y” | 「-다는 것／-(이)라는 것」 |
The Time Difference Between Korean 「-는 것／-(으)ㄴ 것／-(으)ㄹ 것」: A Direct Comparison With 「먹다」
Using 「먹다」 makes the three forms easiest to compare directly.
- Example: 지금 먹는 것이 뭐예요?
Romanization: ji-geum meong-neun geo-si mwo-ye-yo?
Translation: What are you eating now?
「먹는 것」 focuses on what is currently being eaten. - Example: 아까 먹은 것이 뭐예요?
Romanization: a-kka meo-geun geo-si mwo-ye-yo?
Translation: What did you eat earlier?
The eating action has already been completed, so the sentence uses 「먹은 것」. - Example: 이따가 먹을 것이 뭐예요?
Romanization: i-tta-ga meo-geul geo-si mwo-ye-yo?
Translation: What are you going to eat later?
The action has not yet happened, so the sentence uses 「먹을 것」.
The same distinction can be applied to other verbs:
- 보는 것: what someone is watching／usually watches
- 본 것: what someone has seen
- 볼 것: what someone will watch
- 하는 것: doing something
- 한 것: something done
- 할 것: something to do
How Is Korean 「것」 Used in Everyday Conversation? Situational Examples With 「거／게／걸／건」
Textbooks often show the full forms 「것이／것을／것은」, but actual conversation contracts them heavily to 「게／걸／건」. Listening becomes much easier once you learn to restore the full forms.
▌Situation 1｜Talking About a Recent Favorite Activity
A：요즘 뭐 하는 걸 제일 좋아해요?
yo-jeum mwo ha-neun geol je-il jo-a-hae-yo?
What do you like doing most these days?
B：사진 찍는 걸 좋아해요.
sa-jin jjik-neun geol jo-a-hae-yo.
I like taking photos.
📌 Grammar Point: 「찍는 걸」 is 「찍는 것을」, and the whole matter of “taking photos” is the object of 「좋아하다」.
▌Situation 2｜Organizing Tomorrow’s Tasks at Work
A：내일 준비할 게 많아요?
nae-il jun-bi-hal ge ma-na-yo?
Are there many things to prepare tomorrow?
B：네, 먼저 확인해야 할 게 세 가지 있어요.
ne, meon-jeo hwa-gin-hae-ya hal ge se ga-ji i-sseo-yo.
Yes, there are three things that need to be checked first.
📌 Grammar Point: 「준비할 게」 restores to 「준비할 것이」, while 「확인해야 할 게」 is 「확인해야 할 것이」. Both refer to unfinished tasks, so they use 「-(으)ㄹ 것」.
▌Situation 3｜Confirming News That Has Already Happened
A：민수가 이사한 거 알고 있었어요?
min-su-ga i-sa-han geo al-go i-sseo-sseo-yo?
Did you know that Minsu moved?
B：네, 지난주에 들었어요.
ne, ji-nan-ju-e deu-reo-sseo-yo.
Yes, I heard last week.
📌 Grammar Point: 「이사한 거」 comes from 「이사한 것」. The moving action has been completed, so it uses 「-(으)ㄴ 것」. Using 「거」 directly is entirely natural in everyday conversation.
Cultural Notes:
- In everyday Korean conversation, 「것」 contracts to 「거」 very frequently. In actual listening, you will often encounter 「하는 거、먹은 거、할 거」 more often than the full forms 「하는 것、먹은 것、할 것」.
- It is best to understand 「게／걸／건」 first as contractions that include particles rather than memorizing another set of English meanings. Restore 「게」 to 「것이」, 「걸」 to 「것을」, and 「건」 to 「것은」, and their sentence roles usually become much clearer.
- 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」 is a very important Korean future expression. Although it historically looks like 「-(으)ㄹ 것이에요」, in actual use it should be understood as a complete expression of the future, a plan, or conjecture. There is no need to force the word “thing” into every translation.
How Does Korean 「-(으)ㄴ／는 것」 Compare With Japanese 「〜こと／もの／〜の」?
Korean 「것」 has a broad range. It can refer to an action, a fact, or a concrete object. It does not always correspond to the same word in Japanese: 「〜こと」 is commonly used for abstract actions and facts, 「もの」 can replace a concrete object, and 「〜の」 is common in everyday nominalization or as a substitute for a noun already known from context.
The adnominal form before Korean 「것」 also changes according to time and part of speech. A present verb generally uses 「-는 것」, a completed action uses 「-(으)ㄴ 것」, and planned or not-yet-occurred content uses 「-(으)ㄹ 것」. Japanese also expresses time through forms such as 「する／した」, but 「こと／もの／の」 themselves do not mark tense.
◆ Similar Grammar 1: Japanese 「〜こと」
Japanese 「〜こと」 can treat an action, state, or complete stretch of content as one matter. It is commonly used for abstract actions, general facts, or known information. This use is relatively close to Korean 「-는 것／-(으)ㄴ 것」 when it refers to a matter.
- Example: 韓国語を勉強することは楽しいです。
Kana: かんこくごをべんきょうすることはたのしいです。
Translation: Studying Korean is fun.
This corresponds to Korean 「한국어를 배우는 것은 재미있어요」. Both 「こと」 and 「것」 nominalize the act of learning Korean and make it the topic of the sentence. - Example: 毎日運動することは健康にいいです。
Kana: まいにちうんどうすることはけんこうにいいです。
Translation: Exercising every day is good for your health.
This corresponds to Korean 「매일 운동하는 것은 건강에 좋아요」. The sentence discusses the general activity of daily exercise, so the abstract 「こと」 is natural in Japanese. - Example: 会議が延期されたことを知りませんでした。
Kana: かいぎがえんきされたことをしりませんでした。
Translation: I did not know that the meeting had been postponed.
This corresponds to Korean 「회의가 연기된 것을 몰랐어요」. Both 「延期されたこと」 and 「연기된 것」 place the fact of the meeting’s postponement before “know／not know” as the object.
◆ Similar Grammar 2: Japanese 「もの」
Japanese 「もの」 can stand in for a concrete object and is close to Korean 「것」 when it refers to an item. A verb or adjective usually precedes it and describes which thing is meant. However, 「の」 can also replace 「もの」 in everyday speech, so their roles are not completely fixed.
- Example: 昨日買ったものを返品しました。
Kana: きのうかったものをへんぴんしました。
Translation: I returned the thing I bought yesterday.
This corresponds to Korean 「어제 산 것을 환불했어요」. Both 「もの」 and 「것」 stand in for a product known from context. In everyday Japanese, 「昨日買ったのを返品しました」 is also possible and more conversational. - Example: 冷蔵庫にあるものを自由に食べてください。
Kana: れいぞうこにあるものをじゆうにたべてください。
Translation: Please feel free to eat anything in the refrigerator.
This corresponds to Korean 「냉장고에 있는 것을 자유롭게 드세요」. Both 「あるもの」 and 「있는 것」 refer to items that meet the condition of being in the refrigerator. - Example: これは母が作ったものです。
Kana: これはははがつくったものです。
Translation: This is something my mother made.
This corresponds to Korean 「이것은 어머니가 만든 것이에요」. Japanese 「作ったもの」 and Korean 「만든 것」 both use a completed action to modify a substitute noun.
◆ Similar Grammar 3: Japanese 「〜の」
Japanese 「〜の」 can nominalize an action or state in everyday conversation. It is more conversational than 「〜こと」 and is also common with preferences, evaluations, and concrete situations directly perceived. In conversational Korean, 「것이／것은／것을」 often contract to 「게／건／걸」.
- Example: 一人で旅行するのが好きです。
Kana: ひとりでりょこうするのがすきです。
Translation: I like traveling alone.
In Korean, this can be 「혼자 여행하는 것을 좋아해요」. If it is phrased as 「혼자 여행하는 게 좋아요」, the meaning is closer to “I think traveling alone is better／I prefer traveling alone.” 「〜のが好き」 and 「것을 좋아하다」 are closer when directly expressing a preference. - Example: 朝早く起きるのは大変です。
Kana: あさはやくおきるのはたいへんです。
Translation: Getting up early in the morning is difficult.
This corresponds to Korean 「아침 일찍 일어나는 건 힘들어요」. 「건」 is the conversational contraction of 「것은」, and like Japanese 「のは」, it makes getting up early the topic of the sentence. - Example: 子どもたちが公園で遊んでいるのが見えます。
Kana: こどもたちがこうえんであそんでいるのがみえます。
Translation: I can see the children playing in the park.
This corresponds to Korean 「아이들이 공원에서 노는 게 보여요」. 「게」 is the contracted form of 「것이」. In Japanese, 「の」 is usually more natural than 「こと」 before perception expressions such as 「見える」「聞こえる」.
◆ Core Differences From Korean 「것」:
Korean 「것」 can refer to an abstract action, a fact that has occurred, or a concrete item, and it also produces contractions such as 「게、건、걸」 in everyday speech. The preceding adnominal form marks time: verb＋「-는 것」 normally describes a present, ongoing, or repeated action; 「-(으)ㄴ 것」 normally describes a completed action; and 「-(으)ㄹ 것」 describes future, planned, or conjectured content.
Japanese more often selects a different form based on the content. 「こと」 tends toward abstract actions and facts, 「もの」 can clearly replace a concrete item, and 「の」 is common in conversational nominalization and perception expressions and can also stand in for an item already known from context. For example, 「어제 산 것」 can be translated as 「昨日買ったもの」, while conversation may use 「昨日買ったの」. Korean 「것」 and these three Japanese forms therefore do not have a fixed one-to-one correspondence. The choice depends on whether 「것」 represents an action, a fact, or a concrete object.
「것」 itself is not especially difficult. What takes practice is the time change before it. 「먹는 것」 keeps the focus on the present or a general action, 「먹은 것」 looks back at a completed action, and 「먹을 것」 points to content that has not happened yet. Adjectives separately use 「-(으)ㄴ」 forms such as 「좋은 것、예쁜 것」.
When you hear 「거、게、걸、건」 in everyday speech, you do not need to treat them as new grammar. Restore them to 「것、것이、것을、것은」, then check whether the preceding action is present, completed, or future. The full sentence becomes much easier to understand.
FAQs
「것」 is a dependent noun with meanings close to “thing,” “matter,” or “content.” When preceded by the adnominal form of a verb, adjective, or noun, it lets the whole phrase enter a sentence like a noun.
For example, 「공부하는 것」 means studying, while 「어제 산 것」 may mean the thing bought yesterday.
No.
Verb＋「-는 것」 can express not only an action in progress but also a habit, repeated activity, or general behavior. For example, 「운동하는 것을 좋아해요」 means “I like exercising” and does not mean the speaker is exercising at that moment.
Whether an action is currently happening normally also depends on time information such as 「지금」 and the context of the full sentence.
To refer clearly to a completed action, Korean normally uses 「-(으)ㄴ 것」.
「먹은 것」 means what someone ate, 「본 것」 is what someone saw, and 「산 것」 is the thing someone bought.
「먹는 것」 instead refers to what someone is eating, usually eats, or the activity of eating.
「좋다」 is an adjective, and present adnominal adjectives normally use 「-(으)ㄴ」, producing 「좋은 것」.
「-는」 is mainly used with present verbs, as in 「먹는 것」「보는 것」「공부하는 것」.
They look the same but come from different functions.
Verb＋「-(으)ㄴ 것」 normally expresses a completed action, while adjective＋「-(으)ㄴ 것」 describes a thing or content that currently has a particular quality.
First identify the part of speech of the preceding word.
After a verb, it normally carries the time sense of something not yet happened, planned, or needing to be handled next, as in 「먹을 것」「할 것」「준비할 것」.
However, 「-(으)ㄹ 것이다」 can also form a pattern expressing the future, intention, or conjecture, as in 「내일 갈 거예요」. In that case, understand the whole 「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」 pattern together.
「거」 is a very common conversational form of 「것」, and its core meaning does not change.
Formal writing and textbooks often retain 「것」, while everyday conversation uses 「거」 extensively, as in 「먹는 거」「산 거」「할 거」.
In the nominalization uses covered here, first restore them as follows:
「게」 commonly marks a subject, 「걸」 an object, and 「건」 a topic or contrast.
However, 「게」 and 「걸」 can also appear in other Korean grammar, so always examine the surrounding structure rather than deciding from one syllable alone.
The two sentences have different structures.
「운동하는 게 좋아요」 is normally 「운동하는 것이 좋아요」 and means that exercising is good or better, or may express a preference depending on context.
「운동하는 것을 좋아해요」 means “I like exercising,” with 「운동하는 것을」 as the object of 「좋아하다」.
In particular, 「좋다」 and 「좋아하다」 cannot be merged solely because English may use “like” in related translations.
No.
「-기」 commonly turns an action into an activity, item, or concept and also occurs in many fixed patterns such as 「-기로 하다」. 「-는 것」 more readily refers to a concrete matter or content and can mark time through 「-는／-(으)ㄴ／-(으)ㄹ」.
Some sentences allow both, but their nuances and combinations differ.
「-(으)ㅁ」 has a stronger written quality and commonly appears in announcements, notices, and official documents.
「-(으)ㄴ/는 것」 is common from everyday conversation to ordinary writing. There is no need to force ordinary speech into 「-(으)ㅁ」 merely to make it sound formal.
The focus differs.
「그가 이사한 것을 알고 있다」 can treat the completed event of his moving as the content that is known.
「그가 이사했다는 것을 알고 있다」 more explicitly treats “he moved” as a complete statement or piece of information and carries a quotation or propositional quality.
「-다는 것」 is especially common when discussing hearing, knowing, or believing a piece of information.
The basic 「-는 것」「-(으)ㄴ 것」「-(으)ㄹ 것」 forms appear extensively from beginner Korean, but the difficult part is interpreting them together with adnominal forms, tense, conversational contractions, and quotation patterns.
At intermediate reading and listening levels, 「거／게／걸／건」「-다는 것」「-(으)ㄹ 거예요」 often appear in the same sentence, so 「것」 cannot be memorized only as an isolated noun.