Example Sentences#

1. 그러나 노인은 단지 “좋을 수도 있고, 나쁠 수도 있습니다”라고 대답했습니다.¹
   However, the old man just answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”
   • 대답하다 means ‘to answer’.
   • 였 is a past tense marker.
   • 습니다 is a formal polite ending used in declarative sentences.
2. 맹인은 지혜롭게 대답했다.²
   The blind man answered wisely:
   • 대답하다 means ‘to answer’ or ‘to reply’.
   • 였 is a past tense marker.
   • -다 is the plain declarative ending used to state facts or describe events in an impersonal, neutral tone without addressing a specific listener, found in objective narration (stories, articles, diaries), self-directed speech, announcements, and emphatic exclamations.
3. 친구도 찾아야 하고, 배워야 할 것도 많아.” 어린 왕자가 대답했다.³
   I have friends to find, and so many things to learn,” the little prince replied.
   • 대답하다 means ‘to answer’ or ‘to reply’.
   • 였 is a past tense marker.
   • -다 is the plain declarative ending used to state facts or describe events in an impersonal, neutral tone without addressing a specific listener, found in objective narration (stories, articles, diaries), self-directed speech, announcements, and emphatic exclamations.
4. 하지만 노인은 다시 “좋을 수도 있고, 나쁠 수도 있습니다”라고 대답했습니다.¹
   But the old man again answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”
   • 대답하다 means ‘to answer’.
   • 였 is a past tense marker.
   • 습니다 is a formal polite ending used in declarative sentences.
5. “참는 마음이 아주 필요해.” 여우가 대답했다.³
   “You need a great deal of patience,” the fox replied.
   • 대답하다 means ‘to answer’ or ‘to reply’.
   • 였 is a past tense marker.
   • -다 is the plain declarative ending used to state facts or describe events in an impersonal, neutral tone without addressing a specific listener, found in objective narration (stories, articles, diaries), self-directed speech, announcements, and emphatic exclamations.
6. 그러나 노인은 여전히 “좋을 수도 있고, 나쁠 수도 있습니다”라고 대답했습니다.¹
   However, the old man still answered, “It could be good, or it could be bad.”
   • 대답하다 means ‘to answer’.
   • 였 is a past tense marker.
   • 습니다 is a formal polite ending used in declarative sentences.