πŸ”™

Describing Past Habits: '-κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”' (Used to...)

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IS #187 β€” Describing Past Habits: '-κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”'
Talk about things you used to do regularly β€” a natural, nostalgic Korean pattern.
πŸ”Š
Iru Helper Note
-κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” is the natural Korean way to say "I used to ~" for repeated past habits. It carries a slightly nostalgic tone β€” not just a past fact, but something that was part of your regular life.
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 μžμ „κ±°λ₯Ό 타곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. μ§€κΈˆμ€ 거의 μ•ˆ νƒ€μ§€λ§Œμš”.
(When I was young, I used to ride a bicycle every day. I barely ride now though.)
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πŸ“– What You'll Learn Today

Today you'll master -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, the Korean grammar pattern for describing past repeated habits. You'll use it to share nostalgic memories, describe lifestyle changes, and reflect on who you used to be β€” all with a natural, conversational tone.

πŸ“Œ Past Habits with -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”

Expression
Meaning
Notes
~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
I used to ~ (regularly)
the core past habit pattern
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
When I was young, I used to ~
most natural pairing
μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
In the past, I used to ~
μ˜ˆμ „ = the past/before
자주 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
I used to ~ often
자주 = often
맀일 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
I used to ~ every day
맀일 = every day
μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
I used to ~ with friends
social habit phrasing
μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”
I don't do it now
contrast with present
μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”
I still do it sometimes
continuity statement
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”
I miss those times
그립닀 = to miss/long for
κ·Έλ•ŒλŠ” ~ ν•˜λŠ” 게 μ’‹μ•˜μ–΄μš”
Back then I liked ~
past preference
버릇이 μžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”
I had a habit of ~
버릇 = habit/tendency
μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”
I had the habit of ~
μŠ΅κ΄€ = habit/routine
μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”
It changed after I became an adult
μ–΄λ₯Έ = adult
μš”μ¦˜μ€ ~
These days ~
contrast opener
πŸ’‘ Key pattern: Verb stem + -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. For verbs ending in a vowel: λ¨Ήλ‹€ β†’ λ¨Ήκ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” (I used to eat). For any verb: just attach -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” to the plain/dictionary stem (not the polite form). μžμ „κ±°λ₯Ό 타닀 β†’ 타곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.

πŸ’¬ Conversations in Action

Dialogue 1 β€” 어릴 λ•Œ μŠ΅κ΄€ (Childhood habits)
A: 어릴 λ•Œ 뭘 μ’‹μ•„ν–ˆμ–΄μš”?
(What did you like when you were young?)
B: μ €λŠ” 어릴 λ•Œ λ§Œν™”μ±…μ„ μ—„μ²­ 읽곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. 맀일 λ„μ„œκ΄€μ— κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(When I was young, I used to read a lot of comic books. I used to go to the library every day.)
A: μ§€κΈˆλ„ μ½μ–΄μš”?
(Do you still read?)
B: μ§€κΈˆμ€ λ°”λΉ μ„œ λ³„λ‘œ μ•ˆ μ½μ–΄μš”. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”.
(Now I'm busy so I barely read. I miss those times.)
Dialogue 2 β€” μƒν™œ λ³€ν™” (Life changes)
A: μš”μ¦˜ μš΄λ™ν•΄μš”?
(Do you exercise these days?)
B: μš”μ¦˜μ€ 잘 λͺ» ν•˜λŠ”λ°μš”. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 μˆ˜μ˜μ„ ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(These days I can't really β€” but in the past I used to swim every day.)
A: μ™œ κ·Έλ§Œλ’€μ–΄μš”?
(Why did you stop?)
B: μ΄μ‚¬ν•˜κ³  λ‚˜μ„œ 수영μž₯이 λ©€μ–΄μ Έμ„œμš”. μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ 사라진 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
(After I moved, the pool got far away. I think the habit disappeared.)

🌏 Cultural Note β€” Nostalgia in Korean Conversation

Koreans often use past habit phrases when reflecting on life transitions β€” moving, growing up, getting busier. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš” (I miss those times) and μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” (In the past I used to ~) are social bonding phrases that invite the listener to share their own memories. This shared nostalgia (μΆ”μ–΅, chueok) is a gentle, warm conversational move that deepens connections.
Answer
<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise
Describe your past habits using -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. Answer each prompt out loud in Korean.
A. Describe something you used to do when you were young.
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” [μžμ „κ±°λ₯Ό 타/곡원에 κ°€]κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
B. Describe a past daily habit.
Answer
μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 [일기λ₯Ό μ“°]κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
C. Say you used to do something often with friends.
Answer
μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 [κ³΅μ›μ—μ„œ 농ꡬλ₯Ό ν•˜]κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
D. Contrast with the present β€” say you don't do it anymore.
Answer
μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”. / μš”μ¦˜μ€ 거의 λͺ» ν•˜κ³  μžˆμ–΄μš”.
E. Say you still do it sometimes now.
Answer
μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”.
F. Express that you miss those times.
Answer
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”.
G. Describe a past exercise habit.
Answer
μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 [수영/달리기]λ₯Ό ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
H. Describe a past food or cafΓ© habit.
Answer
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” [학ꡐ μ•ž 뢄식집에 κ°€]κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
I. Describe a change after becoming an adult.
Answer
μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ [κ·Έ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄] λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
J. Say what you like doing these days instead.
Answer
μš”μ¦˜μ€ [산책을 자주 ν•΄]μš”.
πŸ“š
Expression Reference
Expression
Nuance/Key
~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
past repeated habit
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ”
when young
μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ”
in the past
맀일 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
daily habit
자주 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
frequent habit
μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”
not anymore
μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”
still sometimes
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”
I miss those times
μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μ‚¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”
habit disappeared
μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ
after becoming adult
πŸ’‘
Delivery Tip
The most natural past habit sentence: 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” [habit] κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. μ§€κΈˆμ€ [contrast]. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. Three sentences, full arc: past habit β†’ present contrast β†’ nostalgic closing. This pattern creates warm, memorable moments in conversation.
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πŸ”
Want more reps?
Think of 3 things you used to do regularly but don't anymore. Describe each one with -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, add a present contrast, and close with κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. This personal reflection exercise will make the pattern feel natural and emotionally real.
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πŸ“¦ Practice Hub β€” past habits with -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”

Exercise 1 β€” Choose the Right Expression

Pick the most natural phrase for each past habit situation.
A. You want to say you used to read every day when you were young:
  1. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 책을 읽곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
  2. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 책을 읽고 μ‹Άμ—ˆμ–΄μš”
  3. μ§€κΈˆμ€ 책을 μ½μ–΄μš”
Answer
1 β€” 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” is the natural past daily habit phrase.
B. You want to say you used to often go to the park with friends:
  1. μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 곡원에 κ°€κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”
  2. μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 곡원에 κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
  3. μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 곡원에 κ°”μ–΄μš”
Answer
2 β€” 자주 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” marks a frequent past social habit.
C. You want to say you don't do it anymore:
  1. μš”μ¦˜λ„ ν•΄μš”
  2. μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”
  3. μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”
Answer
3 β€” μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš” creates the present contrast.
D. You want to say you still do it sometimes:
  1. μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”
  2. μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”
  3. 맀일 ν•΄μš”
Answer
2 β€” μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš” shows the habit partially continues.
E. You want to express that you miss those past times:
  1. κ·Έλ•Œ νž˜λ“€μ—ˆμ–΄μš”
  2. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”
  3. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ 쒋지 μ•Šμ•˜μ–΄μš”
Answer
2 β€” κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš” is the nostalgic "I miss those times" phrase.
F. You want to say "in the past I used to swim every day":
  1. μˆ˜μ˜μ„ ν•˜κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”
  2. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 μˆ˜μ˜μ„ ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
  3. μ§€κΈˆμ€ μˆ˜μ˜μ„ ν•΄μš”
Answer
2 β€” μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” combines all three key elements.
G. You want to say the habit disappeared:
  1. μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μƒκ²Όμ–΄μš”
  2. μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μ‚¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”
  3. μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μžˆμ–΄μš”
Answer
2 β€” μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μ‚¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš” = the habit disappeared/faded away.
H. You want to say things changed after you became an adult:
  1. 어릴 λ•Œ λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”
  2. μ§€κΈˆ λ°”λ€Œκ³  μžˆμ–΄μš”
  3. μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”
Answer
3 β€” μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš” specifically marks the adult turning point.
I. You want to contrast past and present using "these days":
  1. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 자주 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
  2. μš”μ¦˜μ€ λ°”λΉ μ„œ λͺ» ν•΄μš”
  3. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”
Answer
2 β€” μš”μ¦˜μ€ ~ is the natural "these days" contrast opener.
J. You want to express that back then you liked doing something:
  1. μš”μ¦˜μ€ 그게 μ’‹μ•„μš”
  2. μ•žμœΌλ‘œ 그게 쒋을 것 κ°™μ•„μš”
  3. κ·Έλ•ŒλŠ” 그게 μ’‹μ•˜μ–΄μš”
Answer
3 β€” κ·Έλ•ŒλŠ” ~ ν•˜λŠ” 게 μ’‹μ•˜μ–΄μš” expresses past enjoyment.
πŸ“š
Quick Reference
Situation
Phrase
Past daily habit
맀일 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
Past frequent habit
자주 ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
Childhood habit
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
General past
μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
Not anymore
μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”
Still sometimes
μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”
Miss those times
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”
Habit disappeared
μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μ‚¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”
After becoming adult
μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ
These days contrast
μš”μ¦˜μ€ ~
🚨
Pitfall: -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” vs -μ•˜/μ—ˆμ–΄μš”
-μ•˜/μ—ˆμ–΄μš” = something happened in the past (once or generally). -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” = something was done repeatedly and regularly in the past. 어릴 λ•Œ μˆ˜μ˜ν–ˆμ–΄μš” (I swam when I was young β€” vague). 어릴 λ•Œ μˆ˜μ˜ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” (I used to swim regularly when I was young β€” habitual). The difference is frequency and regularity.

Exercise 2 β€” Korean β†’ English Translation

Translate each past habit phrase naturally.
A. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 학ꡐ λλ‚˜λ©΄ μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 놀이터에 κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
When I was young, after school I used to go to the playground with friends.
B. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 일기λ₯Ό μ“°κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ μ¨μš”.
Answer
In the past I used to write in my diary every day. I don't write now.
C. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ°Έ λΉ λ₯΄κ²Œ μ§€λ‚˜κ°”μ–΄μš”.
Answer
I miss those times. Time passed really quickly.
D. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” ν• λ¨Έλ‹ˆ λŒμ— 자주 κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. 항상 λ§›μžˆλŠ” κ±Έ ν•΄ μ£Όμ…¨μ–΄μš”.
Answer
When I was young I used to go to my grandmother's house often. She always made delicious food.
E. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” λ°€μƒˆ κ²Œμž„μ„ ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆλŠ”λ°, μ§€κΈˆμ€ 일찍 μžμš”.
Answer
I used to stay up all night playing games, but now I go to sleep early.
F. λŒ€ν•™κ΅ λ•ŒλŠ” μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 μΉ΄νŽ˜μ—μ„œ κ³΅λΆ€ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
During university I used to study at cafΓ©s with friends often.
G. μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ λ§Žμ€ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
After becoming an adult, many habits changed.
H. κ·Έλ•ŒλŠ” 그게 μ’‹μ•˜μ–΄μš”. μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 κ·Έλ¦¬μ›Œμš”.
Answer
Back then I liked that. I still miss it sometimes even now.
I. μš”μ¦˜μ€ λ°”λΉ μ„œ λͺ» ν•˜λŠ”λ°, μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀주 λ“±μ‚°ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
These days I can't because I'm busy, but in the past I used to go hiking every week.
J. μš΄λ™ν•˜λŠ” μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ 사라진 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. λ‹€μ‹œ μ‹œμž‘ν•˜κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”.
Answer
I think my exercise habit disappeared. I want to start again.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Korean
English
어릴 λ•Œ
when young / as a child
μ˜ˆμ „μ—
in the past / before
κ·Έλ•Œ
that time / back then
그립닀
to miss / long for
μŠ΅κ΄€
habit / routine
버릇
habit / tendency
λ°€μƒˆλ‹€
to stay up all night
λ“±μ‚°ν•˜λ‹€
to go hiking
사라지닀
to disappear
μ–΄λ₯Έ
adult
πŸ’‘
Grammar Tip
Verb stem + -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”: λ¨Ήλ‹€ β†’ λ¨Ήκ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, κ°€λ‹€ β†’ κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, μ“°λ‹€ β†’ μ“°κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, 보닀 β†’ 보곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. The attachment is always to the plain verb stem β€” not to the -μ•„μš”/μ–΄μš” polite form.
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Exercise 3 β€” Complete the Sentence

Fill in the blank.
A. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 일기λ₯Ό __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(When I was young, I used to write in my diary every day.)
Answer
μ“°κ³€
B. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 곡원에 __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(In the past I used to go to the park often with friends.)
Answer
κ°€κ³€
C. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” ν• λ¨Έλ‹ˆ λŒμ— 자주 __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(When I was young, I used to go to my grandmother's house often.)
Answer
κ°€κ³€
D. μ§€κΈˆμ€ __ν•΄μš”. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”.
(I don't do it now. I miss those times.)
Answer
μ•ˆ
E. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ __λ„€μš”.
(I miss those times.)
Answer
그립
F. μš΄λ™ν•˜λŠ” __이 사라진 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
(I think my exercise habit disappeared.)
Answer
μŠ΅κ΄€
G. μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀주 등산을 __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(In the past I used to go hiking every week.)
Answer
ν•˜κ³€
H. __이 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ λ§Žμ€ 게 λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
(After becoming an adult, a lot changed.)
Answer
μ–΄λ₯Έ
I. μš”μ¦˜μ€ λ°”λΉ μ„œ __ν•˜λŠ”λ°, μ˜ˆμ „μ—” 자주 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(These days I can't do it because I'm busy, but I used to do it often.)
Answer
λͺ»
J. μ§€κΈˆλ„ __ν•΄μš”. μ™„μ „νžˆ μ•ˆ ν•˜λŠ” 건 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”.
(I still do it sometimes. I don't completely not do it.)
Answer
가끔
πŸ“š
-κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” Verb Forms
Verb
-κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” form
λ¨Ήλ‹€
λ¨Ήκ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
κ°€λ‹€
κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
ν•˜λ‹€
ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
μ“°λ‹€
μ“°κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
보닀
보곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
읽닀
읽곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
μžλ‹€
자곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
놀닀
놀곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
λ§Œλ‚˜λ‹€
λ§Œλ‚˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
타닀
타곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
πŸ’‘
Production Tip
Build your past habit story in 3 steps: time frame β†’ habit β†’ present contrast. 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” β†’ 맀일 [verb]κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš” β†’ μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. This three-step arc is the most natural and emotionally complete way to share a past habit in Korean.

Exercise 4 β€” Dialogue Completion

Complete each past habit conversation.
A.
A: 어릴 λ•Œ 뭘 μ’‹μ•„ν–ˆμ–΄μš”?
B: μ €λŠ” 맀일 μžμ „κ±°λ₯Ό __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
타곀 β€” μ €λŠ” 맀일 μžμ „κ±°λ₯Ό 타곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(I used to ride a bicycle every day.)
B.
A: μ§€κΈˆλ„ μžμ „κ±° νƒ€μš”?
B: μ§€κΈˆμ€ __ν•΄μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ—†μ–΄μ„œμš”.
Answer
μ•ˆ β€” μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ—†μ–΄μ„œμš”.
(I don't now. Because I don't have time.)
C.
A: μ˜ˆμ „μ— μš΄λ™ 많이 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”?
B: λ„€, μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 μˆ˜μ˜μ„ __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
ν•˜κ³€ β€” λ„€, μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀일 μˆ˜μ˜μ„ ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(Yes, in the past I used to swim every day.)
D.
A: μ™œ κ·Έλ§Œλ’€μ–΄μš”?
B: μ΄μ‚¬ν•˜κ³  λ‚˜μ„œ __이 사라진 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
Answer
μŠ΅κ΄€ β€” μ΄μ‚¬ν•˜κ³  λ‚˜μ„œ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ 사라진 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
(After I moved, I think the habit disappeared.)
E.
A: κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ μ’‹μ•˜μ–΄μš”?
B: λ„€, __κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. λ‹€μ‹œ ν•˜κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”.
Answer
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ β€” λ„€, κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. λ‹€μ‹œ ν•˜κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”.
(Yes, I miss those times. I want to do it again.)
F.
A: λŒ€ν•™κ΅ λ•ŒλŠ” μ–΄λ–»κ²Œ μ§€λƒˆμ–΄μš”?
B: μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 μΉ΄νŽ˜μ—μ„œ 곡뢀λ₯Ό __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
ν•˜κ³€ β€” μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 μΉ΄νŽ˜μ—μ„œ 곡뢀λ₯Ό ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
(I used to study at cafΓ©s with friends often.)
G.
A: μš”μ¦˜μ€ 그런 κ±° μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”?
B: μš”μ¦˜μ€ __λͺ» ν•΄μš”. λ°”λΉ μ„œμš”.
Answer
잘 β€” μš”μ¦˜μ€ 잘 λͺ» ν•΄μš”. λ°”λΉ μ„œμš”.
(These days I can't really. Because I'm busy.)
H.
A: μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 많이 λ‹¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”?
B: λ„€, __이 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ 많이 λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
Answer
μ–΄λ₯Έ β€” λ„€, μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ 많이 λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
(Yes, a lot changed after I became an adult.)
I.
A: μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”?
B: λ„€, μ§€κΈˆλ„ __ν•΄μš”. μ™„μ „νžˆ μ•ˆ ν•˜λŠ” 건 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”.
Answer
가끔 β€” λ„€, μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”. μ™„μ „νžˆ μ•ˆ ν•˜λŠ” 건 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”.
(Yes, I still do it sometimes. I don't completely not do it.)
J.
A: 제일 기얡에 λ‚¨λŠ” 어릴 λ•Œ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ λ­μ˜ˆμš”?
B: 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 ν• λ¨Έλ‹ˆλž‘ 저녁을 __ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ 제일 κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”.
Answer
λ¨Ήκ³€ β€” 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 ν• λ¨Έλ‹ˆλž‘ 저녁을 λ¨Ήκ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ 제일 κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”.
(When I was young I used to eat dinner with my grandmother every day. I miss those times most.)
πŸ“š
Useful Phrases
Phrase
Meaning
μ™œ κ·Έλ§Œλ’€μ–΄μš”?
Why did you stop?
λ‹€μ‹œ ν•˜κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”
I want to do it again
μ™„μ „νžˆ μ•ˆ ν•˜λŠ” 건 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”
I don't completely not do it
μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ—†μ–΄μ„œμš”
Because I don't have time
μ΄μ‚¬ν•˜κ³  λ‚˜μ„œ
After I moved
λ‹¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”
Things have changed
πŸ’‘
Conversation Tip
When someone shares a past habit using -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, the warmest response is to share your own: 저도 어릴 λ•Œ ~ κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”! (I used to ~ too when I was young!). This mutual nostalgia (μΆ”μ–΅ 곡유) is one of the strongest social bonding moves in Korean conversation.

Exercise 5 β€” Free Speaking Practice

Share your past habits using -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
A. Describe something you used to do every day when you were young.
Sample Answer
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 λ§Œν™”μ±…μ„ 읽곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
B. Describe a past social habit with friends.
Sample Answer
μΉœκ΅¬λ“€μ΄λž‘ 자주 학ꡐ μ•ž 뢄식집에 κ°€κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
C. Describe a past exercise or physical activity habit.
Sample Answer
μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ” 맀주 μˆ˜μ˜μ„ ν•˜κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
D. Describe a past habit around food or a favorite place.
Sample Answer
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” ν• λ¨Έλ‹ˆ λŒμ— κ°€λ©΄ 항상 된μž₯찌개λ₯Ό λ¨Ήκ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”.
E. Contrast your past habit with your present.
Sample Answer
μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”. μš”μ¦˜μ€ λ°”λΉ μ„œ 그런 μ—¬μœ κ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš”.
F. Say you still do it sometimes.
Sample Answer
μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”. μ™„μ „νžˆ μ•ˆ ν•˜λŠ” 건 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”.
G. Express nostalgia for those past times.
Sample Answer
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ λ„ˆλ¬΄ 빨리 μ§€λ‚˜κ°„ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
H. Describe how things changed after becoming an adult.
Sample Answer
μ–΄λ₯Έμ΄ 되고 λ‚˜μ„œ λ§Žμ€ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ λ°”λ€Œμ—ˆμ–΄μš”. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ 쀄어든 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
I. Say a habit disappeared and you want to restart it.
Sample Answer
μš΄λ™ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ 사라진 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. λ‹€μ‹œ μ‹œμž‘ν•˜κ³  μ‹Άμ–΄μš”.
J. Tell a full past habit story: time frame β†’ habit β†’ what happened β†’ present β†’ nostalgia.
Sample Answer
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” 맀일 μžμ „κ±°λ₯Ό 타곀 ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. 근데 μ΄μ‚¬ν•˜κ³  λ‚˜μ„œ μŠ΅κ΄€μ΄ μ‚¬λΌμ‘Œμ–΄μš”. μ§€κΈˆμ€ 거의 μ•ˆ νƒ€μš”. κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ 정말 κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”.
πŸ“š
Past Habit Story Arc
Step
Phrase
1. Time frame
어릴 λ•ŒλŠ” / μ˜ˆμ „μ—λŠ”
2. Habit
[verb]κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”
3. Frequency
맀일 / 자주 / 맀주
4. Present contrast
μ§€κΈˆμ€ μ•ˆ ν•΄μš”
5. Or continuity
μ§€κΈˆλ„ 가끔 ν•΄μš”
6. Nostalgia
κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”
πŸ†
Speaking Challenge
Think of 3 things you used to do regularly β€” one from childhood, one from school days, one from more recently. Describe each one using -κ³€ ν–ˆμ–΄μš”, add a present contrast, and close with κ·Έλ•Œκ°€ κ·Έλ¦½λ„€μš”. Then share one with a Korean speaking partner and ask them 어릴 λ•ŒλŠ”μš”?
좔얡을 ν•œκ΅­μ–΄λ‘œ μƒμƒν•˜κ²Œ λ‚˜λˆ  λ³΄μ„Έμš”! ✨
Β