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Experience: Have done before: -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다 / 없다

Keywords
-(으)ㄴ 적이 있다
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Basic Grammar
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TL;DR 🦄
  • 🧳 -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi it-da] means to have done something before / to have had the experience of doing something.
  • 🚫 -(으)ㄴ 적이 없다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi eop-da] means to have never done something before.
  • 🧩 Use -ㄴ 적이 있어요 [-n jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] after vowel-ending verb stems and -은 적이 있어요 [-eun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] after consonant-ending verb stems.
  • 🕰️ The verb before 적 [jeok] changes into a past noun-modifying shape: 가다 → 간 적 [ga-da → gan jeok], 먹다 → 먹은 적 [meok-da → meo-geun jeok].
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets and listen to 먹은 적이 있어요 [meo-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo], 간 적이 없어요 [gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo], and 만든 적이 있어요 [man-deun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]. This pattern should sound like opening a tiny memory album. 📸
 

🌈 The Big Picture

적 [jeok] means a time / occasion / experience. When you put a verb before it, you can say whether that experience exists or does not exist. 🕰️
 
The full beginner-friendly pattern is:
  • 저는 케이크를 먹은 적이 있어요. [jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul meo-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have eaten cake before. 🍰
  • 저는 한국에 간 적이 없어요. [jeo-neun han-gu-ge gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never been to Korea. 🇰🇷
  • 저는 이 책을 읽은 적이 있어요. [jeo-neun i chae-geul il-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have read this book before. 📚
 
A natural partner phrase is 한 번도 [han beon-do] = not even once. It usually appears with 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo]:
  • 저는 한 번도 한국에 간 적이 없어요. [jeo-neun han beon-do han-gu-ge gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never been to Korea, not even once. 🇰🇷
 
Food/drink nuance alert 🍰🍵
With everyday food and drink verbs, plain -(으)ㄴ 적이 없어요 [-(eu)n jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] can sound more like “I haven’t eaten/drunk that specific thing” than “I have never tried it before.” It does not strongly carry the “before / ever tried” nuance by itself in these food-and-drink examples. If the meaning is “I’ve never tried it before,” Korean usually sounds clearer with -아/어 본 적이 없어요 [-a/eo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]:
  • 케이크를 먹은 적이 없어요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geun jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I haven’t eaten the cake. 🍰
  • 케이크를 먹어 본 적이 없어요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never tried eating/tasting cake before. 🍰
  • 차를 마신 적이 없어요. [cha-reul ma-sin jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I haven’t drunk the tea. 🍵
  • 차를 마셔 본 적이 없어요. [cha-reul ma-syeo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never tried drinking/tasting tea before. 🍵
 

🎨 The Core Experience Family

Main pattern
  • 동사 = verb + -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi it-da] = have done before / have experienced doing 🧳
  • 동사 = verb + -(으)ㄴ 적이 없다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi eop-da] = have never done before 🚫
 
Useful polite forms
  • -(으)ㄴ 적이 있어요 [-(eu)n jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have done it before / have experienced it ✅
  • -(으)ㄴ 적이 없어요 [-(eu)n jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never done it before 🚫
  • -(으)ㄴ 적이 있어요? [-(eu)n jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = Have you ever done it before? ❓
 
How to choose the connector
  • Verb stem ends in a vowel → add -ㄴ 적 [-n jeok]:
    • 가다 [ga-da] = to go 🏃 → 간 적 [gan jeok] = having gone before
    • 오다 [o-da] = to come 🏠 → 온 적 [on jeok] = having come before
    • 하다 [ha-da] = to do ✅ → 한 적 [han jeok] = having done before
    • 배우다 [bae-u-da] = to learn 🇰🇷 → 배운 적 [bae-un jeok] = having learned before
  • Verb stem ends in a consonant → add -은 적 [-eun jeok]:
    • 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat 🍰 → 먹은 적 [meo-geun jeok] = having eaten before
    • 읽다 [ik-da] = to read 📚 → 읽은 적 [il-geun jeok] = having read before
    • 듣다 [deut-da] = to listen 🎵 → 들은 적 [deu-reun jeok] = having listened before
 
Tiny sentence map
  • 저는 케이크를 먹은 적이 있어요. [jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul meo-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have eaten cake before. 🍰
      • 저는 [jeo-neun] = I / me as the topic, 케이크를 [ke-i-keu-reul] = cake as the object, 먹은 적이 있어요 [meo-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = have eaten before.
  • 저는 한 번도 한국에 간 적이 없어요. [jeo-neun han beon-do han-gu-ge gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never been to Korea, not even once. 🇰🇷
      • 한 번도 [han beon-do] = not even once, 한국에 [han-gu-ge] = to Korea, 간 적이 없어요 [gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = have never gone / been.
  • 이 책을 읽은 적이 있어요? [i chae-geul il-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = Have you ever read this book? 📚
      • 이 책을 [i chae-geul] = this book as the object, 읽은 적이 있어요? [il-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = have read before?
 

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

1. “I have done it before”
  • 저는 차를 마신 적이 있어요. [jeo-neun cha-reul ma-sin jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have drunk tea before. 🍵
  • 저는 한국어를 배운 적이 있어요. [jeo-neun han-gu-geo-reul bae-un jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have learned Korean before. 🇰🇷
 
2. “I have never done it before”
  • 저는 한국에 간 적이 없어요. [jeo-neun han-gu-ge gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never been to Korea. 🇰🇷
  • 저는 모자를 쓴 적이 없어요. [jeo-neun mo-ja-reul sseun jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never worn a hat. 🧢
 
3. “Have you ever…?”
  • 이 책을 읽은 적이 있어요? [i chae-geul il-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = Have you ever read this book? 📚
  • 케이크를 만든 적이 있어요? [ke-i-keu-reul man-deun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = Have you ever made cake? 🍰
 

🚨 Exception Rule(s)

Most verbs follow the simple vowel/consonant rule. Some verbs change shape first. 🛠️
 

1. ㄷ-irregular verbs: ㄷ → ㄹ before 은

Common ㄷ-irregular verbs:
  • 듣다 → 들은 적 [deut-da → deu-reun jeok] = having listened before 🎵
  • 걷다 → 걸은 적 [geot-da → geo-reun jeok] = having walked before 🚶
  • 묻다 → 물은 적 [mut-da → mu-reun jeok] = having asked before ❓
 
Regular ㄷ look-alikes do not change:
  • 닫다 → 닫은 적 [dat-da → da-deun jeok] = having closed before 🚪
  • 받다 → 받은 적 [bat-da → ba-deun jeok] = having received before 🎁
 

2. ㄹ-ending verbs: drop ㄹ before ㄴ

  • 만들다 → 만든 적 [man-deul-da → man-deun jeok] = having made before 🍰
 

3. Common contractions and special shapes

  • 쓰다 → 쓴 적 [sseu-da → sseun jeok] = having written / used / worn before 🧢
  • 가다 → 간 적 [ga-da → gan jeok] = having gone before 🏃
  • 오다 → 온 적 [o-da → on jeok] = having come before 🏠
  • 하다 → 한 적 [ha-da → han jeok] = having done before ✅
 

📚 Cross-check note

This lesson’s experience pattern was cross-checked against 국립국어원 / korean.go.kr, including guidance that 적 [jeok] can pair with a past noun-modifying verb form to express a past experience. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

You may also see -아/어 본 적이 있다/없다 [-a/eo bon jeo-gi it-da/eop-da], which combines the “try/experience” helper 보다 [bo-da] with this lesson’s 적이 있다/없다 [jeo-gi it-da/eop-da] pattern:
  • 한국어를 배운 적이 있어요. [han-gu-geo-reul bae-un jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have learned Korean before. 🇰🇷
  • 한국어를 배워 본 적이 있어요. [han-gu-geo-reul bae-wo bon jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = I have tried learning Korean before. 🇰🇷
  • 차를 마신 적이 없어요. [cha-reul ma-sin jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I haven’t drunk the tea. 🍵
  • 차를 마셔 본 적이 없어요. [cha-reul ma-syeo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never tried drinking/tasting tea before. 🍵
 
Use the simpler core pattern -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다/없다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi it-da/eop-da] for general experience. Use -아/어 본 적이 있다/없다 [-a/eo bon jeo-gi it-da/eop-da] when the “try it / test it out” nuance matters. 🧩
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 먹다 적이 있어요 [meok-da jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] → ✅ 먹은 적이 있어요 [meo-geun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] — use the past noun-modifying form, not dictionary form.
  • ❌ 마시은 적이 있어요 [ma-si-eun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] → ✅ 마신 적이 있어요 [ma-sin jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] — vowel-ending stems use -ㄴ 적 [-n jeok].
  • ❌ 듣은 적이 있어요 [deu-deun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] → ✅ 들은 적이 있어요 [deu-reun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] — 듣다 [deut-da] is ㄷ-irregular.
  • ❌ 만들은 적이 있어요 [man-deu-reun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] → ✅ 만든 적이 있어요 [man-deun jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] — ㄹ drops before ㄴ.
  • ❌ 한 번도 간 적이 있어요 [han beon-do gan jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] → ✅ 한 번도 간 적이 없어요 [han beon-do gan jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] — 한 번도 [han beon-do] pairs naturally with 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo].
  • ⚠️ 케이크를 먹은 적이 없어요 [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geun jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I haven’t eaten the cake → 케이크를 먹어 본 적이 없어요 [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never tried eating/tasting cake before. Use 본 적 [bon jeok] when “try/taste before” is the point. 🍰
  • ⚠️ 차를 마신 적이 없어요 [cha-reul ma-sin jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I haven’t drunk the tea → 차를 마셔 본 적이 없어요 [cha-reul ma-syeo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = I have never tried drinking/tasting tea before. Use 본 적 [bon jeok] when “try/taste before” is the point. 🍵
 
🎉 -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다/없다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi it-da/eop-da] is your “experience history” grammar. It lets you say what’s in your life album — and what still has an empty page. 📸
 

Try this exercise

Instructions
Complete each sentence with the correct experience form before 적이 있어요 [jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] or 적이 없어요 [jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]. Read the Korean line aloud, check the romanization, then open the Answer toggle. 🧳
1. 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have eaten cake before. 🍰
Answer
먹은 [meo-geun] — 먹다 [meok-da] ends in a consonant, so use 먹은 적 [meo-geun jeok].
2. 저는 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have drunk tea before. 🍵
Answer
마신 [ma-sin] — 마시다 [ma-si-da] ends in a vowel, so use 마신 적 [ma-sin jeok].
3. 저는 이 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun i chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have read this book before. 📚
Answer
읽은 [il-geun] — 읽다 [ik-da] becomes 읽은 적 [il-geun jeok].
4. 저는 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have listened to music before. 🎵
Answer
들은 [deu-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 듣다 → 들은 [deut-da → deu-reun].
5. 저는 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 없어요.
[jeo-neun mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]
I have never worn a hat. 🧢
Answer
쓴 [sseun] — 쓰다 [sseu-da] becomes 쓴 적 [sseun jeok].
6. 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have made cake before. 🍰
Answer
만든 [man-deun] — ㄹ drops: 만들다 → 만든 [man-deul-da → man-deun].
7. 저는 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have learned Korean before. 🇰🇷
Answer
배운 [bae-un] — 배우다 [bae-u-da] ends in a vowel, so use 배운 적 [bae-un jeok].
8. 저는 한국에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 없어요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-ge ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]
I have never been to Korea. 🇰🇷
Answer
간 [gan] — 가다 [ga-da] becomes 간 적 [gan jeok].
9. 저는 문을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have closed a door before. 🚪
Answer
닫은 [da-deun] — 닫다 [dat-da] is regular, so ㄷ stays: 닫은 [da-deun].
10. 저는 한 번도 한국에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 없어요.
[jeo-neun han beon-do han-gu-ge ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]
I have never been to Korea, not even once. 🇰🇷
Answer
간 [gan] — 한 번도 [han beon-do] pairs naturally with 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 저 [jeo] → I / me
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 모자 [mo-ja] → hat
  • 한국어 [han-gu-geo] → Korean language
  • 한국 [han-guk] → Korea
  • 문 [mun] → door
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 배우다 [bae-u-da] → to learn
  • 가다 [ga-da] → to go
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
Tip 💡 Make the verb’s past noun-modifying shape, then add 적이 있어요/없어요 [jeo-gi i-sseo-yo/eop-sseo-yo].
🚀
Want more reps? Keep scrolling to the Practice Hub when you’re ready!
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Experience: Have done before: -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다 / 없다
 
Welcome to the Practice Hub for -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다/없다 [-(eu)n jeo-gi it-da/eop-da]. Here, you’ll turn verbs into neat little “experience records” and decide whether that experience exists or has never happened — while keeping the separate “tried/tasted it” nuance of -아/어 본 적 [-a/eo bon jeok] clear. Think of it as checking boxes in your life album — with grammar stickers. 🧳📸
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence before checking the answer.
 
📝 Instructions: Fill each blank with the correct experience form, such as 먹은 [meo-geun], 마신 [ma-sin], 들은 [deu-reun], or 만든 [man-deun]. Read each Korean sentence aloud, check the romanization, then open the Answer toggle.
 

Exercise 1 — Vowel-Stem Experience Forms 🧩

A. 저는 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have drunk tea before. 🍵
Answer
마신 [ma-sin] — 마시다 [ma-si-da] ends in a vowel, so use -ㄴ 적 [-n jeok].
B. 저는 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have learned Korean before. 🇰🇷
Answer
배운 [bae-un] — 배우다 → 배운 적 [bae-u-da → bae-un jeok].
C. 저는 한국에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-ge ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have been to Korea before. 🇰🇷
Answer
간 [gan] — 가다 → 간 적 [ga-da → gan jeok].
D. 저는 한국에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun han-gu-ge ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have come to Korea before. 🧳
Answer
온 [on] — 오다 → 온 적 [o-da → on jeok].
E. 저는 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have asked a question before. ❓
Answer
한 [han] — 하다 → 한 적 [ha-da → han jeok]. 질문을 하다 [jil-mu-neul ha-da] = to ask a question.
F. 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have made cake before. 🍰
Answer
만든 [man-deun] — 만들다 [man-deul-da] drops ㄹ before ㄴ.
G. 저는 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have worn a hat before. 🧢
Answer
쓴 [sseun] — 쓰다 → 쓴 적 [sseu-da → sseun jeok].
H. 저는 학교에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun hak-gyo-e ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have gone to school before. 🏫
Answer
간 [gan] — 가다 [ga-da] becomes 간 [gan].
I. 저는 친구가 집에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun chin-gu-ga ji-be ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
A friend has come to my house before. 🏠
Answer
온 [on] — 오다 [o-da] becomes 온 [on].
J. 저는 한 번도 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 없어요.
[jeo-neun han beon-do han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]
I have never learned Korean, not even once. 🇰🇷
Answer
배운 [bae-un] — Vowel-ending 배우다 [bae-u-da] uses 배운 적 [bae-un jeok].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 저 [jeo] → I / me
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 한국어 [han-gu-geo] → Korean language
  • 한국 [han-guk] → Korea
  • 질문 [jil-mun] → question
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 모자 [mo-ja] → hat
  • 학교 [hak-gyo] → school
  • 친구 [chin-gu] → friend
  • 집 [jip] → house / home
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 배우다 [bae-u-da] → to learn
  • 가다 [ga-da] → to go
  • 오다 [o-da] → to come
  • 하다 [ha-da] → to do
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
Tip 💡 Vowel-ending stems usually take -ㄴ 적 [-n jeok].
 

Exercise 2 — Consonant-Stem Experience Forms 🧱

A. 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have eaten cake before. 🍰
Answer
먹은 [meo-geun] — Consonant-ending 먹다 [meok-da] uses -은 적 [-eun jeok].
B. 저는 이 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun i chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have read this book before. 📚
Answer
읽은 [il-geun] — 읽다 → 읽은 적 [ik-da → il-geun jeok].
C. 저는 문을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have closed a door before. 🚪
Answer
닫은 [da-deun] — 닫다 [dat-da] is regular, so ㄷ stays.
D. 저는 선물을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun seon-mu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have received a gift before. 🎁
Answer
받은 [ba-deun] — 받다 [bat-da] is regular: 받은 적 [ba-deun jeok].
E. 저는 옷을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun o-seul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have worn clothes before. 👕
Answer
입은 [i-beun] — 입다 → 입은 적 [ip-da → i-beun jeok].
F. 저는 신발을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun sin-ba-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have worn shoes before. 👟
Answer
신은 [si-neun] — 신다 → 신은 적 [sin-da → si-neun jeok].
G. 저는 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have found the way before. 🛣️
Answer
찾은 [cha-jeun] — 찾다 → 찾은 적 [chat-da → cha-jeun jeok].
H. 저는 친구에게 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun chin-gu-e-ge ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have asked a friend before. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
Answer
물은 [mu-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 묻다 → 물은 [mut-da → mu-reun].
I. 저는 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have listened to music before. 🎵
Answer
들은 [deu-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 듣다 → 들은 [deut-da → deu-reun].
J. 저는 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have walked on a road before. 🛣️
Answer
걸은 [geo-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 걷다 → 걸은 [geot-da → geo-reun].
🧱
Vocabulary Box
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 문 [mun] → door
  • 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
  • 옷 [ot] → clothes
  • 신발 [sin-bal] → shoes
  • 길 [gil] → road / way
  • 친구 [chin-gu] → friend
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
  • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
  • 입다 [ip-da] → to wear clothes
  • 신다 [sin-da] → to wear shoes
  • 찾다 [chat-da] → to find / look for
  • 묻다 [mut-da] → to ask
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 걷다 [geot-da] → to walk
Tip 💡 Consonant-ending stems usually take -은 적 [-eun jeok].
 

Exercise 3 — Positive vs Negative Experience ✅🚫

A. 저는 케이크를 먹은 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul meo-geun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have eaten cake before. 🍰
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] — Use 있어요 [i-sseo-yo] when the experience exists.
B. 저는 한 번도 한국에 간 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun han beon-do han-gu-ge gan jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have never been to Korea, not even once. 🇰🇷
Answer
없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] — 한 번도 [han beon-do] pairs naturally with 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo].
C. 저는 이 책을 읽은 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun i chae-geul il-geun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have read this book before. 📚
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] — Positive experience: 적이 있어요 [jeo-gi i-sseo-yo].
D. 저는 모자를 쓴 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun mo-ja-reul sseun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have never worn a hat. 🧢
Answer
없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] — Negative experience: 적이 없어요 [jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo].
E. 저는 차를 마신 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun cha-reul ma-sin jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have drunk tea before. 🍵
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] — The experience exists.
F. 저는 한 번도 케이크를 만든 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun han beon-do ke-i-keu-reul man-deun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have never made cake, not even once. 🍰
Answer
없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] — 한 번도 [han beon-do] signals “not even once.”
G. 저는 음악을 들은 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun eu-ma-geul deu-reun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have listened to music before. 🎵
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] — Positive experience uses 있어요 [i-sseo-yo].
H. 저는 한 번도 친구에게 물은 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun han beon-do chin-gu-e-ge mu-reun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have never asked a friend, not even once. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
Answer
없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] — Negative experience uses 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo].
I. 저는 신발을 신은 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun sin-ba-reul si-neun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have worn shoes before. 👟
Answer
있어요 [i-sseo-yo] — This says the experience exists.
J. 저는 한 번도 선물을 받은 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun han beon-do seon-mu-reul ba-deun jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have never received a gift, not even once. 🎁
Answer
없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] — 한 번도 [han beon-do] needs the negative ending here.
✅
Vocabulary Box
  • 있어요 [i-sseo-yo] → exists / have
  • 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] → does not exist / do not have
  • 한 번도 [han beon-do] → not even once
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 한국 [han-guk] → Korea
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 모자 [mo-ja] → hat
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 친구 [chin-gu] → friend
  • 신발 [sin-bal] → shoes
  • 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
Tip 💡 적이 있어요 [jeo-gi i-sseo-yo] = have done; 적이 없어요 [jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo] = have never done. For “never tried/tasted,” use -아/어 본 적이 없어요 [-a/eo bon jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo].
 

Exercise 4 — Shape-Shift Practice 🔄

A. 듣다 → 저는 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[deut-da → jeo-neun eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have listened to music before. 🎵
Answer
들은 [deu-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 듣다 → 들은 [deut-da → deu-reun].
B. 걷다 → 저는 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[geot-da → jeo-neun gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have walked on a road before. 🛣️
Answer
걸은 [geo-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 걷다 → 걸은 [geot-da → geo-reun].
C. 묻다 → 저는 친구에게 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[mut-da → jeo-neun chin-gu-e-ge ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have asked a friend before. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
Answer
물은 [mu-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 묻다 → 물은 [mut-da → mu-reun].
D. 닫다 → 저는 문을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[dat-da → jeo-neun mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have closed a door before. 🚪
Answer
닫은 [da-deun] — 닫다 [dat-da] is regular, so ㄷ stays.
E. 받다 → 저는 선물을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[bat-da → jeo-neun seon-mu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have received a gift before. 🎁
Answer
받은 [ba-deun] — 받다 [bat-da] is regular, so ㄷ stays.
F. 만들다 → 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[man-deul-da → jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have made cake before. 🍰
Answer
만든 [man-deun] — ㄹ drops before ㄴ: 만들다 → 만든 [man-deul-da → man-deun].
G. 쓰다 → 저는 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[sseu-da → jeo-neun mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have worn a hat before. 🧢
Answer
쓴 [sseun] — 쓰다 → 쓴 적 [sseu-da → sseun jeok].
H. 읽다 → 저는 이 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[ik-da → jeo-neun i chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have read this book before. 📚
Answer
읽은 [il-geun] — 읽다 → 읽은 [ik-da → il-geun].
I. 오다 → 친구가 집에 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[o-da → chin-gu-ga ji-be ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
A friend has come to my house before. 🏠
Answer
온 [on] — 오다 → 온 [o-da → on].
J. 하다 → 저는 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[ha-da → jeo-neun jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have asked a question before. ❓
Answer
한 [han] — 하다 → 한 [ha-da → han].
🔄
Vocabulary Box
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 걷다 [geot-da] → to walk
  • 묻다 [mut-da] → to ask
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
  • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 오다 [o-da] → to come
  • 하다 [ha-da] → to do
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 길 [gil] → road / way
  • 친구 [chin-gu] → friend
  • 문 [mun] → door
  • 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 모자 [mo-ja] → hat
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 집 [jip] → house / home
  • 질문 [jil-mun] → question
Tip 💡 Shape-shifters change before they attach to 적 [jeok].
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 먹다 적이 있어요 → ✅ 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have eaten cake before. 🍰
Answer
먹은 [meo-geun] — Use the modifier form 먹은 [meo-geun], not dictionary form 먹다 [meok-da].
B. ❌ 마시은 적이 있어요 → ✅ 저는 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have drunk tea before. 🍵
Answer
마신 [ma-sin] — Vowel-ending 마시다 [ma-si-da] uses -ㄴ 적 [-n jeok].
C. ❌ 듣은 적이 있어요 → ✅ 저는 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have listened to music before. 🎵
Answer
들은 [deu-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 듣다 → 들은 [deut-da → deu-reun].
D. ❌ 만들은 적이 있어요 → ✅ 저는 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have made cake before. 🍰
Answer
만든 [man-deun] — ㄹ drops before ㄴ: 만들다 → 만든 [man-deul-da → man-deun].
E. ❌ 한 번도 간 적이 있어요 → ✅ 저는 한 번도 한국에 간 적이 ＿＿＿＿.
[jeo-neun han beon-do han-gu-ge gan jeo-gi ＿＿＿＿]
I have never been to Korea, not even once. 🇰🇷
Answer
없어요 [eop-sseo-yo] — 한 번도 [han beon-do] pairs naturally with 없어요 [eop-sseo-yo].
F. 저는 이 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 없어요.
[jeo-neun i chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]
I have never read this book. 📚
Answer
읽은 [il-geun] — 읽다 [ik-da] becomes 읽은 적 [il-geun jeok].
G. 저는 신발을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun sin-ba-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have worn shoes before. 👟
Answer
신은 [si-neun] — 신다 [sin-da] becomes 신은 [si-neun].
H. 저는 선물을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 없어요.
[jeo-neun seon-mu-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi eop-sseo-yo]
I have never received a gift. 🎁
Answer
받은 [ba-deun] — Regular ㄷ stays: 받다 → 받은 [bat-da → ba-deun].
I. 저는 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have walked on a road before. 🛣️
Answer
걸은 [geo-reun] — ㄷ-irregular: 걷다 → 걸은 [geot-da → geo-reun].
J. 저는 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 적이 있어요.
[jeo-neun jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ jeo-gi i-sseo-yo]
I have asked a question before. ❓
Answer
한 [han] — 질문을 하다 [jil-mu-neul ha-da] = to ask a question; 하다 → 한 [ha-da → han].
🛡️
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 신다 [sin-da] → to wear shoes
  • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
  • 걷다 [geot-da] → to walk
  • 하다 [ha-da] → to do
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 한국 [han-guk] → Korea
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 신발 [sin-bal] → shoes
  • 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
  • 길 [gil] → road / way
  • 질문 [jil-mun] → question
  • 한 번도 [han beon-do] → not even once
Tip 💡 The final check: correct verb shape + 적이 있어요/없어요 [jeo-gi i-sseo-yo/eop-sseo-yo].
 
🎉
Great work! You’ve practiced positive experiences, “never” experiences, vowel stems, consonant stems, ㄷ-irregulars, ㄹ-dropping, and pitfall patrol. Your experience grammar now has a passport full of stamps. 🧳✨