ETN: Ending_nounal (명사형 전성 어미)

Definition

ETN refers to an ending of a predicate that converts a verb or adjective into a noun phrase.

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Characteristics

• ETN converts predicates into noun-like elements within a sentence, allowing them to take postpositions and function as subjects, objects, or other grammatical components.
• Commonly used ETN endings include ‘-ㅁ/음’ and ‘-기’.
• Examples:
  • 제 실력의 부족함을 알게 되었어요.
  • 시골에서 지내기가 참 좋다.

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Boundary cases and clarifications

Special cases

• Distinction between ETN and XSN (Suffix_noun derivative, 명사 파생 접미사):
  • Some elements, such as ‘-ㅁ/음’ and ‘-기,’ can function as both verbal endings and suffixes, both of which turn verbs into noun-like forms. According to Korean grammar rules, when a verb or adjective has a suffix attached and is listed as a noun in the dictionary, it is parsed as XSN rather than ETN.
  • However, the XSN tag is primarily considered a noun suffix rather than a true derivational morpheme. Therefore, elements that could fall into both categories are generally parsed as ETN.
    • 아침에 달리기(VV+ETN) 운동을 하는 게 좋습니다.
    • 한국어 말하기(NNG+XSV+ETN) 연습을 많이 할 겁니다.

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Examples

• 길거리에서 흡연하는 것은 사람들에게 불편함을 준다.
• 부산에 가기 전에 호텔을 예약할 겁니다.
• 한국 노래를 좋아하기 때문에 한국어를 배워요.
• 방학 때 여행가기 위해서 숙제를 미리 끝낼 것이다.
• 말하기와 듣기 실력이 많이 좋아졌다.