Pretending to: -는/ㄴ/은 척하다

This grammar pattern works by attaching a descriptive ending to a verb or adjective. This ending then connects to the word 척, which means 'pretense' or 'act'. Finally, you add the verb 하다 (to do). Together, they literally mean 'to do the act of [something]'. It is like a grammar sandwich. The first slice is your action or state. The middle is the 'act'. The last slice is the 'doing'. Because it uses 하다, you can conjugate the very end into any tense or politeness level. You can say you 'pretended' (past), are 'pretending' (present), or 'will pretend' (future). It is flexible and fits into almost any sentence structure. Just remember that the part before 척 must match the tense and word type. It is like choosing the right outfit for your performance.

1. 1For present tense action verbs: Take the verb stem and add -는. Then add 척하다. For example, 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹는 척하다 (pretending to eat). This is for things happening right now.
2. 2For past tense action verbs: Take the verb stem and add -ㄴ if it ends in a vowel, or -은 if it ends in a consonant. Example: 가다 (to go) becomes 간 척하다 (pretended to go). Use this for actions already finished.
3. 3For adjectives: Add -ㄴ (vowel) or -은 (consonant) to the stem. Example: 예쁘다 (to be pretty) becomes 예쁜 척하다 (pretending to be pretty). This describes a state or quality.
4. 4For nouns: Use the form 인 척하다. Example: 학생 (student) becomes 학생인 척하다 (pretending to be a student). This is great for identity-based acting.
5. 5For the verb 알다 (to know): It becomes 아는 척하다. For 모르다 (to not know), it becomes 모르는 척하다. These are two of the most common phrases you will ever hear!

Use this pattern in social scenarios where you want to hide your true feelings. Imagine you are at a fancy dinner and the food is terrible. You might 맛있는 척하다 (pretend it is delicious) to be polite. Or maybe you are in a job interview and you are terrified. You should 자신 있는 척하다 (pretend to be confident). It is also useful for avoiding people. If you see someone you owe money to, you might 바쁜 척하다 (pretend to be busy). It is also great for humor. You can tease a friend for 잘생긴 척하다 (pretending to be handsome). Basically, if there is a gap between reality and the 'show' you are putting on, this is your go-to grammar.

Do not use this for things that are actually true. If you are actually sleeping, just say 자고 있어요. If you say 자는 척해요, people will think you are faking it! Also, avoid using it for serious, malicious lies in formal settings like a court of law. It is more for social behavior and acting rather than 'deceiving' in a heavy way. Don't use it with verbs that don't involve a visible action or state. For instance, 'pretending to exist' sounds more like a philosophy lecture than a normal conversation. Keep it to things people can actually observe you doing or being.

The most common mistake is mixing up -는 and -ㄴ/은. Remember: -는 is for present actions, while -ㄴ/은 is for adjectives and past actions. If you say 예쁜는 척하다, it sounds like a grammar glitch! Another mistake is the spacing. It is 척 (space) 하다. They are two separate words. Also, watch out for the ㄹ irregulars. For 알다, the ㄹ drops away to become 아는 척하다. Don't say 알는 척하다 unless you want to sound like a grammar robot. Finally, don't confuse this with -는 것 같다. That means 'it seems like'. 척하다 is about intentional acting, not just an appearance.

You will often see -는 체하다. Here is a secret: they are basically twins. They mean the exact same thing! However, 척하다 is the popular one. It is used in 90% of conversations. 체하다 is like the fancy tuxedo you only wear to weddings. You will see 체하다 in literature, news, or very formal speeches. If you use 체하다 at a cafe with friends, they might think you are reading from a textbook. Also, be careful! 체하다 also means 'to have indigestion'. If you say 식사 후에 체했어요, it means you have a stomachache, not that you pretended to eat! Stick to 척하다 for daily life to stay safe and sound natural.