Classical Question: -ㄴ가/은가/는가 (Literary Question)

This grammar pattern turns a statement into a question. However, it is not a "hey, tell me the answer now" kind of question. It is often a question you ask yourself. It can also be used to ask someone else in a very formal or written way. In modern Korean, we usually add 요 to the end (-ㄴ가요) to be polite. But the version we are looking at today—without the 요—is the pure, literary form. It attaches to the stem of verbs and adjectives. The trick is knowing which ending to pick. Adjectives like it one way, and verbs like it another. It is like a grammar traffic light; you have to stop and look at what kind of word you are using before you proceed. Once you get the rhythm, it feels very natural. You’ll start noticing it in song lyrics and movie posters everywhere. It’s like discovering a secret code that was hiding in plain sight!

1. 1Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of building these questions.
2. 2For Adjectives (Descriptive Verbs):
3. 3If the stem ends in a vowel, add -ㄴ가.
4. 4Example: 크다 (to be big) becomes 큰가.
5. 5If the stem ends in a consonant, add -은가.
6. 6Example: 작다 (to be small) becomes 작은가.
7. 7For Verbs (Action Verbs):
8. 8Regardless of a vowel or consonant, just add -는가.
9. 9Example: 하다 (to do) becomes 하는가.
10. 10Example: 먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹는가.
11. 11For Nouns:
12. 12Add -(이)ㄴ가.
13. 13Example: 학생 (student) becomes 학생인가.
14. 14Example: 의사 (doctor) becomes 의사인가.
15. 15For Past Tense:
16. 16First, conjugate the word to the past tense (-았/었).
17. 17Then, always add -는가.
18. 18Example: 갔다 (went) becomes 갔는가.
19. 19Example: 좋았다 (was good) becomes 좋았는가.
20. 20It is like building a Lego set. Just follow the pieces and you are good to go! Just remember that verbs are generally more "active" and like the -는가 ending, while adjectives prefer the simpler -ㄴ가/은가 style. Even native speakers sometimes mix these up when they are in a hurry, so don't sweat it too much!

So, where do you actually use this? Imagine you are writing a diary entry. You are reflecting on your day. You ask yourself, "Was I happy today?" You would use 나는 오늘 행복했는가?. It sounds much deeper than a standard question.

Another scenario is formal writing. If you are writing an essay for a Korean proficiency test, this ending shows you have a high level of literary skill. It’s also used in journalism. A news headline might ask, "Is the economy improving?" using 경제가 회복되는가?.

Lastly, it appears in old-style speech. Grandparents in dramas or kings in historical movies love this ending. It gives an air of authority and wisdom. If you want to ask a profound question during a debate, this is your go-to tool. It’s the difference between asking "Where is the bathroom?" and asking "Where does the path of life lead?". Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but you get the idea!

Timing is everything in Korean. Do not use this when ordering a burger at a fast-food joint. If you ask the cashier 햄버거가 맛있는가? (Is the hamburger delicious?), they might look at you like you’ve just stepped out of a time machine. It’s too heavy for casual settings.

Avoid using it with friends unless you are being funny. Using it in a casual chat makes you sound like a narrator from a 1950s documentary. Also, be careful with the politeness level. Since this ending lacks the polite 요, it can sound a bit cold or authoritative if used toward a superior. It is best kept for writing, self-reflection, or very specific formal rhetorical questions. Think of it like wearing a tuxedo. It looks great at a gala, but it’s a bit much for a trip to the grocery store. Keep it in your "special occasion" grammar drawer!

One of the biggest blunders is using -는가 for adjectives in the present tense. People often say 예쁜는가 instead of 예쁜가. Remember: Adjectives get the short version (-ㄴ가), and Verbs get the long version (-는가). It’s a classic trap!

Another mistake is forgetting the past tense rules. For past tense, everything—both verbs and adjectives—uses -는가. Don't try to use -은가 with past tense stems. For example, 좋았는가 is correct, but 좋았은가 is a big no-no.

Also, watch out for the ㄹ irregulars. For words like 살다 (to live), the ㄹ drops away when it meets the ㄴ of -는가. So it becomes 사는가, not 살는가. It’s like the ㄹ is shy and hides when -는가 shows up. Keep an eye on those tricky irregulars!

You might be thinking, "How is this different from -나요??". Great question! -나요? is the polite, conversational cousin of -ㄴ가. You use -나요? when talking to people in daily life. It sounds soft and kind. In contrast, -ㄴ가 sounds serious and objective.

What about -습니까?? That is the standard formal question ending. You use it in interviews or military settings. It expects a direct answer. -ㄴ가, however, is more about "wondering." It’s a rhetorical vibe. While -습니까? is a firm handshake, -ㄴ가 is more like a thoughtful chin-rub while looking at a sunset.

There is also -니?, which is used with close friends or children. -니? is very casual and cute. -ㄴ가 is the opposite—it is mature and heavy. Choosing between them is all about the vibe you want to set. Are you a curious friend (-니?) or a philosophical poet (-ㄴ가) today?