What is the Suffix -들 (-deul)?
In Korean, the suffix -들 (-deul) is used to indicate plurality, much like adding “-s” or “-es” to nouns in English. However, unlike English, Korean does not always require a plural marker for nouns in a sentence. Instead, -deul is used when you want to emphasize that you are talking about more than one person, animal, or thing.
When to Use -들 (-deul)
-deul is most commonly attached to nouns that refer to people or animate beings. For example:
- 학생 (haksaeng) – student
- 학생들 (haksaengdeul) – students
- 친구 (chingu) – friend
- 친구들 (chingudeul) – friends
While it can be used for inanimate objects, it is much less common and may sound unnatural in some contexts. Instead, plurality for objects is usually understood from context or clarified with quantity words like numbers or counters.
How to Attach -들 (-deul) to Nouns
Attaching -deul is straightforward: simply add 들 (-deul) to the end of the noun. There are no changes to the root noun, regardless of whether it ends in a consonant or a vowel. Here are some examples:
- 사람 (saram) – person
- 사람들 (saramdeul) – people
- 아이 (ai) – child
- 아이들 (aideul) – children
Special Notes:
- If the noun already implies a group, such as 가족 (gajok, “family”), adding -deul is usually unnecessary.
- For certain collective nouns or when using numbers and counters, -deul is often omitted.
Plurality in Context: When -들 is Optional
One of the unique aspects of Korean is that plurals are often context-dependent. In many sentences, the plural meaning is clear without -deul. For instance:
- 책이 있어요. (Chaegi isseoyo.) – There are books. (No -deul, but the context implies more than one book.)
- 세 명의 학생이 있어요. (Se myeong-ui haksaengi isseoyo.) – There are three students. (Again, no -deul needed because the number indicates plurality.)
Use -deul when you want to clarify or emphasize that you are talking about more than one person or thing, or when the context does not make it clear.
Using -들 with Pronouns
Another common use of -deul is with personal pronouns to form their plural equivalents. This is especially important in conversation. For example:
- 나 (na) – I
- 나들 (nadeul) – (not standard; instead use 우리 for “we”)
- 너 (neo) – you (singular)
- 너희들 (neohuideul) – you (plural)
- 그 (geu) – he/him
- 그들 (geudeul) – they/them
Note that for “we,” Korean typically uses 우리 (uri) instead of 나들 (nadeul), so some pronouns have unique plural forms.
Practical Tips for Using -들 (-deul) Correctly
- Use -deul with animate nouns (people, animals) when you need to specify plurality.
- Rely on context, numbers, and counters for inanimate objects, rather than using -deul.
- Be cautious about overusing -deul. In many cases, it is not necessary and may sound unnatural.
- Pay attention to how native speakers use -deul in everyday conversations and written texts.
Practice Makes Perfect!
As with any aspect of language learning, practice is key. The best way to get comfortable with using -deul is to read, listen, and interact with authentic Korean materials. On the Talkpal AI language learning blog, you’ll find plenty of examples and exercises to help reinforce your understanding of Korean plurals and other grammar points.
Conclusion
The suffix -들 (-deul) is a useful tool for indicating plural forms in Korean, especially with animate nouns and pronouns. Remember, though, that Korean often relies on context rather than explicit markers for plurality. With practice and exposure, you’ll soon master when and how to use -deul naturally in your conversations. Happy learning from all of us at Talkpal!
