Learn Korean: Verb + 얼마 안됐다

Let's take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 얼마 안됐다. We use this to say that it’s not long ago since one thing happened and now another thing is happening which seems too fast or inappropriate. For example, I bought a phone just last week and now it is acting weird. It shuts down on its own and the screen doesn’t respond to touch well. So I say It’s not even a week since I (bought this) / It’s not long ago since I bought this / I just bought this and now… The main verb is 이걸 사다 (to buy this). We take the verb stem (사) and attach ㄴ (산). If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use 은. Then, we add 지 얼마 안됐다. The actual sentence is 이걸 산 지 얼마 안됐어(요). Aside from the plain form, we can attach certain verb endings to express a suitable nuance. To emphasize frustration for instance, I would say 이걸 산 지 얼마 안됐는데(요).

예린이랑 헤어진 지 얼마 안됐잖아.

But you and Yerin just broke up. (and now, you have a new girlfriend like in a matter of three days?)

두 분 결혼한 지 얼마 안됐는데.

They just got married. (and now his husband is involved in a love affair)

한국에 온 지 얼마 안됐는데.

It’s not long since he came to Korea. (and now he decided to go back)