Learn Korean: Verb + 좀/오래 됐다

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 좀/오래 됐다. We use this to express how long it has been since an action started. Instead of a specific time, we use 좀 which means not long ago or 오래 which means a long time ago.

Example #1: I have been a fan of Nogizaka46 not long ago. The main verb is 팬이 되다 (to be a fan). We take the verb stem and attach ㄴ 지 because it ends in a vowel. Then, we add 좀 됐다. The actual sentence is 노기자카46 팬 된 지 좀 됐어(요).

Example #2: I have been eating only fruit since a long time ago. The main verb is 과일만 먹다 (to eat only fruit). We take the verb stem and attach 은 지 because it ends in a consonant. Then, we add 오래 됐다. The actual sentence is 과일만 먹은 지 오래 됐어(요).

 

해체된 지 오래 됐어요.

We disbanded a long time ago.

프랑스에서 돌아온 지 좀 됐어.

I came back from France not long ago.

여자친구 생긴 지 좀 됐어.

I started dating (have a girlfriend) not long ago.