Learn Korean: Verb + 맞아?

Let's take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 맞아(?). We use this when we doubt someone’s previous statement because their current action doesn’t coincide with it. For example, I own a coffee shop and a woman without a resume walks in to apply as a shop assistant. She claims to have worked at a hotel before as a waitress. She begs me to hire her as she in a bad financial state. A little money is enough to help her get by. I give her a chance. During the training, she looks amateur and clueless on what she is doing. She can’t even hold a tray properly and spills water on the table. So I said Are you sure you worked in a hotel? (It doesn’t look like it) The main verb is 호텔에서 근무하다(to work in a hotel). We take the verb stem (근무하) and attach ㄴ 것. If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use 은 것. (ㄴ/은) is a past tense indicator and 것 is often simplified into 거. Then, we add 맞다. The actual sentence is 호텔에서 근무한 거 맞아(요)?

서울대 다니는 거 맞아?

Are you sure he is studying at Seoul University? (he doesn’t seem that smart to me, it doesn't seem he is)

그 영화 본 거 맞아?

Are you sure you have watched that movie? (why don’t you know these details or characters)

이 동네 사는 거 맞아?

Are you sure you live in this neighbourhood/area? (why don’t you know where the bus stop is, it doesn't seem you do)