Learn Korean: 어쩐지 + Verb

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 어쩐지 + Verb. The expression 어쩐지 is similar to the English phrase No wonder. We say it when we feel that something is not surprising because we have noticed that or we have thought about that. For example, there is this guy in the class who acts awkwardly when I am around. He avoids eye contact with me and seems to avoid me. We never had a simple conversation. One day, a friend tells me that he (Minsoo) has feelings for me. I can’t believe my eyes. I thought he hated me or something, but thinking how he acts around me, it gives me a hint that it could be the case. I say No wonder he avoids me. The main verb is 피하다 (to avoid). 어쩐지 comes before it. The actual sentence is 어쩐지 나 피하더라.

어쩐지 표현 이상해.

No wonder his expression is strange. (I figured he has diarrhea)

어쩐지 좀 닮았더라.

No wonder they look the same. (I figured James and Peter are siblings)

어쩐지 냄새 이상해.

No wonder why there’s a strange smell. (I figures there’s a dead cat nearby)