Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 는 사이. We use this to express what relationship we have with someone (including the person we are talking to) or to what extent we get along. The “는” emphasizes the current relationship. The verb may be something we do together such sleeping together, eating together, or using the same toothbrush. How intimate! If someone wonders why I am so close with someone, I would say We share a room together (that’s the extent of our relationship). The main verb is *to use the same room. In Korean, it is 같은 방을 쓰다. We take the verb stem (쓰) and attach 는 사이. Then we attach 이다 (be verb) at the end. The actual sentence is 같은 방을 쓰는 사이야/사이예요. If my girlfriend misunderstands my closeness to a co-major, I would clear it up and say We go to the same school (that’s the extent of our relationship). The main verb is *to go to the same school. In Korean, it is 같은 대학교 (college) 다니다. We take the verb stem (다니) and attach 는 사이. Then we attach 이다 (be verb) at the end. The actual sentence is 같은 대학교 다니는 사이야/사이예요.
둘이 사랑하는 사이야.
They are lovers.
우리 그냥 같이 먹는 사이야.
We just eat together. That’s it.
누나가 남자친구 있는지 없는지 아는 사이예요.
I know whether she (noona) has a boyfriend or not. That’s how close we are.
