Level 4

들

deul

And so on and so forth, etcaetera

TOPIK 4

Usage of '들' as a plural marker and enumeration

The Korean suffix '들' is primarily used to indicate the plural form of nouns, especially when referring to people or animate objects. However, in some contexts, it can also imply a list or enumeration similar to 'and so on' or 'etcetera'.

Common contexts

  • When attached to nouns like 친구들 (friends), 가족들 (family members), or 선생님들 (teachers), it clearly marks plural.
  • It can be used to imply a group or collection of items or people without listing every single one explicitly.

Collocations and patterns

  • Noun + 들: to form plurals (친구들, 책들)
  • Lists with 들: to imply 'and others' or 'and so forth' when enumerating items or people

Register and usage notes

'들' is neutral in formality and commonly used in both spoken and written Korean. It is not used with inanimate objects as often unless implying a collection or group.

Common learner mistake

Learners sometimes overuse '들' with uncountable nouns or abstract concepts where pluralization is unnatural. Also, '들' does not mean 'etc.' by itself; it must be used with nouns to imply plurality or a group.

Example Sentences

책, 공책, 연필들 모두 책상 위에 있어요.

Chaek, gongchaek, yeonpildeul modu chaeksang wie isseoyo.

Books, notebooks, pencils, and so on are all on the desk.

친구들, 가족들, 선생님들 모두 모여서 축하했어요.

Chingudeul, gajokdeul, seonsaengnimdeul modu moyeoseo chukhahaesseoyo.

Friends, family, teachers, and so on all gathered to celebrate.

사과, 배, 복숭아들 중에서 어떤 과일을 좋아하세요?

Sagwa, bae, boksungadeul jungeseo eotteon gwireul joahaseyo?

Among apples, pears, peaches, and so on, which fruit do you like?