Learn Korean from Your Bias
No.176

Korean expression

있는데

Said by Jimin (BTS)

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What does 있는데 mean?

있는데 means "There is someone nearby." in Korean.

How it works here

있는데 combines 있다 with ‘-는데’, presenting the nearby presence as background information.

Dictionary form

있다

To exist or be located within a place or range.

있다 means “to exist” or “to be located.” 계시다 is the honorific form used for people.

When it's used

Used to check what or who exists nearby in a confined space.

The line

아이 뭐 근처에 누가 있는데? 누구야?

Oh, there’s someone nearby? Who is it?

A surprised check about someone’s presence nearby.

Scene from “Run BTS! 2023 Special Episode - Next Top Genius Part 2” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube

More examples

  1. 집에 아직 밥이 좀 있어.

    There’s still some food at home.

  2. 회의실에 빈 의자가 두 개 있습니다.

    There are two empty chairs in the meeting room.

Quick check

What does this mean here?

있는데

아이 뭐 근처에 누가 있는데? 누구야?

  • To continue owning a thing that belongs to you
  • To exist or be located within a place or range
  • To keep something in mind and not forget it
  • To wait for someone there for a short while
Show the answer

To exist or be located within a place or range

있다 means “to exist” or “to be located.” 계시다 is the honorific form used for people.

Other words in this line

근처
Nearby; vicinity

Same expression in other scenes

  • 있네 — A remark showing surprise at noticing that something exists.

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