-다고

Korean

Alternative forms

• 라고 (-rago) — obligatory directly after the stems of 이다 (-ida), 아니다 (anida)

Etymology

다 (-da) +‎ 고 (-go).

Suffix

다고 • (-dago)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see 다 (-da),‎ 고 (-go).
2. Used for the indirect quotation of sentences in the declarative.

   누구라고 그랬어? ― Nugu-ra-go geuraesseo? ― Who did you say it was?

   어디 있다고? ― Eodi it-da-go? ― They're where? / Where [did you say] they are?

   저녁을 먹겠다고 말했다.

   Jeonyeog-eul meok-get-da-go malhaetda.

   He said that he would have dinner.

   매우 큰 동물이었다고 주장했다.

   Mae'u keun dongmur-ieot-da-go jujanghaetda.

   He claimed that it was a very large animal.

3. In the intimate style, used to express relief that something has not come to pass.

   난 또 누가 다쳤다고.

   Nan tto nuga dacheot-da-go.

   Whew, I thought someone was hurt.

   난 또 쟤가 범인이라고.

   Nan tto jae-ga beomin-i-ra-go.

   Whew, I thought he was the perpetrator.

4. Used to note that someone is using something as a reason or excuse, sometimes with a pejorative nuance.

   공부 잘한다고 다냐?

   Gongbu jalhan-da-go da-nya?

   Are your grades all there is?

   눈이 안 좋다고 책을 못 읽는대.

   Nun-i an jota-go chaeg-eul mot ingneundae.

   She says she can't read because her eyesight is bad.

5. Used to cite proverbs, maxims, and aphorisms.

   마이동풍이라고 […]

   maidongpung-i-ra-go [ … ]

   [as they say], talking to a deaf wall [lit. east wind in the horse's ear] […]

   호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다고 […]

   horang'i-do je mal hamyeon on-da-go [ … ]

   [as they say], speak of the Devil [lit. speak of the tiger and it shall appear] […]