Processing keyword: 아직 [ajik] (Yet, still)

Korean Grammar Point: 아직 [ajik] (Yet, still)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the adverb 아직 (ajik) is widely used to express the meanings of "yet" and "still". It conveys that an action or state is continuing or has not occurred up to a certain point in time. Mastering 아직 is essential for anyone looking to enhance their understanding and fluency in Korean, particularly when discussing timing and the progression of events.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

아직 can be translated as:

• "Still": When an action or state is ongoing.
• "Yet": When an action or state has not happened until now.

Structure

아직 is an adverb and is placed before the verb or adjective it modifies.

Formation:

[Subject +] 아직 + Verb/Adjective

• In Affirmative Sentences: Indicates that an action or state is still happening.
• In Negative Sentences: Indicates that an action or state has not yet occurred.

Formation Diagram

[Subject +] 아직 + Verb/Adjective
                 │
                 └─ Indicates "still" or "yet"

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3. Comparative Analysis

아직 vs. 아직도

• 아직 (ajik): Neutral emphasis on "still" or "yet".
• 아직도 (ajikdo): Adds emphasis, sometimes expressing surprise, frustration, or impatience. Example:
• 아직 집에 있어요.
  I'm still at home.
• 아직도 집에 있어요?
  You're still at home? (Implying surprise or impatience)

아직 vs. 벌써 (Already)

• 아직: Emphasizes that something has not yet happened or is still happening.
• 벌써 (beolsseo): Indicates that something has already happened, often earlier than expected. Example:
• 그는 아직 안 왔어요.
  He hasn't come yet.
• 그는 벌써 왔어요.
  He already came.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

• 회의가 아직 진행 중입니다.
  The meeting is still in progress.
• 저는 아직 결정하지 못했습니다.
  I have not decided yet.

Informal Speech

• 아직 안 먹었어요.
  I haven't eaten yet.
• 너 아직도 자니?
  Are you still sleeping?

Written Context

• 그 문제는 아직 해결되지 않았다.
  That problem has not been solved yet.

Spoken Context

• A: 영화 봤어?
  Have you seen the movie?
• B: 아니, 아직 못 봤어.
  No, I haven't seen it yet.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: Adjust the verb endings following 아직 to match the appropriate level of formality.
  • Formal: 아직 모르겠습니다. (I don't know yet.)
  • Informal: 아직 몰라. (I don't know yet.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 아직 멀었어요.
  Literally "It's still far", but means "Not even close" or "Long way to go". Example:
  • 시험 준비 다 됐어?
    Are you all prepared for the exam?
  • 아니, 아직 멀었어.
    No, not even close.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using 긍정문 (Affirmative Sentences) Incorrectly
  • Incorrect: 아직 일이 끝났어요.
    (The work has still finished.) ❌
  • Correct: 아직 일이 안 끝났어요.
    The work hasn't finished yet. ✔️ Tip: When using 아직 to mean "not yet", ensure that the verb is in the negative form.
• Misplacing 아직 in the Sentence
  • Incorrect: 저는 먹었어요 아직.
    (I ate still.) ❌
  • Correct: 저는 아직 먹었어요.
    I still ate. (Possible but uncommon) ✔️
  • More natural: 저는 아직 안 먹었어요.
    I haven’t eaten yet. ✔️ Tip: Place 아직 directly before the verb or adjective it modifies for clarity.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate 아직 with "Ah, it's ticking" to remember time is still moving, and the action is ongoing or pending.
• Practice: Create your own sentences using 아직 in both affirmative and negative forms to internalize its usage.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아직 is an adverb meaning "still" or "yet", indicating ongoing actions or states that have not occurred up to now.
• Use 아직 with affirmative verbs for "still" and with negative verbs for "not yet".
• Be attentive to verb forms and sentence placement to convey the correct meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to Korean using 아직:
   She still loves him.
   Answer: 그녀는 아직 그를 사랑해요.
2. Identify the Error:
   Sentence: 그는 아직 왔어요.
   Question: What's wrong with this sentence?
   Answer: The sentence should be negative to express "He hasn't come yet." Correct sentence: 그는 아직 안 왔어요.
3. Fill in the Blank:
   I haven't finished my homework yet.
   저는 _____ 숙제를 끝내지 못했어요.
   Answer: 아직

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By understanding and practicing 아직, you enhance your ability to express time-related nuances in Korean, making your speech and comprehension more natural and accurate.

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