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

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

Grammar Point: 아직 [ajik] (Yet, Still)

1. Introduction

In Korean, "아직" (ajik) is an adverb that means "yet" or "still." It is used to indicate that something has not happened up to the present time or to suggest that a situation continues.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: "아직" is used when something is expected but has not happened yet or to show that a condition still exists.
• Structure:
  • "아직" is placed before a verb or an adjective in a sentence.

Formation Diagram

Subject + 아직 + Verb/Adjective

Example Structures

• Affirmative Sentence:

  • "나는 아직 먹지 않았다."
  • (I have not eaten yet.)

• Negative Sentence:

  • "아직 그러지 않았다."
  • (I still have not done that.)

3. Comparative Analysis

Compare with Similar Grammar Points

• 아직 vs. 벌써 (beolseu):

  • "아직" implies something has NOT happened up to this point, whereas "벌써" indicates that something HAS happened earlier than expected.
  • Example:
    • "나는 아직 숙제를 안 했다." (I haven't done my homework yet.)
    • "그는 벌써 숙제를 했다." (He has already done his homework.)

• 아직 vs. 여전히 (yeojeonhi):

  • "여전히" emphasizes that a situation is unchanged over time, while "아직" highlights that something is not complete or has not occurred yet.
  • Example:
    • "그는 아직 학생이다." (He is still a student.)
    • "그는 여전히 학생이다." (He is still a student. - implies unchanged over time.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • "회의는 아직 시작하지 않았습니다."
   • (The meeting has not started yet.)

2. Informal:

   • "아직 안 가?"
   • (Aren't you going yet?)

3. Written:

   • "그의 건강은 아직 회복되지 않았다."
   • (His health has not recovered yet.)

4. Spoken:

   • "아직도 비가 오고 있어."
   • (It is still raining.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean, using "아직" can reflect politeness and a sense of anticipation. It can be used to show care or concern about someone’s situation.

• Usage often depends on the social context. In formal situations, it is common to elaborate on what is yet to be done.

Idiomatic Expressions

One common expression is:

• "아직 멀었다." (It's still far off/There’s still a long way to go.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Using "아직" for completed actions.
  • Incorrect: "나는 벌써 아직 숙제를 했다." (I already did my homework yet.)
  • Correct: "나는 아직 숙제를 하지 않았다." (I have not done my homework yet.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Remember "아직" as a reminder of uncompleted tasks.
  • "A" for Anticipation (not done yet), "J" for Just waiting to be completed.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "아직" indicates that something has not happened up to the present time or continues to be the case.
• Be mindful of placing "아직" before the verb or adjective.
• Differentiate "아직" from "벌써" and "여전히" to use them correctly.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to Korean: "I still don't understand."
2. Is it correct to say "나는 아직 숙제를 했다."?
3. What does "아직 멀었다" mean in English? Answers:
4. 나는 아직 이해를 못한다.
5. No, it is incorrect. The correct form is "나는 아직 숙제를 안 했다."
6. "It's still far off."