Processing keyword: 아/어/여 가다 [a/eo/yeo gada] (Be going to do)
Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여 가다 [a/eo/yeo gada] (Be going to do)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point 아/어/여 가다, which is used to express the continuation or progression of an action into the future. This construction allows you to describe actions that are ongoing and will continue moving forward.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
아/어/여 가다 is used to indicate that an action is progressing from the present into the future. It emphasizes the continuation or ongoing nature of an action as it moves forward in time.
Structure
The structure of 아/어/여 가다 is formed by attaching -아/어/여 to the verb stem, followed by 가다. Structure Diagram:
[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 + 가다
How to Form
- Identify the Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
- Choose the Appropriate Vowel:
- If the verb stem ends with ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아.
- If the stem ends with any other vowel or consonant, add -어.
- If the verb is 하다, it becomes -여 (often contracted to -해).
- Attach 가다: Add 가다 after the connecting vowel.
Formation Examples
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | Ending Vowel | Connective | Combined Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | ㅏ | 아 | 가아 가다 → 가 가다 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | ㅓ | 어 | 먹어 가다 |
| 보다 (to see) | 보 | ㅗ | 아 | 보아 가다 → 봐 가다 |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 | 하 | 여 (해) | 공부해 가다 |
Visual Aid: Vowel Selection Chart
| Ending Vowel of Verb Stem | Connective to Use |
|---|---|
| ㅏ, ㅗ | 아 |
| Other vowels/consonants | 어 |
| 하 | 여 (해) |
3. Comparative Analysis
아/어/여 가다 vs. 아/어/여 오다
- 아/어/여 가다: Emphasizes an action that will continue from now into the future.
- 아/어/여 오다: Focuses on an action that has been continuing from the past up to now. Example Comparison:
- 날씨가 더워져 가요.
- The weather is getting hotter (and will continue to get hotter).
- 날씨가 더워져 왔어요.
- The weather has been getting hotter (up until now).
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Informal (반말)
- 시간이 흘러 가.
- Time is passing by.
- 친구들과 추억을 만들어 가고 있어.
- I'm creating memories with my friends.
Polite (해요체)
- 아이들이 자라 가요.
- The children are growing up.
- 새로운 기술을 배워 가요.
- I'm learning new technologies.
Formal (합쇼체)
- 문제가 해결되어 갑니다.
- The problem is getting resolved.
- 프로젝트가 순조롭게 진행되어 갑니다.
- The project is proceeding smoothly.
Written (서면)
- 그들의 우정은 깊어져 갔다.
- Their friendship continued to deepen.
- 환경 오염이 심각해져 가는 상황입니다.
- Environmental pollution is becoming more serious.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Continuity and Progression: The use of 아/어/여 가다 reflects the Korean emphasis on processes and the unfolding of events over time.
- Levels of Politeness: It's important to match the verb ending (가요, 갑니다, 가) with the appropriate level of politeness based on the social context.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 사라져 가다: To be fading away.
- 옛 추억이 사라져 가요.
- Old memories are fading away.
- 옛 추억이 사라져 가요.
- 늘어만 가다: To be increasing continuously.
- 할 일만 늘어만 가네요.
- The amount of work just keeps increasing.
- 할 일만 늘어만 가네요.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Vowel Selection
- Mistake: 먹아 가다 (Incorrect usage of -아)
- Correction: 먹어 가다 (Use -어 because the stem ends with ㅓ)
- Confusion with Future Tense
- Mistake: Using 아/어/여 가다 to simply indicate future actions.
- Correction: Use -을 거예요 for future tense; 아/어/여 가다 emphasizes ongoing progression.
Learning Strategies
Mnemonic Device for Vowel Selection:
- ㅏ/ㅗ are bright vowels: "Ah! Oh!" → Use -아.
- Others are dark vowels → Use -어.
Visualize the Action: Imagine the action moving forward, just as 가다 means "to go."
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 아/어/여 가다 expresses actions continuing into the future.
- Formed by attaching -아/어/여 to the verb stem, followed by 가다.
- Choose the correct connective vowel based on the verb stem's ending vowel.
- Be mindful of politeness levels in different social contexts.
Quick Recap Quiz
- **Form the expression using 걷다 (to walk):
- Answer: 걸어 가다
- **What does 배워 가다 mean in the sentence 새로운 것을 배워 가요?
- Answer: "I'm learning new things (and will continue to learn)."
- Correct the mistake: 공부하아 가다
- Answer: 공부해 가다 (Because 하다 verbs use -여, which becomes -해)
By mastering 아/어/여 가다, you'll enhance your ability to express ongoing actions and speak more naturally in Korean. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences using this grammar point!