Processing keyword: 아/어/여 버리다 [a/eo/yeo beorida] (Completely, regretfully)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여 버리다 [a/eo/yeo beorida] (Completely, regretfully)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the auxiliary verb 아/어/여 버리다 is used to express the completion of an action with an emotional nuance. This grammar point often conveys feelings such as relief, regret, disappointment, or surprise about the action being completed.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The construction 아/어/여 버리다 attaches to the verb stem to indicate that an action has been completed entirely, sometimes with an emotional overtone. The emotion conveyed depends on the context and intonation, ranging from relief to regret.

• Positive context: Expressing relief or satisfaction that something is finished.
• Negative context: Expressing regret, frustration, or disappointment that something has happened.

Structure

Formation

1. Identify the verb stem by removing 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Add one of the connectors 아, 어, or 여 to the verb stem, depending on the vowel harmony.
3. Attach 버리다 to complete the construction.

Vowel Harmony Rules

Verb Stem Ending Vowel	Connector to Use
ㅏ or ㅗ	-아 버리다
Any other vowel	-어 버리다
하	-여 버리다
Note: -여 버리다 is often contracted to -해 버리다.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 + 버리다

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with -고 말다

• -고 말다: Also indicates the completion of an action, often unintended or regrettable.
• Difference: -고 말다 emphasizes that the action was completed despite attempts to avoid it, whereas 아/어/여 버리다 focuses on the emotional reaction to the action's completion.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Regretful Completion

• Korean: 그만 돈을 다 써 버렸어요.
• Romanization: Geuman doneul da sseo beoryeosseoyo.
• Translation: Unfortunately, I ended up spending all the money.

2. Relief After Completion

• Korean: 숙제를 끝내 버려서 이제 쉴 수 있어요.
• Romanization: Sukjereul kkeutnae beoryeoseo ije swil su isseoyo.
• Translation: I finished the homework completely, so now I can rest.

3. Accidental Action

• Korean: 친구의 비밀을 말해 버렸어요.
• Romanization: Chinguui bimireul malhae beoryeosseoyo.
• Translation: I (regretfully) blurted out my friend's secret.

4. Formal Context

• Korean: 회의 자료를 준비해 버렸습니다.
• Romanization: Hoeui jaryoreul junbihae beoryeotseumnida.
• Translation: I have completed preparing the meeting materials.

5. Informal Speech

• Korean: 벌써 밥 먹어 버렸어?
• Romanization: Beolsseo bap meogeo beoryeosseo?
• Translation: You already ate without me?

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean, expressing emotions subtly through grammatical structures is common. The use of 아/어/여 버리다 allows speakers to convey their feelings about an action without explicitly stating them, aligning with the cultural norm of indirect expression.

Politeness Levels

The grammar point can be used across different levels of speech, but the conjugation of 버리다 should match the appropriate politeness level.

• Formal polite: 버립니다
• Informal polite: 버려요
• Casual: 버려

Idiomatic Expressions

• 끝나버리다: To come to an end completely
  • Korean: 공연이 끝나 버렸어요.
  • Translation: The performance has completely ended.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Connector Usage
   • Mistake: 먹다 → 먹아 버리다 ❌
   • Correction: 먹다 → 먹어 버리다 ✅ Explanation: 먹다 has the vowel ㅓ, so it takes -어 버리다.
2. Ignoring Contraction with 하다 Verbs
   • Mistake: 공부해여 버리다 ❌
   • Correction: 공부해 버리다 ✅ Explanation: 하다 verbs contract -하여 to -해.

Tips to Remember

• Mnemonic for Vowel Harmony: "Bright vowels (ㅏ, ㅗ) get 아, the rest get 어."
• Emotional Context Matters: Remember that 아/어/여 버리다 carries emotion; think about how you feel about the action when using it.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여 버리다 is used to express the complete termination of an action with an emotional nuance.
• The connector 아, 어, or 여 is added based on the verb stem's last vowel.
• The emotion conveyed can be regret, relief, disappointment, or satisfaction, depending on context.
• It's important to choose the correct level of politeness when conjugating 버리다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank:
   • 저는 케이크를 다 ______ 버렸어요. (먹다)
2. Choose the correct form:
   • 맞다 → 맞___ 버리다
     • a) 아
     • b) 어
3. True or False:
   • 아/어/여 버리다 can only be used in negative contexts expressing regret.

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Answers

1. 저는 케이크를 다 먹어 버렸어요.
2. a) 맞아 버리다
3. False. It can express various emotions, including relief and satisfaction.

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Try creating your own sentences using 아/어/여 버리다 to express a completed action with emotion.

Happy studying! 화이팅!

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