Processing keyword: 아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (To do for someone)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (To do for someone)

TOPIK Grammar Point: 아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (To do for someone)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point 아/어/여 주다 is used to express the action of doing something for someone else. This form highlights the speaker's intention to provide help, service, or a favor to the listener or someone else.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of this grammar point is based on the verb stem followed by the suffix 주다, which means "to give." The prefix (아/어/여) modifies the verb stem, depending on the vowel harmony:

• 아주다 (a juda) is used if the preceding vowel is either ㅏ (a) or ㅗ (o).
• 어주다 (eo juda) is used if the preceding vowel is one of ㅓ (eo), ㅗ (o) but it’s not followed by a vowel that requires the use of '아'.
• 여주다 (yeo juda) is used with the verb 하다 (to do), which changes to 해 (hae) + 주다 → 해주다 (hae juda).

Structure Formation Diagram

 Verb Stem + (아/어/여) + 주다

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

• 아/어/여 주다 vs. 아/어/여 가다: While both forms indicate an action, 아/어/여 주다 implies performing a favor for someone, whereas 아/어/여 가다 indicates simply going somewhere without the service aspect.

• 아/어 주다 vs. 주다: Just using 주다 alone suggests giving, without the connotation of performing an activity for someone.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 부탁한 숙제를 해 주셔서 감사합니다.
   • (Thank you for doing the homework I asked for.)

2. Informal:

   • 나 대신 가줘.
   • (Go for me.)

3. Written:

   • 요리를 해주시면 감사하겠습니다.
   • (I would appreciate it if you could cook for me.)

4. Spoken:

   • 그거 좀 빌려줘.
   • (Do me a favor and lend me that.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, performing favors for others is an important aspect of social interactions. Using 아/어/여 주다 properly indicates not only the action but also a sense of care and consideration for the other person's needs.

Levels of Politeness

The level of politeness can be adjusted based on the context:

• Adding honorifics or formal endings to the verbs when addressing elders or superiors.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 도와주다 (do wa juda): To help (for someone).
• 사주다 (sa juda): To buy for someone.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mixing Up the Vowel Endings: Often learners mistakenly apply the wrong vowel prefix based on verb forms, leading to errors like 읽여 주다 instead of 읽어 주다 (to read for someone).

Learning Strategies

A mnemonic to remember the vowel harmonies can be:

• "아 is for 'a' and 'o' friends, while 어 is for everyone else."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: 아/어/여 주다 is used to indicate an action done for someone.
• Structure: Based on verb stems, with vowel harmony applying.
• Cultural Context: Reflects social norms of helping and kindness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 아/어/여 주다 express?
2. Which form would you use for 먹다?
3. Create a sentence using 해 주다.

This concludes our lesson on the 아/어/여 주다 grammar point. Practice using this structure to enhance your Korean communication!