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)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 아/어/여 주다 is a fundamental structure in Korean that expresses performing an action for the benefit of someone else. It reflects the courteous and considerate aspects of Korean culture, emphasizing social harmony and respect.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

아/어/여 주다 is used to indicate that the speaker or subject is doing something for someone else. It's akin to saying "do something for someone" in English.

Structure

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb to find the stem.
2. Add the Appropriate Connector:
   • -아 주다: If the verb stem's last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ.
   • -어 주다: If the last vowel is any other vowel.
   • -여 주다: For verbs ending with 하 (usually contracts to -해 주다).

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 주다

Conjugation Examples

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	Ending	Conjugated Form
가다 (to go)	가	아	가 아 주다 → 가 줘요
읽다 (to read)	읽	어	읽 어 주다 → 읽 어 줘요
하다 (to do)	하	여	하 여 주다 → 하 해 줘요

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3. Comparative Analysis

아/어/여 주다 vs. 아/어/여 보다

• 아/어/여 주다: Doing something for someone else's benefit.
  • 제가 문을 열어 줄게요. (I will open the door for you.)
• 아/어/여 보다: Trying or attempting an action.
  • 이 케이크를 먹어 볼래? (Do you want to try eating this cake?) Note: Though both use the 아/어/여 connectors, 주다 implies doing a favor, while 보다 suggests attempting or trying something.

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Spoken

1. 나 좀 도와 줄래? Can you help me?
2. 이거 설명해 줘. Explain this to me.

Formal Spoken/Written

1. 사진을 찍어 주세요. Please take a picture for me.
2. 답장을 보내 드리겠습니다. I will send a reply to you. (Honorific)

Politeness Levels

1. 제가 문을 열어 줄게요. I'll open the door for you. (Casual)
2. 제가 문을 열어 드릴게요. I will open the door for you. (Polite)

Various Contexts

1. 할머니께서 이야기를 해 주셨어요. Grandmother told me a story. (Honorific Subject)
2. 친구가 선물을 사 줬어요. A friend bought me a gift.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Collectivism and Consideration: Korean society values group harmony and consideration for others. Using 아/어/여 주다 reflects willingness to help and strengthens social bonds.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• 주다 vs. 드리다:
  • 주다: Used with peers or those of equal/lower status.
  • 드리다: Honorific form used when addressing someone of higher status or to show respect.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 잘 먹었습니다. 많이 드세요. I ate well. Please eat a lot. (Using 드세요, honorific for "eat")
2. 시간을 내 주셔서 감사합니다. Thank you for giving me your time. (Honorific)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Connector Usage:
  • Incorrect: 먹 아 주다 (from 먹다)
  • Correct: 먹 어 주다
• Neglecting Honorifics: Using 주다 instead of 드리다 when speaking to someone deserving respect can be seen as impolite.

Learning Strategies

• Remembering the Connectors:
  • ㅏ or ㅗ → -아 주다
  • Others → -어 주다
  • 하다 verbs → -해 주다
• Practice with Common Verbs: Regularly conjugate verbs you frequently use to internalize the pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여 주다 expresses doing an action for someone else's benefit.
• Connector used depends on the last vowel of the verb stem.
• Use 드리다 for politeness when appropriate.
• Reflects cultural values of consideration and respect.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Conjugate the verb 주다 (to give) using 아/어/여 주다.
2. What is the difference between "도와 주다" and "도와 드리다"?
3. Translate to Korean: "Please teach me Korean."
4. Identify the mistake: 읽다 conjugated as 읽아 주다.

Answers:

1. 줘 주다 (Though it seems redundant, it emphasizes giving for someone.)
2. "도와 주다" is casual; "도와 드리다" is honorific and more polite.
3. 한국어를 가르쳐 주세요.
4. The correct conjugation is 읽어 주다, not 읽아 주다.

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By understanding and practicing 아/어/여 주다, you'll enhance your ability to express helpfulness and navigate social relationships in Korean with greater proficiency.

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