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)

아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (To do something 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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.