Processing keyword: 아/어/여 지다 [a/eo/yeo jida] (Become)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여 지다 [a/eo/yeo jida] (Become)

아/어/여 지다 [a/eo/yeo jida] (Become)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing changes in states or conditions is essential for describing transformations or developments over time. The grammar point 아/어/여 지다 attaches to verbs and adjectives to indicate "to become" or "to get" a certain way. Understanding this structure enhances your ability to describe dynamic situations and changes.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression 아/어/여 지다 is used to indicate that something becomes or gets into a certain state or condition over time. It's often translated as "to become [adjective]" or "to get [adjective]" in English.

Structure

To form this expression:

1. Take the verb stem of an adjective or verb.
2. Add:
   • 아지다 if the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ.
   • 어지다 if the last vowel is anything else.
   • 여지다 if the verb stem ends with 하.

Formation Diagram

[Adjective/Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 지다

Detailed Formation

Visual Aid: Vowel Harmony Chart

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing 아/어지다 and 게 되다

Both 아/어지다 and 게 되다 can express changes or developments, but there are nuances:

• 아/어지다: Often used with adjectives to indicate a change in state.
  • Example: 날씨가 따뜻해졌어요. (The weather became warm.)
• 게 되다: Often used with verbs to indicate a change in circumstances leading to an action.
  • Example: 한국에 가게 됐어요. (I ended up going to Korea.)

Key Differences

• 아/어지다 is generally for adjectives (descriptive verbs).
• 게 되다 is generally for action verbs.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 날씨가 추워졌어요.
   • The weather has become cold.
2. 한국어 공부가 재미있어졌어요.
   • Studying Korean has become interesting.
3. 그 사람은 더 친절해졌습니다. (Formal)
   • That person has become kinder.
4. 기분이 좋아졌어. (Informal)
   • I feel better.
5. 환경 문제가 심각해졌습니다. (Written)
   • Environmental issues have become serious.
6. 머리가 길어졌어요.
   • My hair has grown longer.

Context Variations

• Formal Speech: -아/어졌습니다
  • 상황이 나빠졌습니다. (The situation has worsened.)
• Informal Speech: -아/어졌어요
  • 길이 미끄러워졌어요. (The road has become slippery.)
• Casual Speech: -아/어졌어
  • 네 글씨가 예뻐졌어. (Your handwriting has become pretty.)

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

Understanding the appropriate level of formality is crucial in Korean culture. The use of 아/어/여 지다 itself doesn't change politeness, but the ending attached after 지다 does.

• -았/었다: Plain past tense (casual)
• -았/었어요: Polite past tense (common in daily conversation)
• -았/었습니다: Formal past tense (used in formal settings)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 맛있어지다: To become delicious
  • 요리를 하니까 음식이 맛있어졌어요. (After cooking, the food became delicious.)
• 싸여지다: To become cheap (Commonly used as 싸지다)
  • 가격이 많이 싸졌어요. (The price has become much cheaper.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
   • Mistake: 좋다 + 어지다 = 좋어지다
   • Correction: 좋다 + 아지다 = 좋아지다 Since the last vowel is ㅗ, you should add 아지다, not 어지다.
2. Using with Action Verbs Incorrectly
   • Mistake: 먹다 + 어지다 = 먹어지다
   • Correction: Use passive form or different structure. 아/어지다 is typically used with adjectives, not action verbs like 먹다 (to eat).

Tips

• Mnemonic for Vowel Harmony: "Bright vowels (ㅏ, ㅗ) brighten up with 아지다."
• Remember: If in doubt, check if the verb is descriptive (adjective) to use 아/어지다.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여 지다 is used to express becoming or changing into a state.
• Attach 아지다 or 어지다 based on the last vowel of the verb/adjective stem.
• Commonly used with adjectives (descriptive verbs).
• Politeness is adjusted with the sentence ending, not the 지다 part.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "It became interesting" in Korean using 아/어/여 지다?
2. Which ending do you add to the verb stem 크다 (to be big) to mean "to become big"?
3. True or False: 아/어지다 can be used freely with action verbs like 먹다 (to eat).

Answers

1. 재미있어졌어요.
2. 커지다 (크 + 어지다 = 커지다)
3. False. 아/어지다 is generally used with adjectives, not action verbs.

By mastering 아/어/여 지다, you'll enhance your ability to describe changes and developments in Korean, making your expressions more natural and nuanced.