Processing keyword: 아/어/여 지다 [a/eo/yeo jida] (Become)
Korean Grammar Point: 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:
- Take the verb stem of an adjective or verb.
- 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
| Verb/Adjective Stem Ending | Add | Example Verb/Adjective | Combined Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vowel ㅏ or ㅗ | 아지다 | 좋다 (to be good) | 좋아지다 | to become good |
| Other vowels | 어지다 | 재미있다 (to be interesting) | 재미있어지다 | to become interesting |
| 하다 | 여지다 | 조용하다 (to be quiet) | 조용해지다 | to become quiet |
Visual Aid: Vowel Harmony Chart
| Last Vowel in Stem | Ending Added |
|---|---|
| ㅏ, ㅗ | 아지다 |
| Others | 어지다 |
| 하 | 여지다 |
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
- 날씨가 추워졌어요.
- The weather has become cold.
- 한국어 공부가 재미있어졌어요.
- Studying Korean has become interesting.
- 그 사람은 더 친절해졌습니다. (Formal)
- That person has become kinder.
- 기분이 좋아졌어. (Informal)
- I feel better.
- 환경 문제가 심각해졌습니다. (Written)
- Environmental issues have become serious.
- 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
- Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
- Mistake: 좋다 + 어지다 = 좋어지다
- Correction: 좋다 + 아지다 = 좋아지다 Since the last vowel is ㅗ, you should add 아지다, not 어지다.
- 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
- How do you say "It became interesting" in Korean using 아/어/여 지다?
- Which ending do you add to the verb stem 크다 (to be big) to mean "to become big"?
- True or False: 아/어지다 can be used freely with action verbs like 먹다 (to eat).
Answers
- 재미있어졌어요.
- 커지다 (크 + 어지다 = 커지다)
- 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.