Processing keyword: ~케 되다 [ke dweda] (Become)
Korean Grammar Point: ~케 되다 [ke dweda] (Become)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we will explore the Korean grammar point ~게 되다 [ge dweda], which translates to "to become," "to come to (do something)," or "to end up (doing something)." This expression is commonly used to indicate a change of state or situation, often implying that the change occurred naturally or without the subject's intention.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
~게 되다 is used to express that something has happened or will happen unintentionally or inevitably. It implies that the subject didn't actively decide to do the action, but circumstances led to it.
- Meaning: To come to do something; to end up doing something; to become.
- Usage: Indicates a change in state or condition, often due to external factors.
Structure
To form this grammar point, attach 게 되다 to the stem of an action verb.
[Verb Stem] + 게 되다
- Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
- 게 되다: Added to express the involuntary or inevitable action.
Formation Diagram
[Action Verb Stem] + 게 되다
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 게 되다 → 먹게 되다 (to end up eating)
- 알다 (to know) → 알 + 게 되다 → 알게 되다 (to come to know)
Visual Aids
| Step | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take the verb stem (remove 다) | 하다 → 하 |
| 2 | Add 게 되다 | 하 + 게 되다 |
| 3 | Conjugate 되다 as needed | 하게 됩니다 (formal) |
| 하게 돼요 (polite) | ||
| 하게 됐어요 (past tense) |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
~게 하다 vs. ~게 되다
- ~게 하다: Means "to make someone do something" (causative form).
- 엄마가 나를 공부하게 했어요. (Mom made me study.)
- ~게 되다: Means "to come to do something" (change that happens naturally or unintentionally).
- 열심히 공부하게 되었어요. (I came to study hard.)
~도록 하다 vs. ~게 되다
- ~도록 하다: Used to suggest or instruct someone to do something.
- 내일 일찍 오도록 하세요. (Please come early tomorrow.)
- ~게 되다: Indicates an unplanned change or outcome.
- 회사에서 일찍 출근하게 되었어요. (I ended up going to work early.)
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Example 1: Polite Formal Speech
- Korean: 한국에서 일하게 되었습니다.
- Romanization: Hangugeseo ilhage doeeotseumnida.
- Translation: I have come to work in Korea.
Example 2: Polite Informal Speech
- Korean: 그 영화를 좋아하게 됐어요.
- Romanization: Geu yeonghwareul joahage dwaesseoyo.
- Translation: I ended up liking that movie.
Example 3: Casual Speech
- Korean: 결국 그 사람을 믿게 됐어.
- Romanization: Gyeolguk geu sarameul mitge dwaesseo.
- Translation: I ended up trusting that person.
Example 4: Future Tense
- Korean: 곧 알게 될 거예요.
- Romanization: Got alge dwel geoyeyo.
- Translation: You will come to know soon.
Example 5: Negative Form
- Korean: 다시는 만나게 되지 않을 거예요.
- Romanization: Dasineun mannage dwiji anheul geoyeyo.
- Translation: I will not end up meeting (him/her) again.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Modesty in Speech: In Korean culture, humility is valued. Using ~게 되다 allows speakers to express achievements modestly, implying that the outcome was due to circumstances rather than solely personal effort.
- 좋은 대학에 입학하게 되었어요. (I happened to get into a good university.)
Idiomatic Expressions
- 사랑에 빠지게 되다: To fall in love.
- 우리는 서로 사랑에 빠지게 되었어요. (We ended up falling in love with each other.)
- 친해지게 되다: To become friendly.
- 그와 빠르게 친해지게 됐어요. (I quickly became friends with him.)
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using with Adjectives Incorrectly
- Incorrect: 행복하게 되었어요. (Used with an adjective)
- Correct: 행복해졌어요. (Use ~아/어지다 with adjectives)
- Forgetting Tense Conjugation
- Incorrect: 한국어를 배우게 되요.
- Correct: 한국어를 배우게 돼요.
Learning Strategies
- Remember the Context: Use ~게 되다 when the action is unintentional or resulted from external factors.
- Association: Link ~게 되다 with the phrase "ended up..." in English to grasp the nuance.
- Practice with Common Verbs: Apply ~게 되다 to frequently used verbs to become familiar with its usage.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~게 되다 expresses unintended or inevitable actions or changes.
- It attaches to the verb stem of action verbs.
- Reflects humility and the influence of external circumstances.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Question: How do you say "I ended up meeting him" using ~게 되다?
- Answer: 그를 만나게 되었어요.
- Question: Is ~게 되다 used with adjectives?
- Answer: No, use ~아/어지다 with adjectives instead.
- Question: Fill in the blank: 공부를 열심히 해서 장학금을 받___ 되었어요.
- Answer: 받게
Congratulations! You've learned how to use ~게 되다 to express unintended or inevitable actions in Korean. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences to solidify your understanding.
Additional Practice
Create sentences using ~게 되다 with the following verbs:
- 시작하다 (to start)
- 좋아하다 (to like)
- 알다 (to know)
Example Answer:
- 운동을 시작하게 되었어요. (I ended up starting to exercise.)
- 그 음식을 좋아하게 됐어요. (I came to like that food.)
- 사실을 알게 되었습니다. (I came to know the truth.)