Processing keyword: ~기 시작하다 [gi sijakhada] (Begin to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기 시작하다 [gi sijakhada] (Begin to)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the beginning of an action or state is essential for daily communication. The grammar pattern ~기 시작하다 is used to indicate that someone or something begins to do something. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~기 시작하다, providing explanations, examples, and tips to help you understand and use this grammar point naturally.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning:

• The pattern ~기 시작하다 means "to begin to" or "to start doing" something.
• It is attached to the verb stem to indicate the onset of an action. Structure:
• Verb stem + ~기 시작하다

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 기 시작하다

Breakdown

1. Verb Stem: The base form of a verb without 다.
2. 기: A nominalizer that turns verbs into nouns.
3. 시작하다: A verb meaning "to start" or "to begin."

Visual Aid: Structure Table

Component	Function
Verb Stem	Base form of the verb
기	Nominalizer (turns verb into noun form)
시작하다	"To start/begin" (used as the main verb)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. 始める (하기 시작하다) in Japanese: Similar usage in indicating the beginning of an action.
2. -고 있다: Indicates an ongoing action (e.g., "is doing"), but doesn't specifically indicate the start. Differences:

• ~기 시작하다 focuses on the beginning of an action.
• -고 있다 emphasizes the continuity of an action.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Spoken
   • 비가 오기 시작했어.
     • Biga ogi sijakaesseo.
     • "It started to rain."
2. Formal Spoken
   • 영화가 곧 시작할 거예요. 앉기 시작하세요.
     • Yeonghwaga got sijakhal geoyeyo. Anki sijakaseyo.
     • "The movie will start soon. Please begin to take your seats."
3. Written Formal
   • 그는 새로운 일을 찾기 시작했다.
     • Geuneun saeroun ireul chatgi sijakaetda.
     • "He began searching for a new job."
4. Casual Conversation
   • 아이들이 웃기 시작했어.
     • Aideuri utgi sijakaesseo.
     • "The children started laughing."
5. Polite Conversation
   • 저는 한국어를 배우기 시작했어요.
     • Jeoneun hangugeoreul baeugi sijakaesseoyo.
     • "I started learning Korean."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean, expressing the beginning of actions is common in narratives and daily conversations.
• Politeness levels are crucial. Using 시작합니다 (formal polite) vs. 시작해 (casual).

Levels of Politeness

• Casual/Formal Casual: 시작해, 시작했어
• Polite: 시작해요, 시작했어요
• Formal Polite: 시작합니다, 시작했습니다

Idiomatic Expressions

• 시작이 반이다
  • Sijagi banida.
  • "Starting is half the task." (Well begun is half done.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Form
   • ❌ 비가 오는 시작했다.
     • Biga oneun sijakaetda.
     • Mixing verb endings; should nominalize the verb with 기.
2. Omitting the Nominalizer 기
   • ❌ 공부 시작했어요.
     • Gongbu sijakaesseoyo.
     • Missing 하기; should be 공부하기 시작했어요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 기 turns verbs into nouns, allowing them to be the subject or object of sentences.
• Tip: Always ensure the verb before 시작하다 is in the 기 form.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기 시작하다 is used to express the beginning of an action.
• Attach 기 시작하다 to the verb stem.
• Remember to adjust politeness levels according to the context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I started reading a book" in Korean?
2. What is the role of 기 in ~기 시작하다?
3. Correct the sentence: 노래 부르는 시작했어요.

Answers:

1. 책을 읽기 시작했어요. (Chaekeul ilggi sijakaesseoyo.)
2. 기 is a nominalizer that turns verbs into nouns.
3. Corrected: 노래 부르기 시작했어요. (Norae bureugi sijakaesseoyo.)

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Feel free to practice by making your own sentences using ~기 시작하다!

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