Korean Grammar Point
~기는 하다 [gineun hada] (Do something as a habit)

~기는 하다 [gineun hada] (Do something as a habit)

Short explanation:

Used to express that someone does something as a regular activity or habit.

Formation:

Verb stem + 기는 하다

Examples:

매일 아침에 영어를 공부하기는 하지만, 아직도 버벅거린다.
Maeil achime yeongeoreul gongbuhagineun hajiman, ajikdo beobeokgeorinda.
I study English every morning as a habit, but I'm still struggling.
저는 주말에 책을 읽기는 하는데, 많은 시간을 할애하지는 않아요.
Jeoneun jumare chaegil ilgkineun hande, maneun siganeul haraehajineun anhayo.
I do read books on the weekends as a habit, but I don't devote a lot of time to it.
요리를 만들기는 하지만, 그렇게 제 맛에 들지는 않아요.
Yorireul mandeulgineun hajiman, geureoke je mate deuljineun anhayo.
I do cook as a habit, but I don't really like the taste.
운동을 하루에 한 시간씩하기는 하는데, 아직도 체력이 부족해요.
Undongeul harue han sikanggineun hande, ajikdo cheryeogi bujokaeyo.
I do exercise for an hour a day as a habit, but I'm still lacking in stamina.

Long explanation:

'~기는 하다 [gineun hada]' is a Korean grammar point used to express the habituality of an action, suggesting that someone does something as a regular activity or habit. It's a combination of the nominalizing suffix '~기' and the verb '하다', which is often translated as 'to do'. When this pattern is attached to the base form of action verb, it suggests that the subject of the sentence does that activity routinely or habitually.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~기는 하다 [gineun hada] (Do something as a habit)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기는 하다 [gineun hada] (Do something as a habit)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~기는 하다 (Do something as a habit)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar pattern ~기는 하다, which is used to express habitual actions or to acknowledge doing something regularly. This structure is essential for conveying routines or habits in daily conversations.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~기는 하다 is used to indicate that someone does something habitually or regularly. It emphasizes the repeated nature of an action.

Structure

The formation of ~기는 하다 involves attaching ~기는 하다 to the verb stem. Formation Diagram:

Verb Stem + ~기는 하다
먹기는 하다

Conjugation Steps

  1. Identify the verb stem by removing ~다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
    • 예: 가다
  2. Add ~기는 하다 to the verb stem.
    • 예: + 기는 하다가기는 하다

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

Dictionary Form Verb Stem + ~기는 하다 Result
가다 (to go) 가기는 하다 가기는 하다
먹다 (to eat) 먹기는 하다 먹기는 하다
운동하다 (to exercise) 운동하 운동하기는 하다 운동하기는 하다

3. Comparative Analysis

~기는 하다 vs. ~곤 하다

  • ~기는 하다 emphasizes the acknowledgment of doing something habitually.
  • ~곤 하다 is also used to express habitual actions but often implies reminiscence or past habits. Example:
  • 책을 읽기는 해요. (I do read books regularly.)
  • 어렸을 때 책을 읽곤 했어요. (I used to read books when I was young.)

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

  1. 저는 아침마다 운동을 하기는 합니다.
    • I do exercise every morning.
  2. 그분은 매일 커피를 마시기는 해요.
    • He does drink coffee every day.

Informal Speech

  1. 나도 영어 공부를 하기는 해.
    • I do study English too.
  2. 주말에 영화를 보기는 해.
    • I do watch movies on weekends.

Written Context

  1. 학생들은 숙제를 하기는 하지만, 복습은 잘 하지 않습니다.
    • Students do their homework, but they don't review well.
  2. 그는 편지를 쓰기는 했지만 보내지는 않았다.
    • He did write a letter, but he didn't send it.

Spoken Context

  1. 술을 마시기는 하는데 많이 마시진 않아.
    • I do drink alcohol, but I don't drink much.
  2. 요리를 하기는 하지만 자주 하지는 않아.
    • I do cook, but not often.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing one's habits or routines is common in conversation to find common interests or build relationships. Using ~기는 하다 helps convey a sense of participation or acknowledgment in activities, even if not enthusiastically.

Levels of Politeness

  • 합니다 style (Formal polite)
  • 해요 style (Informal polite)
  • style (Casual)

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 먹기는 먹다
    • I do eat (it), but...
  • 가기는 가다
    • I do go, but... These expressions often imply a contrast or limitation following the statement.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Using ~기는 하다 without proper verb stem conjugation.
    • Incorrect: 가다기는 하다
    • Correct: 가기는 하다
  • Mistake: Confusing ~기는 하다 with ~기 때문에 (because).
    • Ensure the ending matches the intended meaning.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of ~기는 하다 as emphasizing "I do indeed..." to stress the habitual action.
  • Practice Tip: Create sentences about your daily routines using ~기는 하다 to become familiar with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~기는 하다 is used to express habitual actions or routines.
  • Attach ~기는 하다 to the verb stem.
  • It can imply acknowledgment, sometimes followed by a contrasting statement.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you attach ~기는 하다 to the verb 공부하다 (to study)?
    • Answer: 공부하기는 하다
  2. Translate to Korean: "I do watch TV, but not often."
    • Answer: 텔레비전을 보기는 하지만 자주 보지는 않아요.
  3. True or False: ~기는 하다 and ~곤 하다 have the exact same meaning.
    • Answer: False

By understanding and practicing ~기는 하다, you'll be able to express your habits and routines naturally in Korean conversations!

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