Korean Grammar Point
~기도 하다 [gido hada] (Sometimes do)

~기도 하다 [gido hada] (Sometimes do)

Short explanation:

This grammatical expression is used when expressing occasional or sometimes actions.

Formation:

Verb-stem + 기도 하다

Examples:

저는 보통 축구를 보지만, 때때로 야구를 보기도 해요.
Jeoneun botong chuggureul bojiman, ttaettaero yagureul bogido haeyo.
I usually watch football, but sometimes I also watch baseball.
그녀는 요리를 잘하지만, 그럼에도 불구하고 배울 것이 많이 남아서 요리수업에 가기도 해요.
Geunyeoneun yorireul jalhajiman, geureumedo bulguhago baewul geosi mani namaseo yorisueobe gagi do haeyo.
Even though she cooks well, there's still a lot for her to learn so she sometimes goes to cooking class.
우리는 주로 산을 등반하는데, 가끔 강가에서 피크닉을 즐기기도 해요.
Urineun juro saneul deungbanhaneunde, gakkeum ganggaeseo pikeunigeul jeulgigido haeyo.
We usually climb mountains, but occasionally we enjoy picnics by the river.
제가 보통 이른 아침에 일어나지만, 때로는 늦잠을 자기도 해요.
Jega botong ireun achime ileonajiman, ttaeroneun neutjameul jagido haeyo.
I usually wake up early in the morning, but sometimes I sleep in.

Long explanation:

'~기도 하다 [gido hada]' is a Korean grammar point used to indicate an action that one sometimes, occasionally does. This is a casual expression and usually implies that the action isn't a common occurrence. It is often used when mentioning two mutually exclusive actions that a person occasionally does. It is therefore often paired with '도' in the same sentence to emphasis diversity in actions.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~기도 하다 [gido hada] (Sometimes do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기도 하다 [gido hada] (Sometimes do)

~기도 하다 [gido hada] (Sometimes do)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~기도 하다 is used to express that someone sometimes does something or also does something among other actions. It's a versatile structure that adds nuance to your sentences, indicating occasional actions or additional activities.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~기도 하다 attaches to the verb stem to highlight that an action is one of several actions or occurs occasionally. It conveys meanings such as:

  • "Sometimes do [verb]"
  • "Also do [verb]"
  • "Even do [verb]"

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Structure

[Verb Stem] + 기도 하다

Formation Diagram

Component Explanation
Verb Stem The base form of the verb without endings.
기도 Nominalizer "기" + particle "도" (also/even).
하다 The verb "하다" meaning "to do".

Breakdown

  • 기 (nominalizer): Turns a verb into a noun.
  • 도 (particle): Means "also" or "even".
  • 하다 (verb): Means "to do". By combining these, 기도 하다 literally means "to do even [verb]-ing" or "to do [verb]-ing also", which translates to "sometimes do" or "also do".

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

~거나 하다 (Either... or...)

  • Usage: Expresses alternatives or choices between actions.
  • Example: 책을 읽거나 영화를 보거나 해요. (I either read books or watch movies.)
  • Difference: While ~거나 하다 presents options, ~기도 하다 emphasizes occasional or additional actions.

~곤 하다 (Used to do)

  • Usage: Indicates habitual or past repeated actions.
  • Example: 어렸을 때는 공원에서 놀곤 했어요. (When I was young, I used to play in the park.)
  • Difference: ~곤 하다 refers to regular past habits, whereas ~기도 하다 refers to occasional present actions.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Speech

  1. 저는 주말에 일하기도 합니다.
    • I sometimes work on weekends.
  2. 그분은 아침에 조깅을 하기도 합니다.
    • He sometimes goes jogging in the morning.

Informal Speech

  1. 나는 밤에 책을 읽기도 해.
    • I sometimes read books at night.
  2. 친구들이랑 노래방에 가기도 해.
    • I sometimes go to karaoke with friends.

Written Language

  1. 학생들은 수업 후에 동아리 활동을 하기도 한다.
    • Students sometimes participate in club activities after class.

Spoken Language

  1. 우리 가족은 휴일에 여행을 가기도 해요.
    • Our family sometimes goes on trips during holidays.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, modesty and understatement are valued. Using ~기도 하다 allows speakers to mention activities without boasting, indicating that they do something occasionally or additionally.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The verb 하다 can be conjugated to match different politeness levels:

  • Formal polite: 기도 합니다
  • Informal polite: 기도 해요
  • Casual/informal: 기도 해

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 울기도 하고 웃기도 하다
    • To both cry and laugh; experiencing a range of emotions.
  • 먹기도 하고 마시기도 하다
    • To eat and also drink; to enjoy food and beverages together.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Attaching to the Wrong Form
    • Incorrect: 먹어요기도 하다
    • Correct: 먹기도 하다
    • Tip: Attach 기도 하다 directly to the verb stem, not the conjugated form.
  2. Misplacing the Particle "도"
    • Incorrect: 기 도하다
    • Correct: 기도 하다
    • Tip: "기도" is one unit; do not separate "기" and "도".

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember that 기도 (기도 하다) sounds like "key do", so think of it as the "key" to adding "also/sometimes do" to your verbs.
  • Practice with Common Verbs: Start by adding 기도 하다 to verbs you use frequently to get comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~기도 하다 expresses occasional or additional actions.
  • Attach 기도 하다 directly to the verb stem.
  • Adjust the ending 하다 to match the appropriate level of politeness.
  • Be mindful of proper attachment to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 저는 아침에 커피를 마시___ ____.
    • Answer: 마시기도 해요. (I sometimes drink coffee in the morning.)
  2. Translate to Korean: They also play soccer on weekends.
    • Answer: 그들은 주말에 축구를 하기도 해요.
  3. Identify the error: 공부하기도 한다. (Assuming casual speech.)
    • Correction: 공부하기도 해. (Use for casual speech.)

By understanding and practicing ~기도 하다, you can add depth to your Korean sentences, expressing occasional actions or additional activities naturally and accurately.

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