Processing keyword: ~다가는 [daganeun] (If keep doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~다가는 [daganeun] (If keep doing)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll learn about the Korean grammar point ~다가는. This structure is used to warn that if someone continues doing a certain action, a negative or undesirable result will occur. It's similar to saying "If you keep doing..." in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~다가는 is used to express that if the action continues, it will lead to a negative consequence. It serves as a caution or warning about the potential adverse outcome of persisting with the current behavior.

Structure

The structure for using ~다가는 is:

[Verb stem] + 다가는 + [Negative result]

Formation Diagram

To form ~다가는, follow these steps:

1. Take the verb in its dictionary form (verb ending with -다).
2. Remove the final '다' to get the verb stem.
3. Add '다가는' to the verb stem.

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Example Formation Table

Dictionary Form (Verb)	Verb Stem	+ 다가는	Result
가다 (to go)	가	가다가는	가다가는
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹다가는	먹다가는
늦다 (to be late)	늦	늦다가는	늦다가는
자다 (to sleep)	자	자다가는	자다가는

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Usage Notes

• Subject: Can be first, second, or third person.
• Verbs Only: Attached to verb stems.
• Negative Consequence: The following clause usually describes an undesirable outcome.
• Tense and Politeness: The tense is expressed in the result clause, not in ~다가는.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

~면 (If/When)

• Structure: [Verb stem] + 면
• Usage: General conditionals, both positive and negative outcomes.
• Example: 공부하면 성공할 거예요. (If you study, you will succeed.)

~다가는

• Structure: [Verb stem] + 다가는
• Usage: Warns that continuing an action will lead to a negative result.
• Example: 그렇게 먹다가는 배탈 날 거예요. (If you keep eating like that, you'll get a stomachache.)

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Comparative Table

Grammar Point	Usage	Outcome
~면	General "if" condition	Positive or Negative
~다가는	Warning about continuing an action	Negative only

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Written
   • 지금 출발하지 않다가는 회의에 늦을 것입니다.
     • If you don't leave now, you will be late for the meeting.
2. Polite Spoken
   • 계속 무리해서 일하다가는 건강을 해칠 거예요.
     • If you keep overworking, you will harm your health.
3. Informal Spoken
   • 그렇게 거짓말하다가는 믿는 사람 없을 거야.
     • If you keep lying like that, no one will trust you.
4. Casual Conversation
   • 운동 안 하다가는 살찔 거야.
     • If you keep not exercising, you'll gain weight.

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Breakdown of Example 2

계속 무리해서 일하다가는 건강을 해칠 거예요.

• 계속: continuously
• 무리해서: overdoing, excessively
• 일하다가는: if you keep working
  • 일하다 (to work)
  • Verb stem: 일하
  • Add 다가는: 일하다가는
• 건강을 해칠 거예요: will harm your health
  • 건강: health
  • 해치다: to harm
  • Future tense: 해칠 거예요

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The level of politeness is determined by the verb endings in the result clause.
• Using polite endings like -아요/어요 makes the sentence respectful.
• Example: 늦게 자다가는 피곤할 거예요. (If you keep sleeping late, you'll be tired.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 숨기다가는 들통난다.
  • If you keep hiding it, you'll be found out.
• 반복해서 실수하다가는 신뢰를 잃을 거야.
  • If you keep making mistakes repeatedly, you'll lose trust.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using Positive Result with ~다가는
   • Incorrect: 열심히 연습하다가는 실력이 늘 거예요.
     • Why? ~다가는 is used for negative consequences.
   • Correct: 열심히 연습하면 실력이 늘 거예요.
     • Use ~면 for positive outcomes.
2. Incorrect Verb Conjugation
   • Incorrect: 먹는다가는 배탈 날 거예요.
   • Correct: 먹다가는 배탈 날 거예요.
     • Do not add -는다 before 다가는.

Tips

• Remember Negative Consequence: Only use ~다가는 when the result is undesirable.
• Base Verb Form: Always attach ~다가는 directly to the verb stem without any tense or honorific markers.
• Think of Warnings: If you're warning someone about a negative outcome, ~다가는 is appropriate.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~다가는 is used to warn that continuing an action will lead to a negative result.
• Structure: Attach 다가는 to the verb stem.
• Negative Outcome: The following clause should express an undesirable consequence.
• Not for Positive Results: Do not use ~다가는 when the outcome is positive.

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Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the purpose of using ~다가는 in a sentence? a) To express a positive result of an action. b) To warn that continuing an action will lead to a negative consequence. c) To describe a habitual action.
2. Choose the correct form to fill in the blank: 계속 그렇게 운전하면서 휴대폰을 사용_______ 사고 날 거예요. a) 면 b) 다가는 c) 기 때문에
3. True or False: ~다가는 can be used with adjectives.

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Answers

1. b) To warn that continuing an action will lead to a negative consequence.
2. b) 다가는
   • 계속 그렇게 운전하면서 휴대폰을 사용하다가는 사고 날 거예요.
     • If you keep using your phone while driving like that, you'll get into an accident.
3. False
   • ~다가는 is used with verbs, not adjectives.

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