Processing keyword: ~마다 [mada] (Every)

Korean Grammar Point: ~마다 [mada] (Every)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the particle ~마다 ([mada]) is used to express the meaning of "every" or "each." It is attached directly to nouns to indicate regularity or repetition in time, space, or occurrences.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~마다 means "every," "each," or "per."
• It denotes that an action or event happens regularly at certain intervals or applies to every instance of something.

Structure

• Noun + ~마다

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + 마다

Examples of Nouns:

• 날 (day)
• 시간 (hour)
• 사람 (person)
• 집 (house)

Full Structure:

• 날 + 마다 = 날마다 (every day)
• 시간 + 마다 = 시간마다 (every hour)
• 사람 + 마다 = 사람마다 (each person)
• 집 + 마다 = 집마다 (every house)

Visual Aid: Table

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~마다 with Similar Grammar Points

~마다 vs. ~(으)ㄹ 때마다

• ~마다
  • Attached directly to a noun.
  • Means "every" or "each."
  • Example: 주마다 (every week)
• ~(으)ㄹ 때마다
  • Attached to a verb stem.
  • Means "whenever" or "every time (something happens)."
  • Example: 볼 때마다 (every time I see)

~씩

• ~씩
  • Indicates distribution, meaning "each" or "apiece."
  • Focuses on the amount or quantity.
  • Example: 하나씩 (one each)
• Difference:
  • ~마다 emphasizes time intervals or every instance.
  • ~씩 emphasizes distribution to individuals.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 날마다 운동해요.
   • I exercise every day.
2. 시간마다 버스가 와요.
   • The bus comes every hour.
3. 학생마다 의견이 달라요.
   • Each student has a different opinion.
4. 집마다 꽃이 있어요.
   • Every house has flowers.
5. 도시마다 문화가 달라요.
   • Every city has a different culture.
6. 시험마다 좋은 점수를 받았어요.
   • I got good scores on every exam.
7. 주말마다 친구들을 만나요.
   • I meet my friends every weekend.
8. 사람마다 취향이 달라요.
   • Each person has different tastes.

Context Variations

• Formal Speech
  • 회의는 달마다 있습니다.
    • There is a meeting every month.
• Informal Speech
  • 주말마다 뭐 해?
    • What do you do every weekend?
• Written Context
  • 이 책은 페이지마다 그림이 있어요.
    • This book has illustrations on every page.
• Spoken Context
  • 버스는 몇 분마다 와요?
    • How often does the bus come?
      (Literally: "The bus comes every how many minutes?")

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, punctuality and regularity are valued.
• Expressions like ~마다 are commonly used to discuss schedules, routines, and cultural norms.
• Using ~마다 conveys a sense of consistency and reliability.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 때마다
  • Used with verbs to express "every time."
  • Example:
    비가 올 때마다 생각나요.
    I think of you every time it rains.
• 곳곳마다
  • Means "everywhere" or "in every place."
  • Example:
    봄에는 곳곳마다 꽃이 피어요.
    In spring, flowers bloom everywhere.
• 번마다
  • Means "every time" or "each time."
  • Example:
    전화할 때마다 통화 중이었어요.
    Every time I called, the line was busy.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Attaching ~마다 to Verbs or Adjectives
   • Incorrect:
     먹다마다
   • Correct:
     먹을 때마다 (Every time I eat)
2. Using ~마다 with Countable Nouns Incorrectly
   • Incorrect:
     사과마다 세 개 샀어요.
     (I bought three apples every apple.)
   • Correct:
     사과를 세 개씩 샀어요.
     (I bought three apples each.)

Tips

• **Attach ~마다 directly to nouns without any changes.
• For expressing "every time" with verbs, use ~(으)ㄹ 때마다.
• Mnemonic Device:
  Think of 마다 as "every matter" — every noun it attaches to becomes "every [noun]."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~마다 is used to express "every" or "each" when attached to nouns.
• It emphasizes regularity, routine, or applicability to all instances.
• Do not attach ~마다 to verbs; instead, use ~(으)ㄹ 때마다 for actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "every morning" using ~마다?
   • Answer:
     아침마다
2. Which is correct to mean "every time I eat": 먹다마다 or 먹을 때마다?
   • Answer:
     먹을 때마다
3. Fill in the blank:
   학생______ 의견이 달라요.
   • Answer:
     학생마다 (Each student has a different opinion.)
4. How do you express "I exercise every day" in Korean?
   • Answer:
     날마다 운동해요.
5. True or False:
   ~마다 can be attached to verbs.
   • Answer:
     False

This completes the detailed explanation of the Korean grammar point ~마다 ([mada]) meaning "every."