Processing keyword: ~아/어 다니다 [a/eo danida] (Keep doing, repeatedly do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어 다니다 [a/eo danida] (Keep doing, repeatedly do)

TOPIK Grammar Point: ~아/어 다니다

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~아/어 다니다 is used to express a sense of repeatedly doing an action or a habitual practice. It conveys the idea of "going around doing something" or "keeping on doing something."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:

  • The basic format is to attach ~아/어 다니다 to the verb stem. The choice of 아 or 어 depends on the vowel in the last syllable of the verb stem.

• Formation:

  1. Drop the 다 from the verb stem.
  2. Attach 아/어 based on the last vowel of the verb.
     • If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아.
     • For vowels other than ㅏ and ㅗ, use 어.
  3. Add 다니다 (to create the completed structure).

Meaning Structure Diagram

Verb Stem  + (아/어) + 다니다

Examples:

• 가다 (to go) → 가 + 아 + 다니다 → 가다니다 (to go around/keep going)
• 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 어 + 다니다 → 먹어 다니다 (to go around eating)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• ~고 있다 (goin da): Indicates ongoing action, but does not emphasize repetition.

  • Example: 공부하고 있다 (I'm studying).

• ~고 다니다 (go and do): Similar structure but emphasizes going somewhere to do the action.

  • Example: 학교에 다니다 (I go to school).

Key Difference:

• ~아/어 다니다 emphasizes the habitual aspect of the action, while ~고 있다 focuses on the action currently being done.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 공원을 걸어 다녀요.
   • Translation: I walk around the park.
   • Context: Informal, everyday conversation.
2. 이 식당에 자주 먹어 다녀요.
   • Translation: I often go around eating at this restaurant.
   • Context: Formal setting, like a discussion.
3. 매일 아침 조깅을 해 다녀요.
   • Translation: I keep jogging every morning.
   • Context: Reflecting on a personal routine.
4. 그는 학교에 다니면서 친구들을 많이 사귀었어요.
   • Translation: He made many friends while going to school.
   • Context: A narrative in a written form.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, habitual routines and relationships are valued, and expressing them acknowledges a person's lifestyle. When using ~아/어 다니다, one conveys not just the action but also a familiarity and comfort with that action.

Levels of Politeness

• Using this structure in different forms (like 존댓말) can adjust levels of politeness depending on the context of conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 학교에 다니다 (to attend school)
• 출근 다니다 (to commute to work)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Confusing the Vowel Choices: A common mistake is using 아 or 어 incorrectly based on the last vowel of the verb stem.
2. Forget to Drop 다: Not dropping 다 before adding 다니다 can lead to incorrect forms.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "A for bright (ㅏ)" and "E for easy (all other)" to choose between 아 and 어.
• Practice with common verbs tailored to your routine for better retention.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어 다니다 indicates habitual or repeated actions, providing a sense of continuity.
• The choice of 아 or 어 must follow the proper vowel rules based on the verb stem.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~아/어 다니다 express in English?
2. When would you use 어 instead of 아?
3. Give an example of a sentence using ~아/어 다니다 in context.