Processing keyword: ~아/어 달라다 [a/eo dallada] (To ask for)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어 달라다 [a/eo dallada] (To ask for)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing requests or asking someone to do something is an essential part of daily communication. The grammar point ~아/어 달라다 ([a/eo dallada]) is used to convey the meaning of "to ask someone to do something for you." Understanding this structure will enhance your ability to make polite requests and express your needs effectively.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

The pattern ~아/어 달라다 is used when reporting that you asked someone to do something. It combines the verb ending ~아/어 with 달라다 (a variation of 달라고 하다, meaning "to ask for"). This structure is often used in indirect speech to relay requests made to others.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어 + 달라다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 아/어: Conjugation based on vowel harmony.
• 달라다: Verb meaning "to ask for."

Conjugation Rules

1. If the verb stem ends with vowels ㅏ or ㅗ:

   [Verb Stem] + 아 달라다
   

   • Example: 가다 (to go) → 가 + 아 달라다 → 가아 달라다 → 가 달라다
2. If the verb stem ends with other vowels:

   [Verb Stem] + 어 달라다
   

   • Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 어 달라다 → 먹어 달라다
3. For 하다 verbs:

   하 + 여 달라다 → 해 달라다
   

   • Example: 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + 여 달라다 → 공부해 달라다

Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~아/어 달라다 with ~아/어 주다

• ~아/어 주다: Used when someone does something for you.
  • Example: 친구가 저를 위해 음식을 만들어 주었어요.
    • "My friend made food for me."
• ~아/어 달라다: Used when you ask someone to do something for you.
  • Example: 저는 친구에게 음식을 만들어 달라고 했어요.
    • "I asked my friend to make food for me." Key Difference: ~아/어 주다 focuses on the action being done for you, whereas ~아/어 달라다 emphasizes the request made for the action.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. Indirect Speech
   • 선생님께 문법을 설명해 달라고 요청드렸습니다.
     • "I asked the teacher to explain the grammar."
2. Reporting a Request
   • 그는 직원들에게 회의에 참석해 달라고 말했습니다.
     • "He asked the staff to attend the meeting."

Informal Situations

1. Between Friends
   • 나는 친구에게 함께 여행가자고 했어. 그리고 일정 좀 공유해 달라고 했어.
     • "I asked my friend to travel together. And I asked to share the schedule."

Written Context

1. Diary Entry
   • 오늘 엄마께 용돈을 조금 더 주셔야 달라고 했다.
     • "Today, I asked mom to give me a bit more allowance."

Spoken Context

1. Conversation
   • A: 동생이 뭐라고 했어?
     • "What did your sibling say?"
   • B: 내일 일찍 깨워 달라고 했어.
     • "They asked me to wake them up early tomorrow."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, making requests politely is crucial due to the hierarchical and respectful nature of social interactions. Using ~아/어 달라다 appropriately reflects respect and awareness of social norms, especially when dealing with elders or superiors.

Levels of Politeness

• Using honorific forms and polite endings when combined with ~아/어 달라다 shows deference.
  • Example: 할머니께 병원에 같이 가 달라고 부탁드렸어요.
    • "I politely asked grandma to go to the hospital with me."

Idiomatic Expressions

• 시간을 내 달라다: To ask someone to make time.
  • 우리는 그에게 잠시 시간을 내 달라고 요청했다.
    • "We asked him to spare a moment."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Confusing the Subject and Object

• Incorrect: 친구가 나에게 도와 달라다.
  • "My friend asks me to help?"
• Correct: 친구에게 도와 달라고 했다.
  • "I asked my friend to help."

Mistake 2: Incorrect Verb Conjugation

• Incorrect: 받다 → 받 + 아 달라다 → 받아 달라다 (Should be 어)
• Correct: 받다 → 받 + 아/어 달라다 → 받아 달라다
  • Since 받다 has a vowel ㅏ, it correctly uses 아 달라다.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Vowel Harmony: ㅏ or ㅗ takes 아, others take 어.
• Practice Indirect Speech: Since ~아/어 달라다 is often used in reported speech, practice converting direct requests into indirect ones.
• Use Common Verbs: Start with verbs you use frequently to get comfortable with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어 달라다 is used to express that you asked someone to do something.
• It is formed by attaching ~아/어 to the verb stem, followed by 달라다.
• It is commonly used in indirect or reported speech.
• Be mindful of vowel harmony when conjugating.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I asked him to come early" in Korean using ~아/어 달라다?
   • Answer: 그에게 일찍 오라고 했어요. (Alternatively: 오아 달라고 했어요, but since 오다 ends with ㅗ, it becomes 와.)
   • Correct Form: 그에게 일찍 와 달라고 했어요.
2. Choose the correct sentence: A) 저는 동생에게 방을 청소하어 달라고 했어요. B) 저는 동생에게 방을 청소해 달라고 했어요.
   • Answer: B) 저는 동생에게 방을 청소해 달라고 했어요.
3. What is the difference between ~아/어 달라다 and ~아/어 주다?
   • Answer: ~아/어 달라다 is used when you ask someone to do something, focusing on the request, while ~아/어 주다 is used when someone does something for you, focusing on the action performed.

Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ~아/어 달라다, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!