Korean Grammar Point
~아/어야지 [a/eoyaji] (I'm going to)

~아/어야지 [a/eoyaji] (I'm going to)

Short explanation:

Expresses speaker's strong intention or resolution to do something in the future.

Formation:

Verb stem + 아/어야지

Examples:

진짜 공부를 더 열심히 해야지, 이번에는 정말로 성적을 높이기 위해 노력할 것이다.
Jinjja gongbureul deo yeolsimhi haeyaji, ibeoneun jeongmallo seongjeogeul nopigi wihae noryeokhal geotida.
I really should study harder, this time I am really going to work hard to raise my grades.
내일 아침에 일어나서 운동을 해야지, 건강을 위해 더 신경 써야겠어.
Naeil achime ireonaseo undongeul haeyaji, geongangeul wihae deo singyeong sseoyagesseo.
I am going to wake up tomorrow morning and work out, I need to pay more attention to my health.
이제는 진짜로 흡연을 그만두어야지, 내 건강이 너무 걱정돼서 결심했다.
Ijeneun jinjjaro heupyeoneul geumandueoyaji, nae geongangi neomu geokjeongdwaeseo gyeolsimhaetda.
Now I really have to quit smoking, I've made up my mind because I'm too worried about my health.
엄마에게 전화를 해야지, 꽤 오랜 시간이 지났으니 연락을 좀 더 자주해야겠어.
Eommaege jeonhwareul haeyaji, kkwae orae sigani jinasseuni yeonrageul jom deo jajuhaeyagesseo.
I should call my mom, it's been quite some time so I need to keep in touch more frequently.

Long explanation:

The '~아/어야지 [a/eoyaji]' grammatical form is used to express a speaker's determination or strong intention towards something that will or should happen in the future. It can be used when announcing a decision or making a strong resolution. It is often used with first person subjects, referring to the speaker or the speaker's group.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~아/어야지 [a/eoyaji] (I'm going to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어야지 [a/eoyaji] (I'm going to)

Grammar Point: ~아/어야지 (I'm going to)

Introduction

The grammar point ~아/어야지 is used in Korean to express intention or determination to do something. This construction conveys a sense of commitment or a firm resolution, often along with an emotional undertone.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  1. Meaning:

    • The expression indicates that the speaker intends to do something, almost like saying "I have to" or "I’m going to" in English.
  2. Structure:

    • Conjugation Rules:
      • If the verb stem ends in a vowel, attach 아야지.
        • Example: 가다 (to go) → 가야지 (I'm going to go)
      • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, attach 어야지.
        • Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹어야지 (I'm going to eat)
  3. Formation Diagram:

    Verb Stem Type Ending Example Meaning
    Ends in a vowel 아야지 가다 → 가야지 I'm going to go
    Ends in a consonant 어야지 먹다 → 먹어야지 I'm going to eat

Visual Aids

[Verb Stem] + ~아/어야지

Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  • Similar Point: ~야 해 / ~어야 해 (have to)
    • These forms also convey obligation but lean more towards necessity than intention.
    • Example:
      • 가야 해 (I have to go) vs. 가야지 (I’m going to go)

Differences:

  • ~아/어야지 expresses intention, while ~야 해 expresses necessity.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:

    • "오늘은 꼭 운동을 해야지."
    • (I’m going to exercise for sure today.)
  2. Informal:

    • "내일은 친구를 만나야지!"
    • (I’m going to meet my friend tomorrow!)
  3. Written:

    • "이 과제를 마쳐야지!"
    • (I’m going to finish this assignment!)
  4. Spoken:

    • "이제 집에 가야지."
    • (I’m going to go home now.)

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Politeness Levels: The use of ~아/어야지 can vary depending on the formality of the situation. In casual conversations among friends, it is commonly used, while in formal settings, the extending form ~아/어야 합니다 might be used instead.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "시간이 없다면 내일 해야지." (If there is no time, I’ll do it tomorrow.)

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Common Errors:
    • Using the incorrect ending based on the verb stem.
    • Confusing this with ~야 해, leading to miscommunication about intent vs necessity.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device:
    • Remember that "야" follows "a" vowel sounds, while "어" follows "e," "o," and other consonant endings (like a rhyme checker).

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~아/어야지 is used to express intention.
  • Conjugation depends on the final vowel or consonant of the verb stem.
  • It's often used in casual settings, conveying a personal commitment.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~아/어야지 express?
    (a) Obligation
    (b) Intention
    (c) Neither
  2. How do you conjugate 가다 (to go) in this form?
    (Answer: 가야지)
  3. Which form would you use for expressing necessity?
    (Answer: ~야 해)

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