Processing keyword: ~아/어지다 [a/eojida] (Become, get)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어지다 [a/eojida] (Become, get)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~아/어지다 [a/eojida] (Become, Get)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll delve into the Korean grammar point ~아/어지다, which means "to become" or "to get". This grammar structure is essential for expressing changes in state or condition in Korean. By mastering ~아/어지다, you'll enhance your ability to describe transformations, developments, and passive occurrences.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

The suffix ~아/어지다 is attached to the stem of adjectives or verbs to express:

• Change of State: Indicating that something becomes a certain way.
  • e.g., "The weather became warm."
• Gradual Transformation: Showing that a state is gradually changing.
  • e.g., "It is getting dark."
• Passive Voice: In some cases, it forms the passive voice.
  • e.g., "The work is done."

Structure

The formation of ~아/어지다 depends on the vowel in the verb or adjective stem.

Formation Steps:

1. Identify the stem of the adjective or verb.
2. Determine the correct connecting vowel (아 or 어) based on vowel harmony.
3. Attach 지다 to form ~아/어지다.

Examples of Conjugation

1. 춥다 (to be cold)
   • Stem: 춥
   • Irregular conjugation (ㅂ changes to 우): 추우
   • Attach 어지다: 추워지다
   • Meaning: To become cold
2. 높다 (to be high)
   • Stem ends with 오
   • Attach 아지다: 높아지다
   • Meaning: To become higher
3. 복잡하다 (to be complicated)
   • Stem: 복잡하
   • Replace 하다 with 해지다: 복잡해지다
   • Meaning: To become complicated

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~아/어지다 with ~게 되다

Both ~아/어지다 and ~게 되다 can express change, but they have nuanced differences.

• ~아/어지다
  • Focus: Change in state or condition.
  • Usage: Commonly used with adjectives.
  • Example: 한국어가 쉬워졌어요.
    • Korean has become easy.
• ~게 되다
  • Focus: Change in circumstances or outcomes, often outside one's control.
  • Usage: Used with verbs.
  • Example: 한국에서 일하게 됐어요.
    • I came to work in Korea.

Comparing with Passive Voice Endings (이/히/리/기)

• Passive with ~아/어지다
  • Used to form the passive voice for some verbs.
  • Example: 문이 닫아졌어요.
    • The door was closed.
• Passive with 이/히/리/기
  • Direct passive verb endings attached to the verb stem.
  • Example: 문이 닫혔어요.
    • The door was closed. Note: While both can indicate passive meaning, 이/히/리/기 endings are more commonly used for passive voice.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 회사 상황이 좋아졌습니다.
   • The company's situation has improved.
2. 경제가 점점 나빠지고 있습니다.
   • The economy is gradually getting worse.

Informal Situations

1. 날씨가 따뜻해졌어.
   • The weather has become warm.
2. 너 정말 키가 많이 커졌네!
   • You've really gotten taller!

Written Context

1. 기술의 발전으로 생활이 편리해졌다.
   • Life has become convenient due to technological advances.
2. 환경 오염이 심해지면서 문제가 되고 있다.
   • As environmental pollution worsens, it is becoming a problem.

Spoken Context

1. 요즘에 일찍 자니까 건강이 좋아졌어요.
   • Since I've been sleeping early lately, my health has improved.
2. 연습을 많이 해서 한국어 발음이 자연스러워졌어요.
   • My Korean pronunciation has become natural because I practiced a lot.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

While ~아/어지다 itself doesn't convey politeness, it's essential to use appropriate verb endings:

• Informal Polite: -아/어요
  • 예뻐졌어요.
• Formal Polite: -습니다/ㅂ니다
  • 늘어졌습니다.
• Casual Informal: -아/어
  • 좋아졌어.

Idiomatic Expressions

Certain idiomatic expressions use ~아/어지다 to convey changes in abstract concepts.

1. 기억이 잘 안 나서 답답해졌어요.
   • I became frustrated because I can't remember well.
2. 시간이 지나면 괜찮아질 거예요.
   • It will get better with time. Note: These expressions reflect emotional or psychological changes common in Korean expressions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Misconjugation of Irregular Verbs
   • Incorrect: 춥어지다 ❌
   • Correct: 추워지다 ✔️
     • The verb 춥다 is an ㅂ-irregular verb; ㅂ changes to 우 before a vowel.
2. Using ~아/어지다 with Active Verbs Improperly
   • Incorrect: 먹어지다 (as "to become eating") ❌
   • Correct Use: 먹히다 (to be eaten) ✔️
     • ~아/어지다 is not typically used with active verbs to indicate becoming.

Learning Strategies

• Understanding Vowel Harmony
  • If the last vowel of the stem is 아 or 오, use 아지다.
  • For other vowels, use 어지다.
  • For verbs ending with 하다, change to 해지다.
• Practice with Common Adjectives
  • Make a list of frequently used adjectives and conjugate them with ~아/어지다.
• Remember Irregularities
  • Watch out for irregular verbs like 돕다 (to help) → 도와지다.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어지다 expresses change in state, meaning "to become" or "to get".
• Proper conjugation depends on vowel harmony and verb stem endings.
• Commonly used with adjectives and some verbs to form the passive voice.
• Be mindful of irregular verb conjugations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Conjugate the following adjectives with ~아/어지다: a) 맑다 (to be clear) → _________ b) 어둡다 (to be dark) → _________ c) 시원하다 (to be cool) → _________
2. Translate to Korean using ~아/어지다: a) "Her Korean has improved." b) "It is getting interesting."

Answers:

1. a) 맑아지다 b) 어두워지다 c) 시원해지다
2. a) 그녀의 한국어가 좋아졌어요. b) 재미있어지고 있어요.

By understanding and practicing ~아/어지다, you'll be better equipped to express changes and states in Korean. Keep practicing with different adjectives and observe how natives use this grammar point in various contexts!