Processing keyword: ~아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (Do for someone)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (Do for someone)

~아/어/여 주다 [a/eo/yeo juda] (Do for someone)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing that you are doing something for someone else's benefit is a common and essential part of communication. The grammar pattern ~아/어/여 주다 is used to indicate that the subject performs an action for someone. Understanding this grammar point will help you make your Korean sound more natural and considerate.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~아/어/여 주다 attaches to the verb stem and means "to do something for someone". It emphasizes that the action is performed for the benefit of another person.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 주다

Formation Rules

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove ~다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Add the Appropriate Connector:
   • If the verb stem's last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, add 아 주다.
   • If the last vowel is anything else, add 어 주다.
   • For verbs ending in 하다, it becomes 해 주다.

Formation Diagram

Visual Aid: Formation Flowchart

graph TD;
    A[Verb] --> B[Remove ~다];
    B --> C{Last vowel ㅏ or ㅗ?};
    C -- Yes --> D[Add 아 주다];
    C -- No --> E{Is it 하다 verb?};
    E -- Yes --> F[Add 여 주다 → 해 주다];
    E -- No --> G[Add 어 주다];

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~아/어/여 주시다

• ~아/어/여 주시다 is an honorific form used when the subject is someone to whom you want to show respect.
• ~아/어/여 드리다 is used when you are doing something for someone of higher status.

  Grammar Pattern	Use Case
  ~아/어/여 주다	Doing something for someone (neutral)
  ~아/어/여 주시다	Superior does something for someone
  ~아/어/여 드리다	Doing something for a superior (humble)

4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 내가 너를 도와 줄게.
   • I'll help you.
2. 사진 좀 찍어 줘.
   • Please take a picture for me.

Formal Speech

1. 제가 안내해 드리겠습니다.
   • I will guide you.
2. 이 서류를 작성해 주세요.
   • Please fill out this document.

Written Context

1. 문의 사항이 있으면 알려 주십시오.
   • Please let us know if you have any inquiries.
2. 참석 여부를 확인해 주시기 바랍니다.
   • Please confirm your attendance.

Spoken Context

1. 맛집 추천해 줄 수 있어?
   • Can you recommend a good restaurant?
2. 그 책 좀 빌려 줄래?
   • Can you lend me that book?

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Collectivism: Korean culture emphasizes group harmony and helping others.
• Expressing Consideration: Using ~아/어/여 주다 shows thoughtfulness and is a way to express politeness and goodwill.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Plain Form: ~아/어/여 주다 (used among friends or those of equal status)
• Honorific Form: ~아/어/여 드리다 (used when speaking to or about someone of higher status)

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 말씀해 주다
   • To tell (someone)
   • Example: 주소를 말씀해 주세요.
     • Please tell me your address.
2. 알려 주다
   • To inform (someone)
   • Example: 결과를 알려 줄게요.
     • I'll let you know the results.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Mixing up connectors:
   • Incorrect: 먹아 주다 (from 먹다)
   • Correct: 먹어 주다
2. Using the wrong level of politeness:
   • Incorrect when speaking to a superior: 제가 도와 줄게요.
   • Correct: 제가 도와 드릴게요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Connectors:
  • 아: Verbs with ㅏ or ㅗ (Think "A" for "Ah/Oh")
  • 어: All other vowels
  • 해 주다: For 하다 verbs
• Politeness Reminder:
  • Use ~아/어/여 드리다 when offering to do something for someone deserving respect.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어/여 주다 is used to express doing an action for someone else's benefit.
• The connector (아/어/여) depends on the last vowel of the verb stem.
• Use honorific forms when necessary to match the politeness level required.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 가르치다 → 가르쳐 ____
   • Answer: 가르쳐 주다 (to teach someone)
2. Translate: "Could you please explain this to me?"
   • Answer: 이것을 설명해 주세요.
3. Identify the mistake: 선생님, 제가 도와 줄게요.
   • Answer: Use honorific: 선생님, 제가 도와 드릴게요.

By mastering ~아/어/여 주다, you can express kindness and consideration in your Korean conversations, reflecting the cultural importance of helping others.