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)

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.

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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

Verb	Verb Stem	Connector	Combined Form
가다 (to go)	가	아 주다	가아 주다 → 가  주다
읽다 (to read)	읽	어 주다	읽어 주다
만들다 (to make)	만들	어 주다	만들어 주다
하다 (to do)	하	여 주다	하여 주다 → 해 주다

Note: For ease of pronunciation, some forms are contracted (e.g., 가아 주다 becomes 가 주다).

Visual Aid: Formation Flowchart

    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];

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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)

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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